Proven Technique
The time-tested gold standard in facial rejuvenation — performed by board-certified facial plastic surgeons in Istanbul. Natural, lasting results with savings of up to 70% compared to US prices.
What It Is
A SMAS facelift is the most widely performed and trusted facelift technique worldwide. SMAS stands for Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System — the layer of tissue that connects the facial muscles to the skin. Unlike older skin-only facelifts, the SMAS technique lifts and tightens this deeper structural foundation, producing more natural and significantly longer-lasting results.
By repositioning the SMAS layer and then re-draping the skin over a tightened foundation, your surgeon eliminates sagging jowls, smooths nasolabial folds, restores jawline definition, and rejuvenates the mid-face — all without the telltale signs of surgery.
SMAS facelift results typically last 8 to 10 years. It remains the preferred technique for patients seeking a reliable, proven approach to facial rejuvenation with excellent results and a well-established safety profile.
Techniques & Combinations
The classic SMAS technique lifts and tightens the superficial musculoaponeurotic system — the fibrous layer beneath the skin — to restore jawline definition, smooth jowls, and rejuvenate the mid-face with natural, lasting results.
A gentler variation that folds and sutures the SMAS layer without excision. Ideal for patients with moderate laxity who want significant improvement with a slightly shorter recovery period.
Involves the excision and removal of a strip of the SMAS layer before re-draping, producing a more defined lift. Excellent for patients with moderate to severe facial sagging and jowling.
Combines SMAS facelift with platysmaplasty for seamless rejuvenation from mid-face to neck. Addresses jowls, neck banding, double chin, and turkey neck in a single comprehensive session.
Pairs the SMAS lift with upper and lower eyelid surgery to address both facial sagging and tired-looking eyes — creating complete, harmonious facial rejuvenation from forehead to jawline.
Real Results
See the transformative results of SMAS facelift surgery.
Patient 1 — SMAS Facelift
Patient 2 — SMAS Facelift
Patient 3 — SMAS Facelift
Patient Stories
Hear directly from patients who traveled from the US for their SMAS facelift in Istanbul.
New York, NY
SMAS Facelift + Neck Lift
Los Angeles, CA
SMASectomy Facelift
Scottsdale, AZ
SMAS + Blepharoplasty
"I consulted with two surgeons in New York — both quoting over $25,000 for a SMAS facelift. My Istanbul surgeon delivered identical quality in a JCI-accredited hospital for less than a third of the price. The results are stunning. My jawline looks like it did in my 40s."
Carol A.
Manhattan, NY
"My SMAS facelift in Istanbul exceeded every expectation. The surgeon was meticulous, the hospital was world-class, and my recovery suite was like a five-star spa. Six months later, everyone tells me I look incredibly refreshed — not 'done,' just naturally younger."
Nancy W.
Palm Beach, FL
"After extensive research, I chose Istanbul for my SMAS facelift. The expertise is genuinely on par with the best surgeons in the US. The aftercare was exceptional, my coordinator spoke perfect English, and I saved over $20,000. Absolutely worth the trip."
Deborah L.
Chicago, IL
"I was nervous about having surgery abroad, but from the VIP airport pickup to the daily surgeon visits during recovery, everything was handled with impeccable professionalism. My SMAS facelift results are beautiful and completely natural-looking."
Sharon M.
Dallas, TX
Join hundreds of American patients who have trusted our facial plastic surgeons in Istanbul. Your free consultation is just one click away.
Why Istanbul
Our facial plastic surgeons hold ISAPS and EBOPRAS credentials, with decades of specialized experience in SMAS facelift techniques and thousands of successful procedures.
Round-trip airport transfers, visa assistance, and a personal English-speaking coordinator handle every detail from your arrival in Istanbul to your departure.
Recover in a five-star hotel or private recovery suite in Nişantaşı, Istanbul with dedicated nursing care, daily surgeon visits, and around-the-clock support.
Receive the same SMAS facelift technique performed at world-class standards — at a fraction of what you would pay in New York, Beverly Hills, or Miami.
Cost Comparison
World-class SMAS facelift expertise. A fraction of the cost.
*Prices are all-inclusive: surgeon fees, JCI-accredited hospital, anesthesia, hotel, aftercare. Final pricing confirmed during your free consultation.
Your Journey
Share photos and discuss your concerns via secure video call. Your facial plastic surgeon creates a customized SMAS facelift plan with 3D simulation — all from the comfort of your home.
We arrange your flights, luxury hotel, and VIP airport pickup. Your personal coordinator meets you in Istanbul and accompanies you throughout your entire stay.
Your SMAS facelift is performed in a JCI-accredited hospital by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, with a full anesthesia team, advanced monitoring, and overnight hospital stay.
Recover in a luxury private suite with 24/7 nursing support, daily surgeon check-ins, lymphatic drainage massage, and a comprehensive aftercare kit including medication and skincare.
