Facelift: Facelift with natural results

If the signs of the ageing process become noticeable on the face, the desire for facial rejuvenation often arises. Affected people want to look younger, fresher or more rested. Depending on the extent of wrinkling, volume changes or sagging skin, a facelift can rejuvenate the face.

The basics of a facelift

Beauty primarily means charisma, attractiveness, harmony and is in harmony with the personal feeling of happiness.

The signs of the ageing process are usually particularly noticeable on the face. Volume and proportion shifts as well as tissue sagging in conjunction with gravity can disrupt the harmony of the face. The following problem areas are often visible:

Wrinkles, sagging skin or excess fatty tissue on the neck
Loss of the chin line contour with sagging cheeks
Formation of bags under the eyes and the so-called tear trough
Flattening of the zygomatic arch
Wrinkles in the cheek area with lack of volume in the cheeks (hollow cheeks)
Deep wrinkle between the nose and the corners of the mouth (so-called nasolabial fold)
Lack of volume on the lips

Brief overview of facelift:

Duration of treatment:
3-5 hours

Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia, if necessary also twilight sleep

Follow-up treatment:
Head bandage for 2 days

Load restrictions:
2 -4 weeks

Is often combined with

Associated terms:
Facelift, face lift, facial skin tightening, face tightening

What is the aim of a facelift?

The aim of facial rejuvenation surgery or treatment is usually to look fresher and more refreshed.

Which surgical methods are available and which is the best?

The decision on the optimal treatment technique depends on the extent of skin sagging and wrinkling (e.g. tightening in several layers of tissue and correction of the above-mentioned shifts in proportions). Your age also plays a role, as less invasive procedures are more likely to be used on younger patients.

The most common treatments not only remove excess, inelastic skin, but also reposition and remodel the fatty tissue in the face. The subsequent scars are concealed during a facelift. They run directly in the natural crease in front of the ear, on the back of the pinna and in the hairy area of the head.

In a personal and individual counselling interview We will be happy to analyse your wishes and expectations and design a treatment concept that is right for you.

We offer different surgical procedures depending on your facial contours:

Mini-lift (small lift, S-lift, cheek lift)

This technique, with minimal scarring in front of the ear and along the temple, is suitable for younger patients. It should be noted that a "mini lift" may only have a "mini effect" and the result may have a shorter shelf life.

Midface lift (extended MACS lift with eyelid lift, midfacelift)

Using special techniques, the tissue of the lower eye area and cheek can be repositioned to a more youthful position. This is achieved by removing excess skin from the lower eyelid. As often only a small amount of facial skin needs to be removed, a faster recovery can be expected.

SMAS facelift (neck-jowl lift, sagging cheeks)

If there are more pronounced wrinkles on the cheeks and significant excess skin on the neck, the skin and the underlying connective tissue framework of the face (called SMAS) must be loosened up to the neck and then tightened. This somewhat more intensive procedure has the advantage of a very long-lasting result.

PRESTO facelift

This innovative facelift method is safe and successful as it preserves the natural tissue structures and maintains individual aesthetics.

More information about the PRESTO lift

Face lift / facelift without surgery

Surgery is not always necessary or advisable. Alternative forms of treatment without surgery can be useful in individual cases. These include

Possible complications / risks

Even when performed carefully, facelift surgery can be associated with possible complications and risks. A comprehensive medical history and information is therefore necessary. During your preliminary examination, we will inform you of all the risks involved in your case.

Common general risks associated with facelift surgery include

InfectionsDespite sterile surgical techniques, infections can occur.
Bruising and swelling almost always occur after the operation, but usually subside within a few weeks.
Scarring: Although the scars are usually well hidden, in rare cases conspicuous or hypertrophic scarring can occur.
Nerve damageTemporary or permanent loss of sensation or paralysis of the face may occur.
Haematomas: Accumulations of blood under the skin can occur.
Asymmetry / uneven results
Wound healing disorders may occur (especially in smokers or patients with diabetes)
Reactions to anaesthesia
Dissatisfaction with the result (usually due to false, unrealistic expectations of the surgical result)

It is important that you seek comprehensive advice before the operation and have realistic expectations of the results in order to minimise the risk of dissatisfaction and complications.

What should I bear in mind after the operation/treatment?

A facelift is not just about the examination or the operation itself. The right behaviour after surgery helps your body to heal. We will provide you with personalised support for your healing process. In general, the following points apply:

Follow-up treatment after an operation

To avoid severe swelling, you should lie with your head elevated and cool down.
The first dressing change is carried out on the first day after the operation.
The head can be washed again on the third day after the operation.
Physical exertion should be avoided until the stitches are removed on day 14.
Most swelling and bruising will subside within the first 2 weeks.

Depending on the type of lift, you will be unable to socialise for between 1 and 2 weeks, although the exercise restrictions may last for a further 1 to 3 weeks. Sporting activities are therefore usually possible again 4 to 6 weeks after the operation.

Frequently asked questions about facial rejuvenation / facelift

Are further treatments useful after the operation?

After a facelift operation, the addition of other procedures (Botulinum toxin treatment, Wrinkle injections, Eyelid corrections, Eyebrow or Forehead lift) to achieve an overall harmonious and natural look.

How much does a facelift operation cost?

According to the Therapeutic Products Advertising Act, the costs of a surgical procedure must be calculated individually, as the costs are always calculated on an individual basis. As the cost of a facelift depends on many individual factors, we can only give you exact costs after an examination.

What are the advantages of surgery compared to a facelift without surgery?

A surgical facelift offers several advantages over non-surgical methods, such as the longevity of the results and the more precise tightening and repositioning of the skin. While non-invasive methods need to be repeated, the results of surgery last for many years. It also allows for the targeted removal of excess skin and fat, resulting in significant rejuvenation. Despite these benefits, the potential risks and recovery time should be carefully considered.

However, a lift without surgery may be more sensible than surgery.

At what age does a facelift make sense?

There is no set age for a facelift. Patients come to a plastic surgeon when they are unhappy with their face. Depending on the age of the skin, we recommend either a surgical or minimally invasive procedure. A rough guideline is around 50 years of age, but surgery can also be advisable from the mid-30s. As long as there are no health concerns, there is hardly any upper limit. In principle, however, the extent of your sagging/ageing will determine the extent of the treatment.

How do I find my expert for facial rejuvenation?

When choosing an expert for your facial rejuvenation, make sure that you use the term specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery. Other designations such as beauty doctor, cosmetic surgeon, etc. are unprotected and not a sign of qualification (more on "What should you consider when choosing a specialist?„.

Make sure that you receive a comprehensive preliminary examination and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process.

Why should you come to us?

Extensive experience, maximum hygiene and infection protection, continuous further training and maximum care are the basis of our practice. This is also reflected in the large number of positive patient reviews, our seals and awards.

Benefit from our many years of experience. Dr Michaela Montanari has been a member of the board of the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) since 2021.

Do you have any questions?

Dr Michaela Montanari and Dr Anna Maria Bugariu will be happy to answer all your questions about facelift surgery. Arrange your personal consultation.