Research Information System
17. ULUSLARARASI BAŞKENT SOSYAL, BEŞERİ, İDARİ VE EĞİTİM BİLİMLER KONGRESİ, Ankara, Turkey, 12 - 14 February 2026, pp.1972-1980, (Full Text)
ABSTRACT
This study aims to
examine the cost and distribution dynamics of facelift surgeries in the context
of global medical tourism. Globalization, reduced transportation costs, and easier
access to information through digital platforms have rapidly transformed
aesthetic surgery tourism into a growing industry. In this context, facelift
operations stand out as an important field that contributes to both aesthetic
and psychosocial well-being by offering surgical solutions to signs of aging.
The study adopted a
qualitative research method and was based on the grounded theory approach
proposed by Creswell (2016). Data obtained from the online platform Whatclinic
was used in the data collection process; facelift clinics in Türkiye, Germany,
Poland, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, India, Thailand, and Mexico were
examined. The data obtained enabled a comparative assessment of clinic density
and price ranges across countries.
The findings show that Türkiye
is the clear leader in the field of facelifts with 695 clinics. Cities such as
Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir stand out for both their variety of services and
their tourist appeal. Istanbul alone has 491 clinics, making it Türkiye's
medical tourism hub, thanks to its qualified surgeons, international
accreditations, and ease of access. Türkiye also offers a competitive cost
advantage compared to European countries, with prices ranging from USD 3,348 to
USD 6,700.
The results show that
facelift surgery costs are directly related to countries' economic levels, the
quality of healthcare services, regulatory structures, and medical tourism
policies. Türkiye has developed a globally accessible “luxury” aesthetic
tourism model by combining affordable prices with high quality.