FACELIFT
One focus of JJPS Berlin is the field of facial rejuvenation and wrinkle treatment with minimally invasive methods. The trend towards cosmetic applications on the skin's surface and minimally invasive procedures using botulinum toxin, fillers, thread lifts, lasers and chemical peels is unbroken and continues to increase. As a result, the need for major surgical interventions such as facelifts has decreased or has shifted to an older age. Nevertheless, the surgical facelift remains the most effective treatment for removing sagging skin and permanently smoothing facial features.
The aging of a face is an interplay of soft tissue sagging due to the decreasing tension of the corresponding support structures under the skin, in combination with gravity, volume loss of the subcutaneous tissue through a so-called atrophy and the classic degenerative changes of the skin surface. The consequences are a drooping cheek region, i.e. classic "hanging cheeks", deep wrinkles at the corners of the mouth and a double chin. This sign of aging is also very prominent on the neck in the form of sagging skin and wrinkles. The face as an aesthetic unit that is constantly in the focus of observation can only be concealed to a very limited extent and often impairs self-confidence. The affected patients appear unintentionally old, look tired and exhausted, although they do not feel that way at all.
The goals of modern facelift surgery include restoring smooth cheek, chin and neck structure, removing age-related excess skin and correcting drooping corners of the mouth to achieve a fresher and more youthful appearance. This procedure is often combined with an eyelid lift, a forehead lift and/or an autologous fat transplant. In contrast to the minimally invasive methods, a significantly longer-lasting or even permanent result can be achieved here, but it is also significantly more complex and associated with longer regeneration after the operation.
Preparation
The precise observation and analysis of your face in all relevant areas is important - we are talking about aesthetic units here. Together with you we will develop a precise treatment plan. We will clarify with you whether minimally invasive methods such as fillers and thread lifts can and should be used, or whether surgical procedures are more suitable. An autologous fat treatment that supports the facelift could also be considered. In the run-up to a facelift operation, you must not take any blood-thinning medication for at least 14 days beforehand, any pre-existing high blood pressure must be well controlled with medication beforehand, and you should refrain from nicotine. There are also some contraindications that we will discuss with you in detail when we get to know each other personally.
Technique
The procedure itself can be performed in sedation or under general anesthesia, so that even a larger facelift is painless. Before the procedure, the exact surgical plan is drawn in. In modern aesthetic surgery from the hands of a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, there has long been more than just one facelift:
Depending on the findings and severity, a so-called full facelift, a MACS lift, a classic midface lift and the neck lift are differentiated.
Basically, we at JJPS are convinced that a changed cheek and neck area cannot be returned to its original shape in the long term by skin tightening alone. A decisive factor for a satisfactory result and above all for the durability of the mid-face lift and neck lift is the relocation of the so-called SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), a flat connective tissue membrane located under the skin. It is heavier than the skin itself, which in turn is the reason for a loss of elasticity in the skin and thus causes sagging of the facial areas.
The SMAS is moved as part of the facelift and firmly fixed again at a higher point. This allows the soft tissues of the face to be repositioned to their original shape and at the same time the actual tension can be shifted away from the skin level. This means there is no additional tension on the edges of the skin. A mask-like appearance of the face is avoided. At the same time, this reduces the risk of developing wide and therefore unsightly scars. After removing the excess skin, the wound edges are closed with the finest sutures. This is almost free of scars. The incision in a classic facelift runs unobtrusively around the ear and in the hairline.
With the smaller version of the MACS lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension), the scar is only in the area of the ears. Here you save yourself the cut in the hairline and can address the sunken cheek fat with a smaller scar. This technique is good to use if the tissue relaxation is mainly isolated in the cheek area.
The procedure can be easily combined, for example, with a nanofat transfer in the area of the zygomatic arch, removal of the buccal fat and an eyelid lift. When you visit JJPS, we will jointly prepare a comprehensible and meticulous analysis as well as the therapy plan: With a transparent cost estimate.
Costs & Financing
The costs for the facelifts described above vary, depending on the complexity involved. They consist of the surgical procedure, the material, the anesthesia and the final examinations. The costs start at around 6.500 euros. They increase when the duration of the operation is longer and when combinations with other procedures are necessary or desired.
Risks
Plastic facial surgery is a technically demanding field of activity and should only be left to experienced professionals, such as board-certified specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery. In rare cases, secondary bleeding, wound healing disorders or unsightly scarring can occur, which may require a small correction after a few months. Temporary pain can be reduced with painkillers. Bruising and swelling around the eyes during the first few days after surgery is also normal. They can be well concealed with sunglasses. Bruising often occurs and will fade on its own. Regular, moderate cooling is important during the first three to five days after the operation.
Smokers have an increased risk of wound healing disorders and complications, so we strongly recommend not smoking for at least four to six weeks before and after the operation.
Aftercare
Depending on the region and the complexity, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis or with one night as an inpatient. The operating time is one to two hours. The wound is sealed with fine plasters (so-called SteriStrips). Until the thread is pulled, about 10 to 12 days later in our practice, you should refrain from strenuous physical exertion in order to keep your blood pressure low and minimize the risk of postoperative bleeding. Heavy sweating should be avoided. Furthermore, you have to do without cosmetics in the area of the scars for about two weeks. Before the thread is pulled, you will come to our practice twice more for a check-up. You are fully fit for social interaction after about three to six weeks, depending on the state of the swelling and the drainage of the bruises. No sport should be done for that long. Sauna sessions or bathing should be avoided for two to three months. The scars are fine and with the right care they fade quickly and are then inconspicuous.
Are there reasonable alternatives to surgery?
Yes, there are! The range of minimally invasive procedures that are offered in our practice include innovative fillers, botox, biostimulators and peelings as well as the new thread lifting procedures. These achieve a strong lifting effect on the skin in a minimally invasive manner with little risk and manageable effort. In our experience, facelift surgery has now receded into the background in younger people. In the case of major sagging with pronounced changes in the subcutaneous fatty tissue, however, there is no permanent alternative to surgery. As board-certified specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery, with a special focus on facial surgery, we can use all procedures safely and routinely and, if necessary, combine them in a sensible way. In dialogue with you, we will find the right sustainable method for you: Of course with continuously transparent cost control.
INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
Duration
Approx. 2-4 hours depending on complexity
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia
Costs
Depending on complexity starting from
6.500 euros or 118 euros per month
Technique
Full facelift, MACS lift or just a midface lift, depending on the anatomical conditions and desire
Post-treatment
6 weeks no sport
Financing
Financing is possible on request through one of our financing partners. External follow-up insurance should be taken out for all aesthetic operations. It protects you in the event of rare complications and the associated follow-up costs
Pain level
Mild, well tolerated with normal painkillers
Presentability
About 14 days
Useful information
Often even more effective in combination with autologous fat transplantation and eyelid tightening or neck lift
Procedure
Depending on the type of lifting, on an outpatient basis or as an inpatient for one night
Risks
Secondary bleeding, wound healing disorders