Stay connected with your surgeon through virtual follow-ups for the first 12 months. Our team monitors your healing progress and ensures optimal results from anywhere in the world.
Is It Right for You
Common Questions
A SMAS facelift targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system — the fibrous tissue layer beneath the skin that connects the facial muscles to the skin. By lifting and tightening this deeper structural layer, the SMAS technique produces more natural, longer-lasting results than skin-only facelifts. The skin is then re-draped over the tightened foundation, creating a refreshed appearance without the 'pulled' look.
A SMAS facelift in Turkey costs between $4,000 and $8,000 — compared to $12,000 to $30,000 in the United States. This all-inclusive price covers the board-certified facial plastic surgeon, JCI-accredited hospital, general anesthesia, overnight hospital stay, luxury hotel recovery, VIP transfers, and comprehensive aftercare.
Absolutely. SMAS facelift procedures in Turkey are performed in JCI-accredited hospitals — the same international gold standard as Johns Hopkins and the Cleveland Clinic — by board-certified facial plastic surgeons with ISAPS credentials. Turkey's top facial surgeons have trained at leading international institutions and perform hundreds of facelift procedures annually with exceptional safety records.
Both techniques address the SMAS layer, but they differ in approach. A SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer separately from the skin, then re-drapes the skin. A deep plane facelift goes beneath the SMAS to release and reposition deeper structures as a single unit. SMAS facelifts offer excellent results with a slightly shorter recovery, while deep plane facelifts may provide longer-lasting results for severe aging. Your surgeon recommends the best technique for your anatomy.
A well-performed SMAS facelift turns back the clock 7 to 12 years, and results typically last 8 to 10 years. Because the procedure lifts the deeper SMAS layer rather than just tightening skin, the results age gracefully and naturally. While aging continues after surgery, you will always look significantly younger than you would have without the procedure.
Most patients are presentable with makeup at 10 to 14 days after a SMAS facelift. We recommend staying in Istanbul for 7 to 10 days after surgery. Swelling peaks at days 2 to 4 and progressively improves. Most patients return to social activities at 2 to 3 weeks and full activity at 4 to 6 weeks. Final results develop over 3 to 6 months as tissues settle into their new position.
Yes. Popular combinations include SMAS facelift with neck lift (for comprehensive jawline-to-neck rejuvenation), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), fat transfer (to restore volume in cheeks and temples), brow lift, chin augmentation, or lip lift. Combining procedures in one session reduces total cost, recovery time, and the need for multiple anesthesia events.
Ideal SMAS facelift candidates are typically 40 to 70 years old with moderate facial sagging, jowling, loss of jawline definition, or deepening nasolabial folds. Good skin elasticity, good general health, and non-smoking status are important factors. Your surgeon evaluates your candidacy during a free virtual consultation and recommends the best technique for your unique anatomy and goals.
Start Your Journey
Share your facial rejuvenation goals and receive a personalized SMAS facelift plan with transparent pricing — no obligations, completely free.
Real results from our board-certified surgeons in Istanbul. All photos are unretouched and shared with full patient consent.
Case 1
Natural refinement with subtle reshaping
Case 2
Dramatic transformation with harmonious proportions
Case 3
Corrective procedure with functional improvement
Case 4
Ethnic-sensitive approach preserving heritage features
Request additional before & after photos during your free virtual consultation.
Answers written by our board-certified surgeons to help you make an informed decision.
Cost Comparison
Compare smas facelift prices between the United States and Turkey. Our all-inclusive packages save you up to 70% — with no hidden fees.
United States
Average Price
$12,000 – $30,000
Surgeon fees only — hospital, anesthesia, aftercare, and recovery not included.
Istanbul, Turkey
All-Inclusive Package
$4,000 – $8,000
Everything included — surgeon, hospital, hotel, transfers & aftercare.
What's Included in Your Turkey Package
A SMAS facelift in Turkey is the most trusted and widely performed facelift technique worldwide. Istanbul's board-certified facial plastic surgeons specialize in SMAS plication, SMASectomy, and extended SMAS techniques — delivering natural, lasting facial rejuvenation at a fraction of US prices.
All-inclusive SMAS facelift packages in Turkey include JCI-accredited hospital, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, general anesthesia, overnight hospital stay, luxury hotel recovery in Nişantaşı, VIP airport transfers, daily surgeon check-ins, and comprehensive aftercare. American patients save up to 70% compared to SMAS facelift costs in New York, Beverly Hills, or Miami.
Whether you need a SMAS plication facelift, SMASectomy, SMAS facelift with neck lift, or combined facial rejuvenation with blepharoplasty and fat transfer, Istanbul's top facial surgeons deliver results that last 8 to 10 years. Turkey is the leading destination for patients seeking the proven SMAS technique with world-class care and exceptional value.
Facial Surgery
Explore other facial surgery options available at our Istanbul clinic.