Non-Surgical Aesthetics

Non-Surgical Lift

A non-surgical lifting discussion — not a guaranteed alternative to a facelift.

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Options
Thread lift, ultrasound, radiofrequency
Anaesthesia
Local or numbing cream
Time in Istanbul
Often 2–4 days
Effect
Modest and temporary
Overview

About Non-Surgical Lift

A non-surgical lift uses minimally invasive treatments to give mild lifting and tightening of the face or neck. The main options are thread lifts, where dissolvable threads with small barbs or cones are placed under the skin to reposition tissue, and energy-based treatments such as focused ultrasound or radiofrequency, which heat deeper layers to encourage collagen production.

These treatments are best suited to early, mild sagging. The effect is smaller and shorter-lasting than surgery, and they cannot remove excess skin. For more advanced sagging, a facelift or neck lift may be the more predictable option.

Suitability

Who it may be suitable for

  • Early, mild sagging of the cheeks, jawline or neck
  • Reasonable skin quality and elasticity
  • Accepting a modest change that fades over time
  • Not pregnant or breastfeeding, and no active skin infection or cold sore in the area

These are general points only. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided by the treating clinician after examining you in person and reviewing your medical history and current medication.

The process

How it works

  1. Photo review

    You share photos and a short description of what bothers you. The clinician gives a first view of which options may help and which are unlikely to.

  2. In-person assessment

    The clinician examines your face and skin, goes through your medical history and explains the expected effect, its limits and the risks before you consent.

  3. Treatment

    For a thread lift, the skin is numbed and threads are passed through tiny entry points. For energy-based treatment, the device is moved across the skin in a set pattern.

  4. Check and aftercare

    You receive written aftercare instructions and a contact for questions. A review is arranged in person or by photos, depending on how long you stay.

Aftercare

What to expect and aftercare

  1. First days

    After threads, swelling, bruising, tightness and small dimples at the entry points are common. After energy-based treatment, there is usually mild redness or tenderness.

  2. Weeks 1–2

    After threads, avoid wide mouth opening, facial massage, dental treatment and strenuous exercise as advised. Dimpling usually settles.

  3. Months 2–6

    Any tightening from energy-based treatment develops gradually as new collagen forms. Thread results usually last around a year, sometimes longer.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Good to know

Risks and considerations

  • Results are modest, vary between people and are not a substitute for surgery when there is significant loose skin.
  • Threads can cause dimpling, visible or palpable threads, infection, asymmetry or threads working their way out, which may need removal.
  • Energy-based treatments can rarely cause burns, blisters, temporary numbness or areas of fat loss.
  • Some people have little visible improvement despite correct treatment.
FAQ

Common questions

Is a thread lift the same as a facelift?

No. A thread lift repositions tissue slightly and temporarily, while a facelift tightens deeper tissues and removes excess skin. They suit different stages of ageing.

How long do the results last?

Thread results often last about a year. Energy-based treatments build gradually over a few months and may be repeated, usually yearly.

How long should I stay in Istanbul?

Most injectable and skin treatments take a single appointment, but staying nearby for at least one or two days afterwards lets the clinic see you if anything unexpected happens. Your coordinator confirms timings and how the follow-up review will work once you are home.

How is the cost decided?

It depends on the treatment plan the clinician recommends after examining you, for example the areas treated, the amount of product and the number of sessions. You receive a written quote before anything is booked, with no obligation to proceed.

Related treatments
Next step

Talk to a coordinator about Non-Surgical Lift

Share your details and a coordinator will reply with clear next steps. There is no obligation to proceed.

This page is general information, not medical advice; a treating clinician confirms your plan after assessment. ELAVIA Global coordinates care; clinical evaluation and treatment are delivered by independent, licensed partner facilities and their specialists.