SMAS lifting
Tightening of sagging skin and tissue structures in the face
Facelift Frankfurt
17 years of facelift experience – natural facial rejuvenation at Dr. Nichlos
With increasing age, facial skin loses elasticity and resilience. This natural ageing process often first manifests itself in the form of small lines and wrinkles around the eyes, neck, mouth and nose, which deepen over the years. Later on, the facial skin around the eyes and cheeks can increasingly sag and form drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes or sagging cheeks, blurring the contours of the face.
As these changes often make people look unflattering and older, many people look for ways to change this. For a long-term effect, a facelift is recommended, as offered by specialist Dr. Nichlos in his practice. In this routine and very low-risk procedure, the sagging tissue is surgically lifted and the original contours restored.
For a very natural-looking result, a plastic surgery expert with high aesthetic standards like Dr. Nichlos is the right person for you. Arrange a consultation for a facelift in Frankfurt directly online!
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More InformationWhat is a facelift?
A facelift is a facial surgery procedure used to tighten and visually rejuvenate the face. A facelift is always considered when there are clear signs of skin ageing in the facial area that the patient does not want to put up with. These include, for example, severely sagging facial skin or visible wrinkles that cannot be reduced with other methods.
Typical treatment areas for a face lift are the forehead, eyelids, cheeks, jawline and neck. This is where the signs of ageing of the skin show up earliest and most clearly. Depending on the initial condition and desired result, plastic surgery offers various methods that can be used for a facelift.
Advantages of a facelift in Frankfurt
Table of contents
The facelift:
At a glance
Financing
Facelift Specialist in Frankfurt
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos has specialized in facelift procedures and aesthetic facial surgery for over 17 years.
Using modern surgical techniques and a keen sense of natural proportions, Dr. Nichlos achieves harmonious and long-lasting results. During the recovery phase, patients who have recently undergone surgery receive personalized care and can contact Dr. Niclos personally at any time, even around the clock, if needed.
What are the reasons for a facelift?
Women and men usually come to us for aesthetic reasons. They are often dissatisfied with the first signs of ageing, which can manifest themselves in various ways. Typical signs of ageing and the associated loss of elasticity and resilience are a marked sagging of the skin (e.g. sagging cheeks), deep wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes or even a double chin. They make the face appear older, sometimes even tired or sad and often awaken the desire for a younger appearance.
Facelifts for Men
Facelifts have long since ceased to be exclusively a women’s issue. According to the German Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery (DGPRÄC), facelifts and neck lifts are actually among the three most common cosmetic procedures performed on men. Many male patients come to us because they want to look more energetic and refreshed, or because they want to tighten their skin after significant weight loss.
Why are we mentioning facelifts for men separately here? Because the male face differs from the female face in several ways. Men’s facial skin is naturally thicker and has a richer blood supply than women’s. Additionally, the jawline is more pronounced, and facial hair grows on the cheeks and chin. This has implications for surgical planning.
Dr. Nichlos typically places the incisions in men directly in front of the ear (preauricular) rather than at the hairline, as is done for women. This prevents the beard hair from shifting toward the ear and regrowing visibly there. Although the scar is slightly more visible here at first, it lies within the natural skin crease and fades over time into a fine line. The goal is to preserve the masculine, defined jawline and achieve a natural result that does not look “surgically altered.”
The latter is often a major concern for men. That is why Dr. Nichlos prefers to use the aforementioned deep plane technique for facelifts in men. In this procedure, he repositions the tissue structures as a unit rather than simply tightening the skin. This has the advantage of preserving facial features while making the face appear fresher and more rested.
What methods are available for a facelift?
We have various procedures available for a facelift.
Mini facelift (minilift)
The so-called mini-facelift is used to correct mild to moderate sagging of the skin. The focus here is on the cheeks and the lower third of the face. Dr. Nichlos only makes small incisions for this procedure, which means that the duration of the operation and downtime are correspondingly short.
More about mini facelift
Midface lift
The midface lift focuses on the cheek region. Here, the plastic surgeon tightens the area between the lower eyelids and the upper lip and can combine this with an eyelid lift if required.
