Facelift surgery has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in Istanbul, and for good reason. The city is home to highly trained surgeons, modern clinics, and a reputation for combining medical expertise with a personal touch. For patients traveling from abroad, Istanbul offers both quality and accessibility, making it easier to find a surgeon who understands not only the technical side of the procedure but also the natural results people are hoping for. And here’s the part that makes things easier for you – you don’t need to spend weeks searching on your own. At Beauty by Experts Medical, we’ve already done the work for you by carefully selecting surgeons and clinics that combine skill, safety, and the right approach for each patient.
1. Dr. Engin Ocal
Dr. Engin Ocal has built a strong reputation in Istanbul for his skill in both facial and body procedures, with facelift surgery being one of his specialties. Patients often mention how approachable he is, making them feel comfortable from the first consultation to the final check-up. With over 15 years of experience, he combines technical expertise with a focus on natural-looking outcomes. His training spans across Turkey, Europe, and even China, which gives him a broad perspective on different surgical techniques.
Beyond his surgical practice, Dr. Ocal has contributed to international medical journals and presented at conferences, which reflects his active role in advancing the field. He works at Doku Medical Clinic, a facility certified to high international standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 10002), ensuring a safe and professional environment for patients. Winning the “Doctor of the Year” award back in 2014 was a recognition of both his skill and dedication. Many people trust him for facelifts because he manages to blend precision with a sense of artistry.
- Package price: from 6800 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.93
- Specialization: Facelift, rhinoplasty, breast surgeries, liposuction, reconstructive procedures
- Number of procedures performed: thousands in 15+ years of practice
- Accreditation: European Diploma in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, certified Turkish plastic surgeon
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: ultrasound rhinoplasty, advanced facelift and neck lift techniques, microsurgery training
- Years of experience: 15
2. Dr. Ilker Manavbasi
Dr. Ilker Manavbasi is a highly experienced plastic surgeon in Istanbul with more than 22 years in the field and a reputation for both innovation and precision. He trained in Turkey, the United States, Finland, and Sweden, which gave him a broad, international perspective on plastic and reconstructive surgery. While he is widely recognized for his body contouring and liposuction work, he also performs advanced facelifts, eyelid rejuvenation, and rhinoplasty. In fact, he was the first surgeon in Turkey to introduce the “Infinity Thread Lift,” a minimally invasive facelift method designed for natural rejuvenation without heavy scarring.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Manavbasi has not only performed thousands of surgeries but also contributed to the global plastic surgery community with his own techniques. At an international symposium in Italy, he presented two surgical methods for rhinoplasty that gained international recognition. He is also the youngest member of the prestigious Rhinoplasty Society, a professional association that admits only a small number of surgeons worldwide. Patients often choose him because he brings together clinical expertise, innovative thinking, and a personalized approach that helps them feel understood and supported throughout their surgery journey.
- Package price: from 9500 EUR (face lift +neck lift +temporal lift +eyelids and facial fat injection)
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.89
- Specialization: Facelift, rhinoplasty, liposuction, body contouring, breast surgeries, BBL
- Number of procedures performed: thousands across 22 years
- Accreditation: Member of the Rhinoplasty Society, Turkish Association of Plastic Surgery
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: Infinity Thread Lift, deep facelift, advanced liposuction (VASER, PAL), functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty
- Years of experience: 22
3. Dr. Aykut Gok
Dr. Aykut Gok is a plastic surgeon in Istanbul who has quickly made a name for himself with more than 10 years of experience and thousands of satisfied patients. His practice covers a wide range of surgeries, but he is especially recognized for facelifts and advanced body contouring. One of the standout techniques he offers is a scarless facelift, where the skin is tightened and secured behind the ear at the hairline, leaving no visible scars. Patients also value his ability to combine procedures safely, like pairing a breast lift with a tummy tuck or liposuction, which reduces recovery time and gives more balanced results.
