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Aesthetic Medicine · Non-surgical

Non-Surgical Lifting

HIFU and thread lifting

Non-surgical lifting in Istanbul: HIFU and thread lifting for a gentle lift and gradual firming of the cheeks, jawline and neck — within a short 2–3 day stay.

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Last medical review:Dr. Defne Sarıyer

Close-up of a woman's natural smile
Duration
45–90 minutes
Anaesthesia
Topical cream or local anaesthesia
Hospital stay
Not required
Stay in Istanbul
2–3 days
Recovery
Back to daily life within 1–2 days
Results
Full effect at 2–3 months

Overview

Non-surgical lifting aims to gently lift early laxity in the cheeks, jawline, under the chin and on the neck, and to firm the skin — without surgery. It is not a substitute for a surgical facelift, but in the right candidate it can make a meaningful contribution to a more rested, defined contour.

HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) delivers energy to the deeper supporting layers while protecting the skin's surface, stimulating new collagen; firming develops gradually over 2–3 months. Thread lifting places fine, absorbable threads beneath the skin, gently repositioning the tissues while supporting collagen renewal as they dissolve.

Suitability depends on skin thickness, the degree of laxity and your facial structure, and realistic expectations are discussed openly at consultation. Treatments are performed by a physician under sterile conditions with topical or local anaesthesia; a 2–3 day stay in Istanbul allows time for your first check before you fly home.

Who is it for?

  • Anyone noticing mild to moderate laxity in the cheeks, jawline or under the chin
  • People noticing the first loss of skin elasticity who wish to support their skin early on
  • Those not ready for surgery, or who prefer a shorter recovery
  • Anyone wishing to support the result of a previous facelift
  • Adults in good general health, not pregnant or breastfeeding, with realistic expectations

Techniques & options

01

HIFU

Focused ultrasound energy reaches the deep supporting layer (SMAS) while protecting the skin's surface, stimulating collagen production. The aim is gradual firming along the jawline, under the chin, at the brows and on the neck.

02

Thread lifting

Fine, absorbable threads are placed beneath the skin through a slim cannula under local anaesthesia. The tissues of the cheeks and jawline are gently repositioned, and collagen renewal is supported as the threads dissolve.

03

Combined plan

Where suitable, HIFU and threads are combined in one plan, with fillers for volume loss or skin boosters for skin quality. Your physician decides the order and timing of each treatment.

How it works

  1. 1

    Online assessment

    You share photos of your face from the front, side and three-quarter angles; your physician makes a first assessment of laxity and prepares a preliminary plan with the options that suit you.

  2. 2

    Skin analysis and consultation

    At your face-to-face consultation in Istanbul, your skin thickness, elasticity and facial structure are assessed. HIFU, threads or a combination are chosen together, with an open conversation about realistic expectations.

  3. 3

    Treatment

    HIFU is preceded by a topical anaesthetic cream; for threads, local anaesthesia is given at the entry points. Depending on the method, treatment takes 45–90 minutes.

  4. 4

    Aftercare and daily life

    After HIFU you return to daily life the same day; after threads, a quiet first evening at the hotel and a short check the next day are advised. You receive written aftercare, and your coordinator is reachable 24/7.

  5. 5

    Two-week review

    Around two weeks later you review the result together — in person or online. As HIFU works gradually, a second review is planned at three months.

Recovery timeline

  1. First 24 hours

    Rest

    HIFU can leave mild redness and tenderness. After threads, swelling and a feeling of tightness are expected; cold compresses and pain relief if needed keep you comfortable.

  2. Days 2–7

    Recovering

    Any bruising fades and swelling eases. After threads, it is advisable to avoid wide facial movements, facial massage and sleeping face down.

  3. Weeks 2–3

    Settling

    The initial tightness from the threads softens and your expressions feel natural again. Your review can take place online.

  4. Months 1–3

    Gradual firming

    New collagen stimulated by HIFU gradually firms the skin, while the collagen production supported by the threads continues as they dissolve.

  5. Months 6–12

    Maintenance

    How long the effect lasts depends on age, skin and lifestyle. A maintenance session is usually considered once a year, after a fresh assessment.

The doctor planning your treatment

Portrait of a smiling female doctor in a white coat

11 years' experience

Dr. Defne Sarıyer

Dermatologist · Aesthetic Medicine

Dr. Defne Sarıyer follows a 'less, but right' philosophy. She plans every treatment around facial anatomy and skin analysis, aiming for a rested look that never feels overdone.

EADVTDD

Frequently asked questions

Can a non-surgical lift replace a surgical facelift?
It does not give the same result. HIFU and thread lifting aim for a measured lift and firming in mild to moderate laxity, whereas a surgical facelift may be more suitable where there is significant excess skin. Which option suits you is discussed openly at consultation.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
With threads the effect begins with the treatment, and the initial tightness settles within 2–3 weeks. With HIFU, firming develops gradually over 2–3 months as new collagen forms. How long it lasts depends on age, skin and lifestyle; a fresh assessment is usually suggested after about a year.
Is HIFU painful?
You feel brief warmth and prickling as the energy reaches the deeper layers, and sensitivity varies from area to area. With a topical anaesthetic cream and pain relief if needed, most people find it comfortably tolerable.
Will the threads be visible or felt?
Placed at the right depth, threads are not normally visible. For the first few weeks you may feel slight tightness when touching the area or with wide facial movements; this eases as the tissues heal.
What are the possible side effects and risks?
HIFU can cause temporary redness, swelling, tenderness and, rarely, numbness lasting a few weeks. Threads can cause bruising, swelling, temporary dimpling or slight asymmetry; rarely, a thread may shift or an infection may develop that needs further treatment. That is why treatments are performed by a physician under sterile conditions, with follow-up continuing after you return home.
When can I fly home?
After HIFU you can usually fly the next day. After threads we recommend flying once you have had your next-day check, which is why we plan a 2–3 day stay in Istanbul.

The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace a personal medical assessment. The possible risks of any treatment, and whether it suits you, are discussed in detail at your consultation.

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