| Length of operation | 2-5 hours, depending on the treatment plan |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia, twilight sleep or general anaesthesia |
| CLINIC-stay | Day clinic or one overnight stay |
| Socially acceptable | after 7–10 days |
| Sports | after 2–4 weeks |
| Cost | Minilift starting from CHF 7'000.- |
| Facelift starting from CHF 15’000.– |
The ageing face – a central issue; we are active, dynamic and capable – our young spirit refuses to accept that the aged reflection in the mirror is really our own.
In the modern understanding of aesthetics, a fresh, young face is not simply a wrinkle-free face; the key lies deeper. Accordingly, a facelift today does not simply mean skin tightening, but the restoration of a younger and fresher appearance through a combination of various modern techniques. These techniques are individually tailored to your needs. In general, we refer to a facelift, facelifting or surgical face lift. In English, this is also known as rhytidectomy.
Today, the deep plane facelift and the minilift are on everyone's lips. A basic distinction can be made between the simpler, more superficial method, such as the minilift, and the somewhat more complex, deeper methods, the so-called SUB SMAS techniques, such as the deep plane facelift. It is important to mention that we are one of the few surgeons in Switzerland who have mastered this technique and perform it regularly!
What is a minilift?
The minilift is also known as a ‘weekend lift’ or ‘coffee break lift’ because of the short recovery time. This is a method in which the skin in front of the ear and towards the neck is detached from the underlying layer, the SMAS (Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System). This underlying SMAS, which is primarily responsible for the sagging of the cheeks, is then tightened, resulting in a tightening of the cheeks and parts of the neck. The resulting excess skin is removed and the wound is sutured. An excellent, minimally invasive technique that produces a gentle, natural improvement.
What is a SUB SMAS lift?
In these facelift variants, the SMAS, the firm intermediate layer between the skin and the facial muscles, is detached from the facial muscles in the cheek area and mobilised. This allows the entire unit of the sagging cheeks and neck area to be lifted again, restoring the youthful cheek and neck area. Finally, the resulting excess skin is also removed here.
There are different variations of these SUB SMAS techniques. For many years, the High SMAS facelift was promoted. Today, however, the so-called Deep Plane Facelift is popular, a particularly sophisticated technique that produces excellent, natural results in the neck and cheek area, even with advanced signs of ageing. The main aim of this technique is to restore an aesthetically pleasing jaw line; the neck, chin and jaw line. The further development of this method that we use is called the preservation deep plane facelift, a particularly gentle form of surgery that results in significantly less swelling and bruising. We regularly perform this preservation deep plane facelift technique with very good results; it is somewhat more complex than the mini lift.
Naturalness is our top priority! Naturalness and freshness without changing your identity – that's how aesthetic surgery should be!
We are the specialists: we would be happy to advise you personally – because plastic surgery is a matter of trust!
Treatment process
What happens during the consultation?
Our strength lies in our ability to perform a detailed analysis of changes or ageing in the face – which is, of course, a prerequisite for successful treatment.
The first step involves us working together to analyse your face in detail and discussing the various options for a facelift, taking your wishes and ideas into account.
We answer your questions such as: ‘Is surgery really necessary?’ or ‘Can my wishes be fulfilled with gentler measures?’ In fact, in many cases, a surgical facelift can be delayed by treatment with hyaluronic acid fillers, inhibition of muscle activity, and laser or peeling treatments. We will work with you in detail to find the right solution to meet your needs. We will also discuss the exact technical procedures involved in the treatment and the possible risks and complications of a facelift. And, of course, you will be informed about all the organisational details and formalities.
What happens on the day of the operation?
On the morning of the operation, our team will welcome you to the Centerclinic.
A minilift can usually be performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, but on request it can also be performed under twilight sleep or even under general anaesthesia.
We usually perform a deep plane facelift under gentle general anaesthesia. In this case, the anaesthetist will contact you in advance by telephone to discuss the type of anaesthesia. Unless the anaesthetist instructs you otherwise, you should generally fast from midnight onwards. The anaesthetist will have another informative discussion with you. You will also have another in-depth discussion with the surgeon to clarify any final questions and to plan the operation. Depending on the extent of the procedure, the facelift takes 2–5 hours.
Afterwards, you will be looked after by our qualified nursing staff in the recovery room.
A mini facelift can usually be performed on an outpatient basis and even under local anaesthesia. After a deep plane facelift, patients usually spend one night at the Centerclinic under the supervision of qualified nursing staff. You will be discharged the following morning. All necessary aids and medication will of course be provided.
Is a facelift painful?
No. After a facelift, you will experience a slight feeling of tension for the first few days to weeks, but there is very little pain. As a rule, a mild painkiller is sufficient on the first day after the operation.
What happens in the days after the operation?
We will provide you with all the necessary aids and medication, so you don't have to worry about a thing! You will also receive the mobile numbers of the surgeon and anaesthetist so that you can seek advice at any time if you are unsure about anything.
In order to keep swelling and post-operative bleeding to a minimum after a facelift, it is absolutely necessary to take it easy physically for the first 2–3 days. However, you can and should be active again immediately – within reasonable limits. Bed rest is not necessary.
When will I be socially presentable again?
This depends very much on the surgical procedures performed. Depending on the extent of the procedure, the bruises and swelling usually disappear after 5–10 days.
A simple facelift without additional treatments will allow you to look normal again after 7–10 days. Additional treatments such as lipofilling, peeling or dermabrasion, however, prolong the recovery time. Intensive sporting activities should be avoided for 4 weeks.