Beyond his hands-on surgical work, Dr. Gok has an impressive academic background. He trained in microsurgery in Romania and spent time in the United States for medical residency, later presenting at international congresses and even serving as a guest lecturer abroad. As the co-founder of Alphera Clinic and a surgeon at Nisantasi Hospital, he brings both innovation and professionalism to his patients. His approach is often described as a mix of modern surgical skill with a genuine sense of care, which helps people feel comfortable making big decisions about their appearance.
- Package price: from 6500 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.86
- Specialization: Facelift, body contouring, rhinoplasty, breast surgeries, mommy makeover
- Number of procedures performed: 6000+
- Accreditation: European Board of Plastic Surgery, Turkish Council of Plastic Surgery
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: scarless facelift, microsurgery, combination procedures
- Years of experience: 10
4. Dr. Serkan Sabanci
Dr. Serkan Sabanci has been practicing plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery for two decades, making him one of Istanbul’s seasoned specialists. While he performs a wide range of procedures, his work in facial aesthetics and facelifts stands out, thanks to his ability to balance technical skill with natural-looking results. Patients often mention how his approach feels both professional and personal, with clear explanations and realistic expectations. He also works with modern technologies at Orion Surgery Center, a JCI-accredited clinic that ensures international safety and quality standards.
Beyond facelifts, Dr. Sabanci has made contributions to the field of hair transplantation, even developing a micromotor device that improves precision and comfort during procedures. His practice covers everything from rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery to body contouring and intimate aesthetics, showing the depth of his training. With board certification and years of international symposium participation, he continues to refine his techniques and stay connected to global medical developments. For patients looking for experience, innovation, and patient-focused care, he offers all three.
- Package price: from 4950 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.6
- Specialization: Facelift, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast aesthetics, body contouring, hair transplantation
- Number of procedures performed: thousands over 20 years
- Accreditation: Board certified, member of Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: full and mini facelift, neck lift, eyelid rejuvenation, innovative hair transplant methods
- Years of experience: 20
5. Prof. Emre Kocman
Prof. Emre Kocman is one of Istanbul’s most experienced facelift and aesthetic surgeons, with more than 16 years in the field and over 16,000 procedures performed. His background is deeply academic as well as clinical – he holds the title of Professor and has trained future surgeons while publishing research in international journals. For facelifts, he often uses hemostatic sutures, a technique that helps reduce bruising and bleeding, giving patients a faster and more comfortable recovery. With more than 6,400 facelift and neck lift surgeries behind him, he is among the most seasoned specialists in Turkey for facial rejuvenation.
His career has taken him beyond Turkey, with professional work in Kazakhstan and training experiences in respected medical institutions worldwide. Since 2021, he has been practicing at Turkeyana Clinic, where he provides patients with a personalized approach and the reassurance of working with a surgeon who has seen almost every possible case. Many people choose him not only for his technical expertise but also for the steady confidence that comes with his long track record of successful results.
- Package price: from 4400 EUR (face and neck lift)
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.89
- Specialization: Facelift, neck lift, liposuction, mammoplasty, tummy tuck, BBL
- Number of procedures performed: 16,000+ (including 6,400+ facelifts)
- Accreditation: Certified plastic surgeon, academic professor
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: facelift with hemostatic sutures, body contouring, advanced rejuvenation methods
- Years of experience: 16
6. Dr. Celal Alioglu
Dr. Celal Alioglu is a plastic surgeon in Istanbul known for his broad range of expertise, from facial rejuvenation to body contouring and hair transplants. With more than 11 years of practice, he has gained hands-on experience not only in Turkey but also abroad. His training included a period in Brazil with the world-renowned surgeon Dr. Raul Gonzalez, where he focused on advanced techniques for body shaping, facelifts, and buttock augmentation. Patients often describe him as detail-oriented yet approachable, which helps them feel at ease throughout the surgical journey.
