If you’re considering a facelift, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common cosmetic procedures worldwide — helping people look younger, feel refreshed, and age on their own terms.
But you might also be wondering, what if it goes wrong? It’s a valid concern, and you’re smart to ask it.
Let’s take a clear, honest look at how often facelifts go wrong, what “wrong” really means, and what you can do to lower your risk and feel confident about your decision.
What Does It Mean for a Facelift to Go Wrong?
First things first — “going wrong” can mean different things when it comes to facelift Turkey. In some cases, it refers to medical complications like infection or nerve damage. In others, it may mean cosmetic dissatisfaction, such as uneven results, scarring, or an unnatural look.
The good news? The majority of facelifts go right.
What the Data Says
According to multiple studies, serious complications happen in less than 1% to 3% of facelift cases. Minor issues, like temporary swelling or bruising, are far more common — but also temporary.
Revision surgery (a second facelift to correct or refine results) is requested in about 5% to 10% of cases. That means 90–95% of patients don’t require another procedure.
Common Medical Risks Include:
Hematomas (small blood collections under the skin)
Infections (usually managed with antibiotics)
Nerve damage (often temporary if it happens at all)
Poor wound healing or skin loss (rare and often related to smoking)
Scarring (can vary based on technique and skin type)
Cosmetic Risks Might Include:
Over-pulled, “windblown” appearance
Uneven or asymmetrical results
Lumpy or irregular texture
Visible scars
Why Most Facelifts Go Right
Surgeons today use advanced techniques that minimize trauma, preserve natural features, and focus on long-lasting, subtle enhancement. With proper patient selection and pre-surgical planning, facelift success rates are higher than ever.
How to Lower Your Risk
Here’s how you can stack the odds in your favor:
Choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon
Review before-and-after galleries
Discuss your expectations honestly
Follow all aftercare instructions carefully
Avoid smoking before and after surgery
Ask about the surgeon’s revision rate
Warning Signs After Surgery
If you’ve had a facelift and something doesn’t feel or look right, don’t wait it out. Signs to watch for:
Intense, spreading pain
Swelling that worsens after a week
Redness or pus at the incision site
Loss of facial movement or sensation
Uneven healing or skin breakdown
What If Something Does Go Wrong?
If results don’t turn out as expected, there are solutions. Revision facelifts can refine and improve the outcome, though they’re more complex and should only be done by experienced surgeons.
The Role of Aftercare
Following your surgeon’s instructions is just as important as the surgery itself. Using your compression garment, resting, and keeping your incisions clean all help prevent issues.
Is Cost Related to Risk?
Sometimes. Cheaper procedures may cut corners on safety, training, or materials. That doesn’t mean affordable options don’t exist — but quality should always come first.
Turkey: A Smart, Safe Destination
Turkey has become a leading destination for facial plastic surgery, offering:
Highly trained surgeons
Modern hospitals
International standards of care
Lower prices without compromising safety
Average cost for a facelift in Turkey: between $3,000 and $5,000, often including hospital stay, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and follow-up care.
Topic
Quick Summary
Serious complication rate
Under 1–3%
Revision surgery rate
Around 5–10%
Most common risks
Hematoma, infection, asymmetry, scarring
Main causes of bad results
Poor technique, unrealistic goals, lack of aftercare
Ways to reduce risk
Choose certified surgeon, follow post-op instructions
When to worry
Persistent swelling, infection signs, uneven healing
Safe destination
Turkey offers quality care at affordable prices
Luna Clinic Makes the Process Easier
Luna Clinic helps you compare clinics, read real patient reviews, and understand what’s included in each package — so you can choose with confidence.
With Luan Clinic, you get:
Access to accredited facelift surgeons
Transparent pricing and before-and-after photos
Personal guidance throughout your entire experience
Start your facelift journey with Luna Clinic — where safety, quality, and peace of mind come together.