Skip to content
Facial Rejuvenation
Dr. Safa Manav’s practice is centered on facial rejuvenation, where depth of experience, consistency, and predictable outcomes are most critical—particularly for overseas patients. He limits his surgical scope deliberately, allowing continuous refinement of facial techniques, anatomical assessment, and long-term treatment planning.
Deep Plane Facelift in Istanbul
Dr. Safa Manav, MD, FEBOPRAS performs deep plane facelift in Istanbul for international patients, mostly from the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK and Europe. The operation lifts the deeper tissue layer of the mid and lower face together with the skin, which gives a natural, long-lasting result without a pulled look. Surgery takes place at an academic hospital, with a 10-day all-inclusive programme in Istanbul.
Deep plane facelift at a glance
| Surgeon | Dr. Safa Manav, MD, FEBOPRAS (European Board-certified; ASPS, ISAPS and The Aesthetic Society member) |
|---|---|
| Where | Clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul; surgery at Academic Hospital Altunizade (JCI-accredited) |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Operation time | 3–6 hours, depending on combined procedures |
| Hospital stay | 1–2 nights |
| Time in Istanbul | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Back to daily activities | Most patients: 1–2 weeks |
| Swelling and bruising | Mostly resolved by 3–5 weeks |
| Final result | 3–6 months |
| Follow-up | In person until Day 9–10, then remote for 1 year |
What is a deep plane facelift?
A facelift mainly addresses sagging in the mid and lower face: jowls, deep folds and loss of jawline definition. In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon releases and repositions the deeper supporting layer of the face rather than tightening the skin alone. Because the skin is not stretched, the result looks natural and tends to last longer. A deep plane facelift is often combined with a neck lift, temporal lift, eyelid surgery or facial fat grafting for a balanced result.
Deep plane vs SMAS vs mini facelift
| Deep plane facelift | SMAS facelift | Mini / endoscopic lift | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is lifted | Deep tissue layer released and moved as one unit with the skin | SMAS layer tightened or folded, skin lifted separately | Limited areas through small incisions |
| Best for | Moderate to advanced sagging of mid face, jowls and neck | Mild to moderate sagging | Mild to moderate sagging, younger patients |
| Look | Natural, no pulled look | Natural if done well | Subtle |
Dr. Safa recommends the technique after reviewing your photos and examining you in person.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults with sagging in the mid face, jowls or neck who want a natural result
- No strict upper age limit: suitability depends on health, skin quality and elasticity. Patients in their 60s and 70s have had facial rejuvenation with Dr. Safa.
- Non-smokers, or patients willing to stop at least 2 weeks before and 4–6 weeks after surgery
- Patients who can stop blood thinners and certain supplements 7–14 days before surgery, if their doctor agrees
Your 10-day programme in Istanbul
- Before travel: online assessment from photos and a questionnaire; video consultation on request.
- Day 1: VIP transfer from the airport, check-in at the medical hotel.
- Day 2: pre-operative tests (blood work, ECG, chest X-ray) and in-person consultation with Dr. Safa.
- Day 3: final consultation and surgery; 1–2 nights in hospital.
- Days 4–8: recovery at the medical hotel with 24-hour nurse support and short walks.
- Day 9–10: final check-up with Dr. Safa, travel clearance, flight home.
Recovery week by week
- First week: swelling and bruising peak, then start to settle. Light walking from Day 4.
- Weeks 1–2: most patients return to daily activities.
- Weeks 3–5: most visible bruising and swelling has resolved. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 3–4 weeks, and alcohol for at least 2 weeks.
- Months 3–6: final result. Scars around the hairline and ear fade over several months; silicone gel or sheets are usually started at 2–3 weeks.
Results
See real results in the facelift and neck lift before-and-after gallery, including long-term results. More cases similar to your age and anatomy are available on request.
Cost
Deep plane facelift is priced as an all-inclusive personalised package covering surgery, anaesthesia, hospital stay, medical hotel, VIP transfers, 24/7 nurse support, pre-operative tests and medications. Send your photos for a free assessment and a full quote.
Why patients choose Dr. Safa Manav
- European Board-certified (FEBOPRAS); member of ASPS, ISAPS and The Aesthetic Society
- Practice focused on facial rejuvenation; at most one operation per day
- You meet the same surgeon before surgery, on surgery day, in hospital and at the final check-up
- Surgery at an academic, JCI-accredited hospital
- Rated 4.8 on Trustpilot by more than 140 patients
Deep plane facelift FAQ
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are placed around the hairline and the natural contours of the ear. Scars are more visible in the first weeks and fade over several months.
Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?
Yes. Neck lift, temporal lift, eyelid surgery, lip lift and fat grafting are often done in the same session.
When can I fly home?
Most patients receive travel clearance on Day 9 or 10.
Is aftercare provided after I go home?
Yes. The team follows up via WhatsApp for one year, with video check-ups when needed.