Eyebrow lift / forehead lift
If the focus is to be on the upper third of the face, an eyebrow lift, for example, is a good option, in which the eyebrows are lifted to create a more open, alert look. This partial lift is often part of a forehead lift. In this procedure, not only the eyebrows are lifted, but the entire forehead region is tightened. In this way, horizontal forehead wrinkles and/or vertical frown lines can be smoothed out at the same time.
SMAS-Lift
The classic facelift is the so-called SMAS facelift. This tightens the skin as well as the deeper structures such as the tissue layers and muscles and also includes the cheeks, jawline and neck in the treatment. By lifting the facial contours, a long-lasting, natural result can be achieved.
More about the SMAS facelift
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is just as demanding as it is effective. In contrast to the classic facelift, not only the skin but also the underlying tissue is tightened or lifted. This allows for a more natural tightening in the mid and lower facial area and has a significant effect on sagging cheeks and visible wrinkles in particular. With a deep plane facelift, the face is treated and rejuvenated in its entirety without altering the natural facial features.
Which method is used in your case depends on the extent of the lift (e.g. only the cheek wrinkles or the entire face including the neck lift) and other factors such as your age and the condition of your skin. It often makes sense to combine several techniques in order to achieve an optimally harmonious result. Let Dr. Nichlos advise you in a personal consultation as to which method(s) are best suited to you.
Is it possible to combine a facelift with other procedures?
Very well, in fact. At his practice in Frankfurt, Dr. Nichlos offers various procedures that can make the results of a facelift even more harmonious. This is because age-related changes rarely appear in just one area. Sagging skin often occurs on the eyelids, the neck, and the cheeks as well, so these areas can also benefit from a rejuvenation.
We would be happy to discuss possible combination treatments that are appropriate for your case during a consultation. The most common procedures performed in conjunction with a facelift include:
Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
If, in addition to the face, the neck has also lost its firmness or if the so-called platysma bands (vertical neck bands) are visible, Dr. Nichlos can tighten this area during the same session. This combination ensures a harmonious overall appearance from the chin to the décolletage.
Eyelid lift
Drooping upper eyelids and pronounced under-eye bags can make the eyes look tired—even after a specialist has tightened the rest of the face. An upper eyelid lift or lower eyelid lift is therefore a popular complement to a facelift and helps create an overall refreshed appearance.
Autologous fat transfer (lipofilling)
Sometimes the problem is a lack of volume. As we age, the body loses subcutaneous fat. This is particularly noticeable on the cheeks and around the nasolabial folds. Using the body’s own fat tissue, it is possible to specifically restore volume to these areas during a facelift.
Liposuction of the chin and neck
A double chin and fat deposits under the chin may become more noticeable and bothersome after a facelift. Combining these treatments is therefore a good option and saves you from having to undergo anesthesia again. To do this, Dr. Nichlos removes the excess fat cells and refines the facial contours.
Once healing is complete, it is possible—if necessary—to enhance the results with non-surgical treatments such as Botox or hyaluronic acid. However, this is not an option until at least a few weeks after the surgery. Dr. Nichlos would be happy to consult with you personally about the options.
What happens before the facelift?
Before a facelift, it is important to know your reasons and expectations and to inform you in detail about the possible treatment methods. To do this, come to our practice in Frankfurt for a detailed consultation.
During the consultation appointment, Dr. Nichlos will examine you thoroughly and discuss with you which facelift technique is best suited to your wishes and which is best suited to optimally tighten your facial features. The surgeon will explain the exact course of treatment, which anesthesia is best for you and will also discuss the possible risks and complications associated with a facelift in Frankfurt. He can also show you before and after pictures of operations that have already been carried out.
As part of the non-binding consultation, Dr. Nichlos will also draw up an individual treatment plan and a cost estimate for you. If you decide to have the procedure, further examinations (including blood tests and an ECG) are usually required.
If there are no health reasons preventing you from having a facelift in Frankfurt, you can prepare for the operation. If possible, abstain from nicotine and alcohol one to two weeks before the operation. Very important: If you are taking blood-thinning medication, you must inform us of this in advance, as well as of any other illnesses or allergies.
Facelift: How does the operation work?
