Full Facelift Vs. Mini Facelift in Turkey Ankara Aesthetics Clinic

Who is not a Good Candidate for a Mini Facelift?

If your skin is very loose (especially around the neck), a mini facelift probably won’t cut it.

Furthermore, if you’re expecting a dramatic transformation, like full jawline contouring or deep wrinkle removal, a mini might leave you disappointed. It's more of a 'refresh', not a full reset.

People with poor skin elasticity (like really thin or sun-damaged skin) usually don’t get the best results either. The skin has to hold a bit of shape for the lift to actually stay.

And let’s not forget health. If you’ve got medical issues that make healing harder, like uncontrolled diabetes or clotting problems, or you’re a heavy smoker, that’s another red flag. Healing matters in facial surgery. A lot.

Who are Good Candidates for a Full Facelift?

If you’ve started noticing deep lines, loose skin, maybe that heaviness around the lower face or neck, and you feel like 'mini' just won’t cut it anymore, then yes, you might be a good fit for a full facelift.

This surgery is usually best for people in their 50s, 60s or even early 70s, but age isn't everything. What really matters is the condition of your skin and how much sagging there is. If there’s skin hanging around the jawline, deep creases, or neck bands that bother you every time you look in the mirror, this is the procedure that deals with all of that.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for a Full Facelift?

Not everyone’s a match for this kind of surgery.

If your health isn’t great, that’s the first red flag. Things like uncontrolled diabetes, heart conditions, and bleeding problems, or if you’re a heavy smoker who doesn’t want to quit, they all raise the risk. Facelifts are still surgery, after all. Your body needs to be able to heal properly.

Furthermore, if your skin has lost too much elasticity, the results might not be as smooth or long-lasting. Sometimes, overly thin or sun-damaged skin doesn’t hold the lift as well.

And then there’s mindset. If someone expects to come out looking like an entirely different person or like their 25-year-old self, they’re probably setting themselves up for disappointment. A facelift can refresh, lift, and tighten… but it’s not time travel.

Healing takes time. If you’ve got zero patience and think you’ll be 'back to normal' in a couple of days, this might not be for you.

So yes, it’s not just about wanting it. It’s about whether your body and your expectations are ready for it. That’s what makes the difference between a good candidate and someone who should look into other options.

Pros and Cons of Mini Facelift Surgery

Pros

• Smaller incisions, so less scarring
• Quicker recovery back to life in about 1–2 weeks
• Less swelling, less bruising
• Local anaesthesia in many cases
• More affordable than a full facelift
• Looks natural, subtle lift
• Good for earlier ageing signs (not extreme sagging)

Cons

• Doesn’t address severe sagging or neck skin
• Results might not last as long (usually 5–7 years)
• May not fully fix deeper wrinkles or volume loss
• Might need a full facelift later on
• If expectations are too high, results can feel underwhelming.

Pros and Cons of Full Facelift Surgery

Pros

• Strong, noticeable lifting effect
• Treats deep wrinkles, jowls, and loose neck skin
• Long-lasting results (10–15 years or more)
• One-time, full reset for advanced ageing
• Boosts confidence in a big way if done well

Cons

• Longer recovery (2–4 weeks, sometimes more)
• Higher cost
• Requires general anaesthesia
• More swelling and bruising at first
• Not risk-free; like all surgery, complications can happen
• If not done properly, can look “pulled” or unnatural

What is the Recovery for a Mini Facelift?

How Long Will a Mini Facelift Last?

A mini facelift typically lasts around 5 to 7 years, depending on your skin quality, age, and lifestyle.

How Long Do The Results of a Full Facelift Last?

A full facelift usually lasts 10 to 15 years, though this depends on things like age, skin elasticity, and lifestyle habits like sun exposure or smoking.

What About Scarring with Facelift Procedures?

This is one of the first questions most people ask: 'Will I have a scar?' And the answer is: yes, technically. But it’s not what you might be picturing.

In most facelift surgeries, the incisions are hidden very carefully, usually along the hairline, around the ears, or sometimes tucked behind them. So, unless someone’s really trying to spot them (and looking very closely), they’re pretty discreet. Over time, they tend to fade too, especially with proper healing and good skincare.

Of course, how noticeable the scar is can depend on your skin type, how your body heals, your surgeon’s technique, and even if you smoke. Smoking really doesn’t help healing, just saying. And some people scar a little more easily than others, no matter what.

So yes, scars happen. But no, they usually don’t 'look like surgery scars'. They’re subtle, well-hidden, and for most patients, a small trade-off for a lifted, refreshed face.

Are There Any Risks With Facelift Surgery?

Yes, like any surgery, there are risks. Infection, bleeding, poor healing, or nerve injury can happen, but they’re not common when you choose an experienced surgeon. Most people recover just fine, but it’s always good to know the possible downsides before deciding.

Combining Facelift with Other Procedures

Sometimes a facelift alone doesn’t quite do it. You know, it lifts and tightens, sure, but what about volume loss? Or droopy eyelids? That’s why many people go for a combo.

It’s actually pretty common to pair a facelift with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a neck lift or even fat transfer to the cheeks. Some even throw in a brow lift or a little lip lift. And honestly? It can make a huge difference.

Doing more than one procedure in a single session sounds intense, but it often means one recovery, not multiple. And, when everything heals together, the results tend to look more balanced and natural.

Just make sure your surgeon’s experienced with combo cases; that’s key.

Should I Get a Mini Facelift or a Full Facelift?

Yes, if you're in your 40s–50s with mild sagging, a mini facelift might be enough. But for deeper lines and loose skin, especially in your 60s+, a full facelift gives more dramatic, longer-lasting results. Your age, skin condition, and goals really decide it.

Why Choose Dr Gozde Erten for a Facelift or Mini Facelift in Turkey, Ankara?

Honestly, if you're already considering a facelift in Turkey, you're probably overwhelmed with options. So... why Dr Gözde Erten?

She’s not just another plastic surgeon in Ankara. She’s that kind of doctor who actually listens, doesn’t rush, and makes you feel like your face isn’t just ‘another case’. You know the difference when you sit across from someone who gets it, and she does. Every patient’s face tells a story, and she treats it that way.

Her results? Natural. Not pulled, not frozen, not 'too much'. Just a refreshed version of you. Which, let’s be real, is what most people actually want.

She works out of a safe, fully equipped hospital setting (no backroom shortcuts here), and her international patients love her calm, reassuring vibe, especially during recovery when you're feeling a little 'puffy and panicky'.

And, it's Ankara. So, yes, you’re not paying those Istanbul price tags, but you're still getting top-tier results. Win-win.

So... if you're looking for experience, honesty, and aesthetic sense? You might want to talk to Dr Gözde Erten.