EBOPRAS-certified plastic surgeon Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan performs endoscopic facelift surgery in Antalya — using a miniature camera inserted through tiny incisions to rejuvenate deep facial structures under direct visualisation, combining the benefits of minimal visible scarring and faster recovery with precise, camera-guided tissue repositioning.
"The endoscopic approach means working from a small opening but seeing everything in detail. Rather than dissecting blindly through a long incision, the camera gives us direct visualisation of deep structures — improving both safety and the quality of the correction, particularly in the forehead and midface."
— Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist, Antalya
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only. Endoscopic facelift suitability requires in-person assessment and expert evaluation.
An endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation technique in which a miniature endoscope (camera) and working instruments are inserted through several small incisions — typically 0.5–1 cm each, hidden within the hairline — to perform deep tissue repositioning under live camera visualisation. Unlike conventional open surgery, there is no long incision running from the hairline to behind the ear; instead, the deep structures are accessed, released and repositioned through these tiny portals under magnified camera guidance.
According to Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan, the endoscopic approach is particularly advantageous for the forehead, brow and midface regions — where it allows direct visualisation of delicate structures like the supraorbital nerve and retaining ligaments that would otherwise be released "blind" in conventional dissection. The technique's limitation is that it does not address significant skin excess as effectively as open surgery; for patients with substantial skin laxity, an open or combined approach remains more appropriate.
| Feature | Endoscopic Facelift | Open (Conventional) Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Incision Size | Minimal (0.5–1 cm × 3–5 points) | Hairline to post-auricular |
| Visualisation | Live camera — direct view | Open field view |
| Best Indication | Forehead, brow, early midface | Significant skin laxity + SMAS |
| Social Recovery | 7–10 days | 10–14 days |
Periosteum (Subperiosteal Plane)
Endoscopic forehead and midface surgery dissects beneath the periosteum — lifting all overlying soft tissues as a single unit that can then be repositioned superiorly in a controlled, reproducible manner.
Frontalis and Forehead Muscles
The frontalis, corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles are directly visualised and selectively weakened or released under camera guidance — reducing dynamic forehead wrinkles and glabellar lines.
Temporal Retaining Ligament
Releasing the temporal retaining ligament under camera vision allows elevation of the lateral brow and temple soft tissue without the risk of inadvertent injury to underlying structures.
Midface and Malar Fat Pad
In endoscopic midface lifting, the descended malar fat pad and midface soft tissues are released subperiosteally and repositioned superolaterally over the zygomatic arch — restoring cheek convexity and improving the tear trough.
Supraorbital and Supratrochlear Nerves
Camera visualisation renders these critical sensory nerves directly visible during dissection — enabling reliable preservation that is significantly safer than "blind" conventional dissection.
Zygomatic Retaining Ligaments
Fibrous anchors at the malar region and lower eyelid-cheek junction (McGregor's Patch) are released under camera view, allowing midface mobility and repositioning without traction risk.
Forehead Wrinkles
Camera-guided frontalis release and muscle weakening significantly reduces horizontal forehead lines — addressing the dynamic component at its muscular source.
Brow Descent
Descended medial or lateral brow position is corrected by camera-guided subperiosteal release and superolateral repositioning — restoring a natural, youthful brow arch.
Glabellar (Frown) Lines
Corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles are directly visualised and weakened under camera guidance — reducing the vertical creases between the brows at their muscular origin.
Cheekbone Flattening and Tear Trough
Endoscopic midface lifting repositions the descended malar fat pad, restoring cheek convexity and improving the lower eyelid-cheek junction.
Early Temporal Sagging
Descent of the lateral brow and temple soft tissue can be corrected endoscopically without the open incision that would otherwise be required.
Midface-Origin Nasolabial Folds
Nasolabial folds caused by midface descent are improved as the malar fat pad is elevated — addressing the fold at its anatomical source rather than filling it from the outside.
Stage 1 — Pre-operative Assessment and Incision Planning
Forehead height, brow position and shape, hairline location, midface volume descent and skin laxity are assessed in detail. The decision between endoscopic alone or endoscopic combined with an open component is made. Incision points are marked.
Stage 2 — Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia or deep sedation. Dilute local anaesthetic with epinephrine is infiltrated to facilitate hydrodissection and reduce bleeding throughout the operative field.
Stage 3 — Small Incisions and Endoscope Placement
Three to five hairline incision points (0.5–1 cm) are made. The endoscope and working instruments are placed through separate portals. Subperiosteal dissection proceeds under camera guidance.
Stage 4 — Tissue Release, Muscle Work and Fixation
Target retaining ligaments are released; corrugator and procerus muscles are weakened. Elevated tissues are secured in their new position using endoscopic sutures, bioabsorbable fixation screws or specialised suspension devices.
Stage 5 — Closure and Recovery Start
Small incisions are closed with fine sutures; a light head wrap is applied. Most patients are discharged the same day or after one overnight stay. Detailed post-operative care instructions provided.
Upper Face and Forehead Ageing
Forehead wrinkles, glabellar lines and brow descent are the primary concerns; significant lower face sagging is not yet present.
Early to Moderate Facial Ageing
Patients with tissue descent but without significant skin excess — typically in the 35–55 age range — benefit most from endoscopic techniques.