We perform the facelift in the operating rooms of the Berger Klinik in Frankfurt. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it takes 2-5 hours and is usually performed under twilight sedation or, if desired, under general anesthesia.
As soon as the anaesthetic has taken effect and you are asleep, Dr. Nichlos begins to make the carefully marked and very fine incisions. These usually run along the hairline or behind the ears so that the fine scars are not visible later.
The incision is used to tighten the skin – usually together with the underlying connective and fatty tissue – in order to reduce wrinkles and smooth the skin. The resulting excess skin is then removed. At the end of the operation, Dr. Nichlos sutures the incisions with very fine stitches and, if necessary, inserts drainage tubes behind the ears to allow the wound fluid to drain away.
What happens after the facelift?
As a rule, you will stay with us at the Berger Klinik for one to two days for observation after the facelift. After the facelift, you will still wear a special head bandage, which we will remove together with the drains after two days if everything goes well.
Do not be irritated by your appearance immediately after the facelift. Swelling, redness or slight bruising are completely normal reactions and usually subside within 1-2 weeks. This also applies to slight feelings of numbness in the face, which you may experience immediately after the operation. Tightness around the sutures is also completely normal and usually subsides after a few days.
Initially, the mobility of your head and face may still be somewhat restricted. Therefore, try to avoid movement as much as possible during this time and keep your head as high as possible when sleeping. We will remove the stitches approximately 10 days after the facelift.
After about a week, you can start with scar care and light massages. Support the healing process by giving your body plenty of rest and avoiding all strenuous activities such as sport and housework for about 4 weeks. Also avoid direct sunlight and UV rays (solarium) during this time.
Please be sure to attend the follow-up appointments at our practice in Frankfurt so that Dr. Nichlos can monitor the healing process.
If necessary, the facelift can be combined with other treatments to optimize the result. For example, a combination with procedures that improve the appearance of the skin, such as microneedling or laser treatment, is popular. However, these should not be carried out too soon, but only a few weeks or months after the facelift, when all swelling has subsided and healing is complete. Only when the final result is visible can further treatments be planned.
What are the risks associated with a facelift?
If the facelift is performed by an experienced plastic and aesthetic surgeon such as Dr. Nichlos, the risks are low. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are general surgical risks. These include bleeding, bruising, wound healing disorders and infections as well as numbness or tightness.
In rare individual cases, complications such as temporary or permanent nerve damage, temporary and permanent paralysis of individual facial regions or circulatory disorders can also occur during a face and/or neck lift.
Facelift in Frankfurt: Costs & Financing
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of a facelift depends on the surgical technique chosen and the extent of the facial rejuvenation. At our practice in Frankfurt, we use a variety of methods that are tailored to the individual’s skin condition and desired results.
Prices generally start at:
- Mini facelift: starting at €5,500
- SMAS facelift: starting at €9,000
- Deep plane facelift: starting at €9,000
A mini facelift is particularly suitable for mild to moderate skin sagging in the lower third of the face. The SMAS facelift and the Deep Plane facelift are more comprehensive techniques that also lift the deeper tissue structures to achieve a particularly natural and long-lasting result.
Dr. Nichlos will determine which method is best suited for you during a personal consultation. You will then receive a personalized treatment and cost plan that transparently lists all services.
What services are included in the cost?
The total cost of a facelift consists of several components. These typically include:
- detailed consultation (€100 – fully credited toward subsequent treatment)
- individual analysis of facial structure and treatment planning
- Fee for the surgical procedure
- Medical care during the operation
- Post-operative care and follow-up appointments
In addition, there are anesthesia and clinic fees, as the operation is performed in a specialized clinic.
After a SMAS facelift or deep plane facelift, you will also receive a facial bandage to support the healing process and stabilize the surgical results. As a rule, an overnight stay at the clinic is also required.
Can a facelift be financed?
A facelift is a long-term decision. To help you plan your treatment flexibly, monthly installment payments are also available for facelifts.
Financing is provided through an experienced financing partner and can be tailored to your individual financial situation. This allows you to conveniently finance the procedure through monthly installments.
We would be happy to inform you about the requirements and the financing process during a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
about the facelift:
- What is a facelift and when does it make sense?
