A natural, refreshed appearance — performed by a specialist plastic surgeon with advanced international training in facial rejuvenation.
Photos shown with patient consent. Individual results vary.
As we age, skin loses its elasticity, facial muscles loosen, and fat shifts downward. The result is jowling along the jawline, deepening folds around the mouth, and a neck that loses its definition. A facelift — technically known as a rhytidectomy — addresses these changes by lifting and repositioning the deeper facial structures, not just tightening the skin.
Many patients combine a facelift with a neck lift for a more balanced result, since the lower face and neck age together. Bülent will discuss what combination makes most sense for you based on your anatomy and goals.
Not just skin tightening. Bülent works at the SMAS layer — the muscle and fascial system beneath the skin — to reposition facial tissues where they belong. This produces a natural result that moves with your face, rather than the pulled or windswept look associated with older techniques.
Local anaesthetic facelift result — individual outcomes vary
A facelift does not address fine lines, skin texture, or changes around the eyes and brow — these are separate procedures. Bülent will be clear about what a facelift can and cannot achieve for you.
Bülent offers facelift surgery under both local and general anaesthetic — an option that relatively few NZ surgeons provide. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on your anatomy, the degree of change you're seeking, and your personal preferences. Bülent will discuss this with you honestly at consultation.
For patients who want to address both facial ageing and a poorly defined neckline in a single procedure. The face and neck age together — treating both at once produces a more balanced, harmonious result. All-inclusive: surgeon, anaesthetist, Braemar hospital, nursing, and 6 weeks of follow-up care.
All fees are all-inclusive. A detailed written estimate is provided after your consultation — no hidden costs.
Want to understand more about the local anaesthetic option? Read our full guide to local anaesthetic facelift →
Bülent's approach is to work at the level of the SMAS — the layer of muscle and tissue beneath the skin — rather than simply pulling the skin tighter. Tightening the underlying structure first means the skin can be repositioned with minimal tension, which is what produces a natural, long-lasting result.
Incisions are placed in natural creases: along the hairline, in front of and behind the ear, and occasionally under the chin for the neck. Over time these become very difficult to detect. Bülent will discuss incision placement during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
The SMAS is carefully elevated and repositioned upward and backward. This moves the deeper facial tissues — including fat compartments and muscle — back toward where they were in younger anatomy. The skin is then re-draped over this repositioned foundation with minimal tension.
When a neck lift is performed at the same time, the platysma muscle — which runs vertically along the neck — is tightened to reduce banding and sagging. Excess skin is trimmed and the contour of the neck and jawline is refined. In some cases liposuction under the chin is performed first to improve definition before the skin is repositioned.
A facelift under local anaesthetic takes approximately five hours. A combined facelift and neck lift under general anaesthetic typically takes longer, and includes an overnight stay at Braemar Private Hospital for monitoring and comfort.
Two consultations before surgery. NZAPS guidelines require a minimum of two weeks between consultation and surgery. For facelift and neck lift, Bülent requires two face-to-face consultations before proceeding. This gives you time to ask questions, consider all your options, and feel completely ready — there is never any pressure to proceed.
General anaesthetic facelift result — individual outcomes vary
In addition to the standard skin sutures — which are removed at 7–10 days — Bülent uses a technique involving through-and-through net sutures placed across the operated area immediately after surgery. These are removed at day 3.
This is a deliberate, evidence-informed choice, and it has real benefits for how you recover:
By day 3, the risk window for haematoma has passed and the early tissue adherence is established — so the net sutures are removed at that point, having done their job. Patients typically find the removal straightforward and comfortable.
Recovery from a facelift is very individual, and Bülent's team will give you detailed written instructions and regular follow-up appointments throughout the process. The following is a general guide.
Bülent takes time at every consultation to understand your goals and answer all your questions honestly
You will have a compression bandage around your face and neck. Some swelling, tightness, and mild bruising is normal and expected. Rest at home with your head elevated. You will not be alone — arrange for someone to stay with you.
Bülent removes the through-and-through net sutures at this appointment. By this point the main haematoma risk window has passed and early tissue adherence is established. Most patients find this straightforward and comfortable.
Swelling continues to reduce. Most people feel well enough to move around at home. Continue sleeping with your head elevated. Avoid anything strenuous.
Remaining skin sutures are removed at this appointment. You will begin to look and feel considerably better, though some swelling and firmness may persist for several more weeks.
Most patients feel comfortable going out and resuming light daily activities. Scars are still pink and healing. Avoid sun exposure to the incision lines.
Return to gentle exercise is usually possible. Most residual swelling has resolved. Your follow-up care with Bülent continues throughout this period — all included in your fee.
Final result becomes fully visible as all swelling resolves and scars continue to mature and fade. Most patients find this is when they really see the full benefit of the procedure.
All surgery carries risk. For facelift and neck lift, the most significant risks include haematoma (blood collecting under the skin, which may require drainage), infection, wound healing problems, visible scarring, nerve injury affecting sensation or muscle movement, and asymmetry. Smoking significantly increases complication risk and Bülent requires patients to stop before and after surgery. Bülent will discuss all relevant risks in detail at consultation, taking into account your personal health and anatomy.
All fees are all-inclusive. There are no hidden costs — the price you receive in your written estimate covers everything from surgery through to your six-week follow-up.
Each fee includes: surgeon's fee, anaesthetist's fee, Braemar Private Hospital theatre and overnight fees, nursing, consumables, and six weeks of post-operative follow-up care. A detailed written estimate is provided after your consultation — the quote reflects your specific procedure and anatomy.
Consultation fee: $267 for your initial consultation. All subsequent pre-surgery consultations — including your required second consultation and any further appointments before proceeding — are free of charge for cosmetic patients. No payment plans are available.
In March 2025, Bülent completed observerships with two surgeons widely regarded as among the finest facelift practitioners in the world. He travelled to the USA specifically to observe and learn advanced facial rejuvenation techniques at their own operating tables — and brought that knowledge directly back to his patients in Hamilton.
Specialist training, genuine care, and no pressure
Bülent holds both the European Board certification and the new ANZBCPS board certification — among the most rigorous credentials available to plastic surgeons in Australasia.
In March 2025 Bülent completed observerships with Dr Jerry O'Daniel (Louisville) and Dr Ozan Sozer (El Paso) — two surgeons regarded as leaders in facelift surgery globally.
Bülent insists on two face-to-face meetings before any facelift or neck lift proceeds. There is never pressure — only thorough, unhurried discussion of your options.
The figure in your written estimate is what you pay. Surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, nursing, and all follow-up — included.
Bülent is a Southern Cross affiliated provider. Depending on your policy, you may be able to use your health insurance for relevant procedures.
Practice nurse Anna provides personalised post-operative care and is available to answer questions throughout your recovery. Six weeks of follow-up is included in your fee.
Book a consultation with Bülent to discuss your goals, understand your options, and receive a detailed written estimate. There is no obligation to proceed.
Book a Consultation Or call us on 07 838 8984