Minimal Visible Scar Priority
Patients for whom any visible facial surgery scar is unacceptable — endoscopic tiny-incision approach is the most scar-sparing option available.
Hairline Preservation Priority
Patients with already-high foreheads for whom a coronal incision would further elevate the hairline — endoscopic technique preserves hairline position.
Faster Recovery Required
Active patients who need to return to professional or social life within 7–10 days — faster than the 10–14 days typical of open surgery.
No Significant Skin Excess
Endoscopic techniques reposition tissue but do not excise skin excess. Patients with heavy skin laxity require an open technique or combined approach — assessed at consultation.
Minimal Visible Scarring
Multiple tiny incisions hidden within the hairline — virtually undetectable once healed.
Faster Recovery
Less tissue trauma, less swelling and bruising — social return in 7–10 days rather than the 10–14 days of open facelift.
Direct Visualisation of Deep Structures
Camera magnification gives direct sight of nerves, ligaments and muscles — enabling safer, more precise correction than conventional "blind" dissection.
Hairline Position Preserved
Unlike the coronal open brow lift, endoscopic technique does not raise the hairline — important for patients with already-elevated foreheads.
Natural-Looking Outcome
Repositioning without skin over-pulling — the principle of natural rejuvenation is at the core of camera-guided subperiosteal techniques.
Combinable with Open Techniques
Endoscopic upper/midface component can be combined with open lower face and neck surgery in the same session for whole-face coverage.
| Period | Expected Status and Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Mild swelling and tightness. Light head wrap. Same-day or next-morning discharge in most cases. |
| Days 3–7 | Swelling and bruising reduce rapidly. Sutures at incision points checked. Gentle activity permitted. |
| Days 7–10 | Social presentability typically restored. Desk work and light activities resumable. |
| Months 1–3 | Fixation devices resorb; tissues consolidate in their repositioned location. Brow and midface position stabilise. |
| Months 3–6 | Final result fully established. Brow position, forehead appearance and midface correction settle into their permanent form. |
Brow Lift (Endoscopic)
The most frequent endoscopic facelift application — forehead and brow rejuvenation through camera-guided hairline portals in a single, coordinated procedure. Brow Lift →
Temporal Lift
Lateral brow and temple soft tissue rejuvenation — frequently planned alongside endoscopic brow surgery through the same hairline portals. Temporal Lift →
Midface Lift
Endoscopic midface lifting restores cheek convexity and tear trough — frequently combined with endoscopic brow surgery for upper and midface coverage. Midface Lift →
Neck Lift Surgery
Endoscopic upper/midface is combined with open lower face and neck lift for whole-face coverage when the degree of lower face ageing warrants it. Neck Lift →
Endoscopic facelift cost depends on the specific components — endoscopic brow only, endoscopic + midface, or endoscopic combined with open lower face. Transparent, personalised pricing is provided following consultation.
Factors Affecting Price:
Antalya offers equivalent surgical quality and technology to Western European clinics at competitive rates. Facelift Options →
EBOPRAS Certification
Endoscopic surgery requires advanced instrumentation skills and deep anatomical knowledge. Op. Dr. Urhan holds European Board certification confirming these specialised competencies.
ISAPS Membership
Continuous access to the latest endoscopic technique developments through the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Endoscopic Technology Infrastructure
High-definition endoscopic equipment enabling clear visualisation and precise instrumentation — the foundation of safe, high-quality endoscopic surgery.
Open and Endoscopic Technique Versatility
The correct technique is always patient-specific — endoscopic is not always the right choice. The ability to recommend and execute both approaches is fundamental to optimal outcomes.
International Patient Care — Muratpaşa, Antalya
Multilingual coordination, video consultation and remote post-op follow-up — a complete, supported journey for international patients travelling to Antalya for surgery.
Individualised Surgical Plan
Endoscopic, open or hybrid approach — each plan is built around the patient's specific anatomy, ageing pattern and goals, not a template.
Fixation Device Loosening
If fixation sutures or devices loosen before tissues have consolidated, partial descent may occur. Modern bioabsorbable fixation systems significantly reduce this risk.
Supraorbital Nerve Sensitivity
Temporary forehead numbness or tingling. Camera visualisation reduces this risk significantly compared to conventional dissection, but transient sensitivity remains possible.
Specialised Technique Dependency
Endoscopic facelift demands advanced training beyond standard facelift surgery. Safety and outcome quality are closely linked to surgeon experience and appropriate patient selection.
Limited Skin Correction Capacity
Significant skin excess cannot be adequately addressed endoscopically. Selecting this technique for a patient requiring skin excision leads to under-correction.
Brow Asymmetry
Unequal elevation of the two brow sides can occur. Intraoperative symmetry assessment — including sitting-position checks — minimises this risk.
Haematoma or Seroma
Fluid collection within the dissection space. Less common than with open surgery due to the limited dissection extent; managed conservatively or with drainage if needed.
Book an Endoscopic Facelift Consultation in Antalya
Your brow position, forehead and facial ageing profile will be assessed in detail with Op. Dr. Necdet Urhan to determine whether an endoscopic or open approach is right for you.
📍 Muratpaşa, Antalya | EBOPRAS Certified | ISAPS Member