A mini facelift (also called a MACS or short-scar lift) lifts the lower face and jowls through shorter incisions, mostly around the ear, than a full facelift. It treats earlier signs of ageing in the lower face and does not usually address the neck or the upper face to the same extent.

A full facelift or a face and neck lift treats more of the face and neck, takes longer and costs more, so the surgeon assesses which operation matches what you want. Your remote assessment is the place to ask whether a mini lift will give the change you expect or whether a fuller operation would.

UK private prices for a mini facelift are typically £6,000–£8,500, while standard and deeper lifts are higher. Your Istanbul quote states which type of facelift is priced so you can compare the same operation.

Who it is for

Adults with early to moderate jowls and lower-face laxity and reasonable skin quality
Good general health, including controlled blood pressure
Realistic expectations: a facelift refreshes the face but does not stop ageing
Non-smokers, or patients prepared to stop well before and after surgery as advised

Included in every package

Airport transfers in Istanbul
Hotel accommodation near the hospital
A professional interpreter at your appointments
Coordination with the hospital from enquiry to discharge
English-language discharge documentation, sent to your GP on request

Flights are not included. The surgeon and hospital fees are listed in your itemised quote.

How it works

Illustrative image: a doctor reviewing a treatment plan with a patient

STEP 1

Enquiry and quote

Tell us what you want to change. You receive an itemised quote within 48 hours with a clear list of what is and is not included. The hospital and surgeon are confirmed in writing before you pay for treatment.

STEP 2

Remote assessment

You complete a medical questionnaire and share photographs. Your surgeon confirms whether a mini lift is the right operation.

STEP 3

Surgery in Istanbul

Surgery is under general anaesthesia or sedation with local anaesthesia, as your surgeon advises, and usually takes a few hours.

STEP 4

Recovery and follow-up

You recover in Istanbul, attend post-operative checks and receive English-language operative notes and a discharge summary, sent to your UK GP on request.

Your timeline

Within 48 hoursItemised quote, once we have your complete records or photographs.
Usually within 2 weeks of confirmingYour surgery date, subject to the surgeon and hospital availability.
ArrivalAirport transfer, hotel, and your meeting with the surgeon before the procedure.
7–10 daysThe procedure and post-operative checks. The surgeon confirms when you are fit to fly.
At homeFollow your surgeon's guidance on activity, work and exercise. English-language documents go to your GP on request.

Risks and things to consider

All surgery carries risk. Your surgeon will go through these with you and the consent form will list them in full. They include:

Bruising and swelling that take weeks to settle
Bleeding under the skin (haematoma), which is more common in facelifts than in most cosmetic procedures and sometimes needs further surgery
Scarring around the ear and hairline, and hair thinning near the incisions
Temporary or, rarely, permanent injury to the nerves that move the face
Numbness or altered sensation, usually improving over time
Delayed wound healing or loss of skin, particularly in smokers
Asymmetry or an unsatisfactory result requiring revision
Risks of anaesthesia and of blood clots, including after flying

Important:Ocean Health & Travel is a medical coordination service, not a medical provider. We do not provide medical advice or surgical assessments. All clinical decisions, including suitability for surgery, technique and post-operative management, rest with your treating surgeon at the partner hospital. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a mini facelift cost in Istanbul compared with the UK?

A mini facelift in Istanbul starts from £5,000. UK private clinics typically charge £6,000–£8,500 for a mini or MACS lift (published guide prices, collected October 2026), a saving of roughly 15–40%. Standard and deeper facelifts cost more in the UK. Your quote names which operation is priced so you can compare it directly.

What is the difference between a mini and a full facelift?

A mini lift uses shorter incisions and treats mainly the lower face and jowls. A full facelift treats more of the face and neck with longer incisions and a longer operation. Your surgeon advises which suits you.

How long do the results last?

Results vary with the technique, your skin and your age, and the face continues to age afterwards. Most surgeons describe a mini lift as refreshing the face by several years rather than stopping the clock. Your surgeon will give you an honest view.

How long is recovery and when can I fly home?

Most patients stay in Istanbul for 7–10 days, subject to surgeon clearance. Visible bruising and swelling typically need a couple of weeks to settle. You avoid strenuous exercise and follow your surgeon's instructions on positioning and activity. Moving regularly on the flight reduces clot risk.

What if I have a problem after I return?

Seek local medical care first if you need urgent help, for example for sudden swelling on one side of the face. The treating hospital remains responsible for agreed follow-up, and we help coordinate communication with them. We do not provide post-operative medical care. Ask before you commit whether revision procedures are covered and on what terms, and get the answer in writing.

Ready to find out what mini facelift costs for you?

Tell us what you are considering. Itemised quote within 48 hours. Hospital and surgeon confirmed in writing before you pay.

Get a free quote

Prefer to send photos or records? Send your details for review

Information for UK patients

What to know before you travel and after you return.

Flying home

Patients typically fly home 7–10 days after surgery, subject to surgeon clearance. Ask your surgeon about positioning and moving regularly on the flight. Ask your surgeon about compression stockings and moving regularly on the flight.

After you return

Operative notes, the discharge summary and any results are provided in English and forwarded to your UK GP on request. The treating hospital remains responsible for agreed follow-up. If you need urgent care at home, seek local medical help straight away. We can help coordinate communication with the hospital, but we do not provide post-operative medical care. Read what to do if something goes wrong.

Payment and cancellation

You pay no coordination fee. We are paid by the hospital you are treated at, and we tell you this upfront. Deposits, payment schedules and refund terms are set by the hospital and confirmed in writing in your quote before you pay anything. Cancellation terms are in your coordination agreement — see the brokerage agreement.

Travel insurance

Standard travel policies often exclude planned treatment and its complications, so check your cover and its exclusions before you travel. If you would like, we can introduce you to an FCA-authorised insurance provider offering medical-travel cover. We may receive a commission if you take out a policy. You are free to choose any provider, there is no obligation, and we do not give insurance advice.

Related treatments

Plastic & cosmetic surgery

Breast, body contouring, facial procedures

Eyelid surgery

Upper and lower eyelid correction

Rhinoplasty

Nose surgery: primary and revision

All treatments · Frequently asked questions