There are no strict age limits for a facelift. However, it is advisable not to have a facelift performed too young. Dr. Nichlos recommends a facelift only from the age of around 40-45. The first signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines and small wrinkles, can also be treated very well with other, non-invasive methods. One example of this is injections with botulinum toxin(Botox®) or hyaluronic acid, which can be used to reduce various types of wrinkles such as forehead wrinkles or frown lines.
- How long do the results of a facelift last?
The longevity of a facelift depends on the condition of your skin and your lifestyle. Excessively long or frequent exposure to direct sunlight, an unhealthy diet, alcohol and nicotine consumption cause the skin to age more quickly, which even a facelift cannot prevent. However, if your skin is in good condition and you lead a healthy lifestyle, you can expect the results of the operation to last for around 10-15 years on average.
- Can a facelift be repeated if necessary?
Yes, a facelift can be performed again after a long period of time. However, the procedure should not be performed too often, as it becomes increasingly difficult to tighten the skin and the face loses its natural appearance.
- Which anesthesia is used for a facelift?
Depending on the procedure, the facelift can be performed under local anesthesia with twilight sleep or under general anesthesia. While minor procedures such as a mini facelift can also be performed under light anesthesia, general anesthesia is usually recommended for more extensive procedures – such as the deep plane facelift – in order to offer patients maximum comfort.
- Can a facelift be combined with non-invasive treatment methods?
Yes, this is certainly possible and can complement the result. A facelift is often combined with an eyelid lift, Botox®or hyaluronic acid treatments. Skin improvement procedures – such as laser or microneedling – are also conceivable at a later stage. It is important to plan a coordinated schedule so that the healing process is not disrupted.
- What methods of facelift does Dr. Nichlos offer?
In Dr. Nichlos’ practice, various procedures are used – depending on the extent of skin ageing and the desired result. The methods offered include the mini facelift, midface lift, SMAS facelift, deep plane facelift and partial lifts such as the forehead lift or eyebrow lift. The aim of each method is to achieve a natural result with the shortest possible downtime.
- What is the difference between a mini facelift and a deep plane facelift?
The mini facelift is a gentle procedure that removes minor excess skin in the lower face – ideal for the first signs of ageing. The deep plane facelift, on the other hand, goes deeper: here, not only the skin but also the connective tissue and muscles are repositioned. This technique is particularly suitable for severely sagging skin, for example in the middle and lower third of the face, and offers very long-lasting results.
- How does a facelift work and how long does the operation take?
A facelift is usually performed under general anesthesia or twilight sleep. The duration depends on the method chosen: A mini facelift takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, a deep plane facelift around 3.5 hours or longer. Through fine, inconspicuous incisions – usually in the area of the hairline or behind the ears – the skin is tightened, excess tissue is removed and the face is recontoured. This is followed by fine sutures and a bandage.
- Is a facelift associated with pain?
Patients do not feel any pain during the procedure itself – thanks to modern anesthetic procedures. In the first few days after the operation, there may be a feeling of tension, swelling or slight bruising. However, these symptoms can be treated well and usually subside within a few days. If necessary, Dr. Nichlos supports the healing process with accompanying measures such as lymphatic drainage.
- How long does healing take after a facelift?
The initial healing phase after a facelift usually lasts 10 to 14 days. During this time, swelling, bruising and feelings of tension gradually subside. Slight restrictions in facial expressions or chewing are normal in the first few days. Complete recovery can take several weeks, depending on the skin type and the method used. Regular follow-up appointments help to optimally support the healing process.
- What are the risks of a facelift?
As with any surgical procedure, complications can also occur during a facelift – e.g. bruising, swelling, wound healing disorders or temporary loss of sensation. More serious risks such as nerve irritation are rare. Dr. Nichlos attaches great importance to providing his patients with detailed information and follows them closely during aftercare.
About the Author
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos, M.D., is a board-certified plastic and aesthetic surgeon in Frankfurt who has specialized in facelifts and aesthetic procedures in the facial area for over 17 years.
All content on this page has been personally reviewed by him and complies with current medical standards in plastic and aesthetic surgery.
