FACE LIFT LAUSANNE | Rejuvenate without transforming

   There are several differences between facelifts. A deep facelift, for example, allows for a more complete correction of skin laxity and, above all, muscle laxity. A deep facelift requires general anesthesia. The risks of complications (such as hematomas) are rare but present with this type of facelift. However, the result is often very dramatic, while still maintaining a natural appearance. It is commonly said that a deep facelift makes you look 10 years younger and the results last for 7 to 15 years. 

The mini facelift is easier to perform. Typically, it is done under local anesthesia. The dissections are less extensive than in a full facelift, and the application of the muscles and the SMAS is less deep. There are few risks associated with a mini facelift. It is, in a way, a simpler technique, more effective than simply using thread lifts or the Morpheus 8 (HIFU treatment for skin laxity).

    A consultation is necessary to answer this question. Indeed, the indications for a mini-facelift and a full facelift depend on several factors. One important factor is the patient's wishes. Some patients want a very dramatic result, in which case a full facelift is preferable. On the other hand, if the goal is to improve the facial contour and address moderate skin laxity, a mini-facelift will be perfectly suitable. 

The surgeon conducts a consultation to make a diagnosis and assess your anatomy and needs. With over 20 years of experience, they can advise you on a personalized treatment plan. Our philosophy is always to offer the simplest and most cost-effective technique, provided it is suitable for your surgical goals. Therefore, you should not choose the lifting method in advance, as it is primarily determined by your consultation with the doctor. Finally, budget is also a factor: a mini facelift is generally half the price of a full facelift. Lastly, the anxiety associated with a mini facelift under local anesthesia is lower than that of a full facelift; some patients prefer not to undergo full sedation and opt for a very short recovery period with minimal disruption to their social life. Please note that the long-term results and their durability differ, so you should not expect a mini facelift to last as long as a full facelift.

   The results of a facelift and their long-term stability depend on several factors. On average, mini facelifts are repeated every 5 to 7 years, and full, deep facelifts every 10 to 15 years. Of course, lifestyle will strongly influence the results of a facelift; for example, smoking reduces skin laxity and leads to the need for a facelift to be repeated sooner.

One of the important parameters is skin elasticity. During consultations, the surgeon will assess the patient's condition. Some patients experience skin laxity that worsens over the years, especially around the time of menopause. Thus, these patients may require a mini-facelift or a more recent full facelift. Often, these patients have skin laxity all over their body, particularly on the inner thighs, abdomen, and breasts. However, the results can be maintained thanks to HIFU technologies like Morpheus Pro and, of course, annual hyaluronic acid injections. Aside from this aspect of skin laxity, maintaining a stable weight also helps preserve the effects of the facelift. Indeed, the fat deposits in the face help maintain tension. If someone loses a lot of weight, the face hollows and the skin sags. Nevertheless, in most cases, a facelift will provide stable results for several years.

    The contraindications for a facelift are the same as those for anesthesia in the case of a deep facelift. However, for a localized facelift under local anesthesia, the contraindications are only those of surgery in general.

During your appointment with your surgeon, you should discuss any ongoing medical treatments, especially any illnesses, as well as any facial treatments such as injections or laser treatments. It's also important to inform the surgeon about any scars, particularly those from accidents, which could contraindicate the skin undermining procedure of a facelift. Generally speaking, a facelift is possible at any age, provided there are no serious medical conditions. Anticoagulant or blood-thinning medications (such as vitamin K antagonists, aspirin, and anti-inflammatories) are often contraindications to facelifts. If you are taking this type of medication, the doctor will contact your cardiologist or family doctor to see if a temporary discontinuation is possible. In most cases, a facelift will have to be avoided, and less invasive techniques such as Morpheus will be considered. Heart and lung conditions, diabetes, HIV infection, and skin tumors are generally contraindications to facelifts to avoid abnormal complications or due to an unfavorable immune system. Don't hesitate to schedule a consultation; every surgeon is first and foremost a doctor and will advise you based on your medical history.

     This is the most frequently asked question of surgeons: Will my scars be visible after surgery? It's important to know that modern facelifts have greatly improved in terms of scar appearance over the last 10 years. Scars are now more discreet, hidden in the hairline and around the ear. Furthermore, there are fewer scars, and they are shorter. Many variations exist in the appearance of facelift scars.

During your initial consultation, the surgeon will be able to show you the path of the scars in front of a mirror. There's no secret to it: the scars are necessary. They allow for the removal of skin and access to the muscles for tightening, thus restoring normal anatomy. In most cases, the scars fade over a period of six months. They are very visible initially, but only for the first 15 days, and then much less so in the following months. It's quite fortunate that scars are not ideal for postoperative recovery. Various treatments exist, such as microneedling or corticosteroid injections. Finally, if a scar is unfavorable, it will always be possible to have a touch-up procedure at six months to a year to improve it. Often, the skin regeneration is minimal, and the mechanical force on the scar is less than during the initial procedure, resulting in finer scars after touch-ups. However, this is rarely necessary, as most scars become very discreet very quickly.