Dr. Alioglu works at Medicana Hospitals, one of Turkey’s well-regarded healthcare groups, where patients benefit from modern facilities and a professional team. His scientific contributions include more than 15 publications, and he remains active in conferences and professional associations. With a mix of international training, clinical experience, and patient-centered care, he has built a reputation for achieving balanced, natural results.
- Package price: from 4500 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.78
- Specialization: Facelift, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, liposuction, BBL, hair transplantation
- Number of procedures performed: hundreds across 11 years
- Accreditation: Member of Turkish and international plastic surgery associations
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: modern facelift and body contouring methods, hair transplantation (FUE, DHI), ultrasound rhinoplasty
- Years of experience: 11
7. Dr. Safak Aktar
Dr. Safak Aktar is a well-regarded plastic surgeon in Istanbul with 15 years of professional experience and a strong focus on facial procedures like rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, and facelifts. Patients often choose him for his attention to detail and his ability to deliver natural-looking results that don’t feel “overdone.” With more than 25 scientific papers published and regular participation in international conferences, he keeps his practice closely aligned with the latest developments in plastic surgery.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Aktar has worked in several major clinics, including Esteworld and now Medicana Hospitals, both of which are trusted names in Turkey’s healthcare sector. He combines academic knowledge with practical skill, offering procedures that range from classic facelifts to fat injections for subtle rejuvenation. Many patients from Europe and beyond travel to see him, drawn by his reputation for both professionalism and approachable care.
- Package price: from 10000 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.8
- Specialization: Facelift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, breast surgeries, mommy makeover
- Number of procedures performed: hundreds across 15 years
- Accreditation: Member of the Turkish Medical Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: traditional and advanced facelift methods, fat injections, rhinoplasty with endoscopic approaches
- Years of experience: 15
8. Prof. Ercan Karacaoglu
Prof. Ercan Karacaoglu brings nearly three decades of experience to his patients, making him one of the most established plastic surgeons in Istanbul. With international training at Brown University in the United States and years of academic teaching, he combines deep clinical expertise with a strong scientific background. His reputation is especially strong in breast surgery, where his success rate reaches 97%, but his practice also includes facelifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and body contouring. Patients appreciate his careful, precise approach and the confidence that comes with being treated by someone with such a long professional history.
Currently practicing at Memorial Sisli Hospital – a JCI-accredited and ISO-certified facility – Prof. Karacaoglu offers his patients modern infrastructure and a safe medical environment. Alongside his surgical work, he has contributed to international publications and authored book chapters that are referenced by other specialists, which underlines his influence in the field. His memberships in leading international organizations such as ASPS, EBOPRAS, and ISAPS show his commitment to maintaining the highest global standards. For patients considering a facelift, his mix of technical mastery and decades of practical experience makes him a trusted choice.
- Package price: from 11000 EUR (full facelift)
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.91
- Specialization: Facelift, breast surgery, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, body contouring
- Number of procedures performed: thousands across 29 years
- Accreditation: EBOPRAS certified, member of ASPS, ISAPS, EPCD
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: minimally invasive facelift and rejuvenation techniques, advanced breast surgery methods
- Years of experience: 29
9. Dr. Ali Can Gunenc
Dr. Ali Can Gunenc is part of a younger generation of plastic surgeons in Istanbul, combining more than a decade of surgical experience with a strong academic background. He has already performed over 1,200 procedures, including nearly 300 facelifts, which makes facial rejuvenation one of his key areas of expertise. Patients often mention his precision and calm, professional approach, which helps them feel at ease even before undergoing surgery. His practice is based at Medical Park Hospital, a JCI-accredited facility known for high international standards.
What sets Dr. Gunenc apart is the balance between his clinical work and scientific research. He has authored around 36 publications and presented at more than 10 international congresses, focusing on reconstructive as well as aesthetic surgery. His EBOPRAS certification confirms his alignment with European standards, while his national certification highlights his recognition in Turkey. For patients seeking a facelift in Istanbul, Dr. Gunenc offers both technical skill and an evidence-based approach, shaped by years of study, practice, and continuous training.
