Facelift Cologne – Minimize the signs of aging
The skin is our largest organ, covering an area of approximately two square meters. It is the direct connection between us and the environment and, at the same time, the direct boundary. Our skin has many functions: it can protect us against harmful external influences, regulate heat balance, absorb active ingredients, and excrete metabolic products.
With all its important functions, the skin is also a real eye-catcher: if it is smooth, lightly tanned, blemish-free, and firm, it is considered particularly beautiful. If the skin is uneven, saggy, and wrinkled, outsiders will perceive you as older, tired, and even ill.
It is completely normal for the skin to start forming wrinkles and sagging with age, as the skin’s elasticity begins to decline as early as age 30. It is completely normal for skin to start forming wrinkles and sagging with age, as the elasticity of the skin on the face begins to decline from the age of 30.
Sun exposure, smoking, an unhealthy lifestyle, and particularly expressive facial movements accelerate the natural aging process of the skin: the tissue and muscles in the face and neck slacken, and the entire face sags slightly.
The aim of surgical facelifts is to give the skin new tension, making the facial skin appear significantly younger and reducing wrinkles. Surgical facelifts are the most effective and long-lasting of the many options available for treating wrinkles. A facelift can rejuvenate the skin by around 10-15 years.
If you would like to learn more about other, gentler facelift methods, read on here: Thread lift. On this page, you will find important information about facelifts at the PALMKLINIK. Arrange a detailed, personal consultation now.
What you need to know: Facelift
| Surgery duration | 3-4 hours |
| Hospitalization | 2 days |
| Aftercare | Head bandage, cold applications, lymphatic drainage |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Socially presentable | 1-2 weeks |
| Sport | Sport is possible again after 5-6 weeks |
Classic surgical facelift (rhytidectomy)
On this page, we would like to tell you about three effective surgical procedures: facelift surgery in general, vertical facelifts, and mini facelifts. Depending on the method used, different areas or a combination of several areas of the face are tightened. The skin on the neck can also be smoothed out again.
During a facelift, the skin and underlying tissue are smoothed by pulling, thereby permanently removing existing wrinkles and fine lines. Surgical facelifts can be performed using a variety of methods, which differ in terms of the incisions made. Since facelifts are now a standard procedure in plastic and cosmetic surgery, the results today are very natural and visually harmonious.
Bevor der Eingriff überhaupt stattfindet, müssen wir einschätzen, ob für Sie ein Facelifting geeignet ist: je nachdem, ob und welche Vorerkrankungen Sie haben, können wir den Eingriff nicht vornehmen. Es muss zudem individuell entschieden werden, welche Art von Facelifting sich für Ihr Gesicht und Ihre Alterserscheinung eignet.
In the classic method, an incision is made from the temples at the hairline down to the ears. Another incision is made behind the ear and extends to the hairline at the nape of the neck. The detached skin is pulled taut to the side and upward. The connective tissue of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles are then separated from each other and moved upward. The excess skin is removed and the wound is sutured. Facelifts are usually performed under general anesthesia. The operation takes about three to four hours, and you will stay in the clinic for one to two days afterward. Your stitches can be removed after about 10-14 days.
Tip: Take a look at our other wrinkle treatments, such as thread lifting and CO2 laser treatment.
Vertical facelift
In a vertical facelift, after the incisions are made at the side of the hairline, the skin is not pulled sideways, but only vertically upwards. This mainly tightens the cheeks, eyebrows, forehead, temples, and mouth area. Then, as with a classic facelift, the excess skin is removed and the incision is sutured. With this type of facelift, it is also possible to tighten individual areas of the face. Vertical facelifts leave no visible scars.
Mini-Facelifting
A mini facelift usually requires only an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. An incision is made in front of and above the ear, and the skin is gently lifted. The skin is then detached from the underlying structures and pulled vertically toward the ear. The excess skin is removed and the incision is sutured.
The two-hour operation is less complicated and the lift is particularly gentle, resulting in less frequent and less noticeable scarring. The procedure primarily addresses sagging cheeks, which can make the face appear sad. You can usually return home on the same day. The stitches are removed after seven to ten days.
Risks of facelifts
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with facelifts, although it is generally a safe procedure:
- Nerve damage (paralyzed facial areas, drooping corners of the mouth)
- Scarring that is more noticeable than desired
- Secondary bleeding, inflammation
- Swelling
- Bruising, feelings of tension
- Hair loss in the area of the incisions
- Overcorrection (mask-like appearance, unnatural facial expressions, asymmetry, feeling of tension)
- General operational risks
Aftercare – what do you need to bear in mind after a facelift?
You will need to wear a bandage around your head for the first few days. You should rest at home for a few days and avoid excessive movement. You should refrain from active movement, especially of your face, and keep your head elevated as much as possible. It is best to sleep with your upper body elevated during the first week.
Cold therapy, lymphatic drainage, and medical hair washing are also recommended for aftercare: Cool the operated area regularly with cooling pads for several days. After 3 weeks at the latest, the swelling should have subsided enough for you to resume your normal daily activities. However, sporting activities, saunas, and sunbathing should be avoided completely for 6 weeks.
Frequently asked questions about facelifts
You probably have many questions about facelifts at our clinic in Cologne. To help you make your decision, we answer the most frequently asked questions below. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about facelifts. Feel free to schedule an initial consultation at the PALMKLINIK with no obligation.
How long does a facelift last?
The tissue is permanently removed during a facelift, ensuring long-lasting results. The surgical procedure cannot prevent natural skin aging—the skin and tissue will continue to sag and lose elasticity. The results of a facelift last for around seven to a maximum of 15 years.
How dangerous is a facelift?
Generally speaking, facelifts are safe procedures. As with any surgery, however, there are also risks associated with facelifts. To name just a few: nerve damage, scarring, secondary bleeding, inflammation, bruising, tension, and more.
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of a facelift varies depending on the method, extent, or surgical technique used, ranging from €2,500 to €8,900. A mini facelift starts at €4,000 and will vary depending on the indication and complexity.