    Facelifts are generally performed between the ages of 45 and 65. Younger patients may also require a facelift, primarily due to sagging skin resulting from weight loss. For genetic reasons, some families have a history of significant skin laxity, causing the facial contour to sag as early as their forties.

In this context, if Morpheus treatment and hyaluronic acid injections are insufficient, a facelift for young women should be considered. At the time of menopause, the face hollows, muscles relax, and skin laxity increases, creating the typical sagging with the appearance of jowls. The face is less defined and heavier, but a facelift is still possible. In a way, a facelift is beneficial at any age. A deep facelift is particularly recommended around the age of fifty and during menopause.

It's important to remember that men generally undergo facelifts at an older age, around 60. Numerous publications show that female patients are satisfied with their facelifts and may choose to have further procedures (secondary facelifts). These second facelifts are very effective and less invasive. In fact, there's no upper age limit for a facelift; it's the individual's health and physical condition that determine whether surgery is appropriate.

      As part of a standard neck and shoulder lift, your quote includes one night of hospitalization. This overnight stay is necessary for your comfort, monitoring, and to prevent any potential complications during the first 24 hours.  

 The main objective is to monitor for the appearance of a hematoma that requires simple drainage, or even cauterization in the operating room.  

   For a facelift under local anesthesia (mini-facelift), the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. After a short observation period (one to three hours), you can return home accompanied. For safety and liability reasons, you will not be able to drive after the procedure. Therefore, you must be accompanied or arrange for someone to take you home by taxi.

 No. This often surprises patients, but a facelift is not painful. Patients typically describe some discomfort during the first 24 hours due to the semi-compressive dressing. Given the slight facial swelling, a feeling of discomfort is common. Furthermore, in rare cases, a prescription for pain medication can easily eliminate this sensation. When taking these medications, it is important to inform the doctor if you have a gastric ulcer, as this contraindicates certain medications used to reduce swelling.

 It is possible to fly 24 hours after a localized facelift and 72 hours after a full facelift. The surgeon will primarily want to check the dressing the following morning and during the first few days to detect the appearance of a hematoma. This is not a simple bruise, but rather an abnormal swelling that appears on one of the cheeks and requires drainage.

It is within this context of monitoring that the surgeon may request a delay in the flight. It should also be noted that a facelift involves sutures that will need to be removed between 8 and 10 days later, depending on the extent of the procedure.

   It's possible to tie your hair up the day after your facelift. This can also be helpful for changing dressings. However, wearing your hair in a ponytail isn't discreet for the first 10 days. If you tie your hair up, the stitches and any bruising (usually present during the first week) will be more visible.

In the area behind the ear, the surgeon usually places the scars high up and within the hairline. This allows for wearing a ponytail in everyday life after a facelift.

 A facelift primarily corrects sagging skin and drooping of the facial contours. While it's true that removing a few centimeters of skin can improve wrinkles on the cheeks, this isn't strictly speaking the purpose of a facelift. Therefore, a facelift should not be performed to reduce cheek wrinkles.

If you wish to reduce cheek wrinkles, monthly skin booster injections combined with picosecond laser treatment and regular Morpheus 8 treatments will be more suitable. Note that these treatments can be performed after a facelift.

Similarly, a facelift does not correct wrinkles around the mouth. These wrinkles, sometimes called barcode lines, can be corrected with combined mesotherapy and hyaluronic acid treatments.

    The "fox eye" eyebrow lift is a popular trend, particularly among young and fashionable clients. This eyebrow lifting technique is not new. Currently, it carries an image of excessive transformation of the eyes when performed by the wrong people. It's worth noting that eyebrow lifting has existed for many years; in fact, it was invented by Dr. Fogli in Marseille, who called this technique "the mannequin tweezer."

It is perfectly possible to have an external canthopexy or eyebrow suspension. We find this technique invasive and excessive. Moreover, like all trends, this suspended look will eventually go out of style! For our clients, we recommend gentler techniques to enhance the openness of the eyes. This may involve combining superior blepharoplasty with the use of botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid injections. For more information and to confirm this strategy, a consultation with the doctor is essential.

An aesthetic and technical approach will be offered to you.

This is a localized facelift technique. It is performed in 45 minutes under local anesthesia. In American terms, it is a "lunchtime" surgical procedure. 

This procedure is essentially a cheek lift. It is performed by removing the epithelial layer of skin at the crow's feet. This method must be performed by a surgeon, as the plan must be perfectly precise to avoid damaging the frontal branch of the facial nerve. With minimal risk and virtually no recovery time, this technique achieves the same effect as thread lifts, while being more stable over time. Furthermore, the low cost makes this surgery more affordable.

 This innovative technique is perfectly suited to patients who want a subtle effect without the downtime or recovery period required by a traditional facelift. It's a competitor to thread lifts… but with longer-lasting results.

Most mini-facelifts do not cause facial swelling. However, you will experience facial swelling with a SMAS-type facelift. To reduce swelling, we advise you to: 

• wear a semi-compression mask
• elevate your face in bed
• use ice packs without direct contact with the skin
• The diet should be soft for the first 24 hours.
• Use helichrysum essential oil if needed.