Facelift Cologne – Minimizing the signs of time
The skin is our largest organ with an area of around two square meters. It is the direct link between us and the environment. Our skin has a variety of functions: it can protect us against harmful external influences, regulate our heat balance, absorb active substances and excrete metabolic products.
It is completely normal for the skin to lose its elasticity with age and begin to form wrinkles. Exposure to the sun, smoking and an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as particularly active facial expressions, accelerate the natural process of skin ageing.
The aim of facelift surgery is to restore the skin’s elasticity, make the facial skin appear significantly younger and reduce wrinkles. Of the many options for treating wrinkles, a facelift is the most effective and long-lasting.
On this page you will find all the important information about facelifting in Cologne at the PALMKLINIK. Arrange your individual consultation appointment now.
At a Glance: Facelifting
| 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 Facelifting (Rhytidectomy)
On this page, we would like to inform you about three effective surgical procedures: facelift surgery in general, the vertical facelift and the mini facelift. Depending on the method, 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 traction, permanently eliminating existing wrinkles and fine lines. The surgical facelift can be performed using different methods, which differ in terms of the incision. As the facelift is now a standard procedure in plastic and aesthetic surgery, the results are now very natural and visually harmonious.
Before the procedure even takes place, we have to assess whether a facelift is suitable for you: depending on whether you have any pre-existing conditions, we may not be able to perform the procedure. We must also decide individually which type of facelift is suitable for your face and your signs of ageing.
In the classic method, an incision is made from the temples in the hairline down to the ears. Another incision is made behind the ear and runs down to the hairline at the nape of the neck. The detached skin is pulled taut to the side and upwards. The connective tissue of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles are then separated and moved upwards. The excess skin is removed and the wound is sutured. The facelift is usually performed under general anesthesia. The operation takes around three to four hours and you will stay in the clinic for one to two days afterwards. Your stitches can be removed after around 10-14 days.
Tip: Take a look at our other wrinkle treatments such as PRP-Treatment, Treatment with Microneedling or CO2 Laser Treatment.
Vertical Facelifting
With a vertical facelifting, the skin is not pulled up laterally after the incisions at the lateral hairline, but only vertically upwards. The cheeks, eyebrows, forehead, temples and mouth area are tightened in particular. Then, as with a classic lift, the excess skin is removed and the incision site is sutured. With this type of lift, it is also possible to tighten only individual areas of the face. The vertical facelift leaves no visible scars.
Mini Facelifting
For a mini facelift, an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia is usually sufficient. An incision is made in front of and above the ear to gently remove the skin covering. The skin is then detached from the deeper structures. It is then smoothed vertically towards the ear. The excess skin is removed and the incision sutured.
The two-hour operation is less time-consuming and the lift is particularly gentle, resulting in less scarring. It is mainly used to address sagging jowls that make the face look sad. You can usually return home on the same day. The stitches are removed after seven to ten days.
Risks of a Facelift
As with any operation, there are risks involved in a facelift, although it is generally a safe procedure:
- Injury to the nerves (paralyzed facial areas, drooping corners of the mouth)
- Scarring that is more noticeable than desired
- Postoperative 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 surgical risks
Facelifting – Aftercare
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 movements, especially in the face, and keep your head as high as possible. It is best to sleep with your upper body elevated for the first week.
Cold applications, lymphatic drainage and medical hair washes are also recommended for aftercare: Cool the operated region regularly with cooling pads for a few days. After 3 weeks at the latest, the swelling should subside to such an extent that you can resume your everyday life. However, sporting activity, sauna or sunbathing should be completely avoided for 6 weeks.
Frequently asked questions about Facelifting
You probably have many questions about a facelifting in Cologne. To make your decision easier, we will answer the most common ones below. However, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about facelift surgery. You are welcome to arrange an initial, no-obligation consultation at the PALMKLINIK.
How long does a facelift last?
The tissue is permanently removed during a facelift so that the results are long-lasting. The surgical procedure cannot prevent natural skin ageing – 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.
Wie gefährlich ist ein Facelifting?
In principle, a facelift is a safe procedure. However, as with any operation, there are also risks involved in a facelift. To name just a few: Injury to the nerves, scarring, post-operative bleeding, inflammation, bruising, tightness and more.
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of a facelift varies depending on the method, extent or surgical technique and is between €2,500 and €8,900. A mini facelift costs from €4,000 and will vary depending on the indication and complexity.