- Package price: from 5500 EUR
- Experts Medical doctor’s rating: 4.5
- Specialization: Facelift, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, body contouring, BBL, abdominoplasty
- Number of procedures performed: 1,200+ (including 299 facelifts)
- Accreditation: EBOPRAS and Turkish Board of Plastic Surgery certified
- Hotel and transfer: included
- Techniques used: facelift with fat transfer, body contouring, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty
- Years of experience: 11
What a Facelift Involves: Recovery, and Stay in Istanbul
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging by tightening the skin, lifting underlying tissues, and restoring natural facial contours. It most often targets sagging cheeks, jowls, and loose skin on the neck, giving patients a noticeably younger look while still preserving natural expressions.
Facelift surgery in Istanbul is usually performed under general anesthesia. The operation itself takes on average 3–4 hours, depending on the complexity and whether additional corrections (such as eyelid surgery or neck lift) are combined. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully repositions facial tissues, removes excess skin, and tightens underlying structures to restore a youthful and natural contour.
Hospital Stay
Most patients stay 1 day in the hospital after surgery. This allows the medical team to monitor your condition, manage discomfort, and ensure there are no immediate complications. You’ll be given detailed instructions for medications, wound care, and the first steps of your recovery.
Recovery Timeline
- First 2–3 days: Swelling and mild bruising are expected. Cold compresses and prescribed medications help manage discomfort.
- Day 4–5: You’ll feel more comfortable moving around, though rest is still important.
- Day 7: Stitches or staples (if used) are usually removed, and most patients are ready for short walks outside and light activities.
- 2–3 weeks: Major swelling reduces, and you’ll see the first visible results. Makeup can often be applied to cover minor bruising.
- Full recovery: It generally takes 2–3 months for tissues to settle completely and the final result to appear.
How Long to Stay in Istanbul
Although the hospital stay is short, you should plan to remain in Turkey for about 7 days in total. This gives enough time for check-ups, dressing changes, and removal of stitches. Staying the full week ensures that your surgeon can confirm healing is progressing as expected before you fly home.
How We Support You at Beauty by Experts Medical
At Beauty by Experts Medical, we know that choosing to have surgery abroad is a big decision. It’s not only about finding a good clinic but also about feeling safe, supported, and cared for at every step. That’s why we take on the full organization for you – from the very first consultation until your recovery back home. Our job is to match you with the right doctor, the right clinic, and to make sure the whole trip runs smoothly so you don’t have to worry about the details.
We personally evaluate each doctor and clinic before recommending them, checking their qualifications, techniques, patient reviews, and international certifications. And we don’t just stop at the medical side – we also arrange your transfer, hotel, translation, and stay in touch 24/7 while you’re abroad. The best part is, our services are free for patients. You pay the clinic directly, while we stay by your side to make sure everything goes as planned.
What You Gain With Us
- Free consultation with experienced coordinators and doctors
- Careful selection of surgeons based on your needs, not on promotions
- Guaranteed fixed pricing for surgery packages
- Transfers, hotel, and translation included in most arrangements
- Personal support before, during, and after surgery – we stay in touch even after you return home
- Help with documents, insurance, and flight bookings
- Individual approach – we match you not just with “the best” doctor, but with the surgeon who is right for you
Final Word
Finding the right facelift surgeon in Istanbul is not always straightforward. The city has hundreds of specialists, each with different techniques, approaches, and levels of experience. For a patient, it can be hard to understand who really fits their needs and who can deliver the natural, safe results they’re hoping for. Reviews and glossy photos don’t always tell the full story.
That’s exactly why we created Beauty by Experts Medical. We do the research for you, checking the surgeon’s background, experience, patient outcomes, and clinic standards before we recommend anyone. We know how important it is to feel confident not only in the doctor’s skills but also in their ability to listen, understand, and guide you through the process. We will select for you not just the best surgeon, but the one who truly matches your health, expectations, and personality. With us, you don’t just get access to a name on a list, you get a carefully chosen partner for your transformation.
