Facelift

Operation | Follow-up care | Frequently asked questions

Forehead lifts, brow lifts, face and neck lifts are common procedures in plastic and aesthetic surgery. They are designed to restore the natural contours of the face by lifting the loose tissue back into place. Procedures such as a face, eyebrow, neck, forehead or brow lift can smooth out any disharmony and rejuvenate the face.

With the surgical techniques available in reputable cosmetic surgery today, the emphasis is on achieving the most natural results possible. Grotesque, understandably ridiculed mask-style makeovers are thankfully a thing of the past as far as professional aesthetic surgery is concerned.

The Operation

On the day of your face lift you will arrive at the Pyramid Clinic one and a half to two hours before your scheduled surgery. Our nursing staff and your specialist will prepare you for the operation ahead. This includes taking the “before” photos and marking the new facial contours on your skin. An experienced anaesthetist will explain the details of the general anaesthetic planned.

The face lift will take about three to four hours. The process involves lifting not only the upper layer of skin but also the underlying connective tissue and facial muscles. Fine incisions along the hairline and around the ear allow the deeper layers of tissue to be lifted. The muscle layer of connective tissue and the neck muscles are also released and lifted slightly at the same time. Then any excess skin around the cheeks plus any loose neck tissue is tightened.

A face lift requires a stay of one to two nights at the clinic. You should also plan for a two-week rest period after surgery.

Follow-up care 

The head bandage will be removed on the day of surgery. You will be able to carefully wash your hair again from the second day. The plaster and stitches will be completely removed after one or two weeks.

Unpleasant side effects such as a feeling of tightness, swelling and bruising generally disappear after seven to ten days. All signs of the operation should have substantially healed after approximately three to four weeks, often earlier.

Face lifts: Situation before surgery

The incisions will be well concealed in the natural folds around the ear and under the hairline.

Face lifts: Situation after surgery

The previously saggy contours of the face are now much improved.

Frequently asked questions about face lifts

Is a face lift permanent?

It is not possible to say with any certainty how long the wrinkle and contour correction will last, as it all depends on your individual predisposition, lifestyle, facial expressiveness and skin quality. Generally speaking, you can expect the results to be visible even after ten years. The natural aging process will continue but the effects achieved through the face lift will be lasting. However, the procedure may also be repeated at a later stage, if unwanted contour changes should recur as a result of the advancing aging process.

Will the scars be visible?

The incisions will be well concealed in the natural folds around the ear and along the hairline of your scalp. The incision points are also so fine that they will normally be scarcely visible once the healing process is over.

Do I need to tell you about any medication I am taking?

It is extremely important in every case that you advise the specialist treating you of any illnesses and any medication you may be taking. For two weeks before surgery you must not take any medication containing aspirin (because of its blood-thinning effect). These medications may lead to excessive bleeding during the operation and delay the post-operative healing process. The specialist may decline to go ahead with surgery at any time if an increased risk is posed as a result of medication taken before the operation.

What are the risks associated with a face lift?

As a general rule, any operation carries with it certain risks (e.g. intolerance of certain medication, bruising, delayed healing, inflammation, scar problems or loss of normal sensation). This all depends on the individual’s general state of health. The specialist will discuss any potential risks with you as part of the consultation process and in preparation for surgery.

When will I be able to socialise again?

This depends on how quickly you heal and how soon you wish to be seen. We recommend you take things easy for a period of three to four weeks.

When will I be able to play sport again?

You should not play any sport for four to six weeks after surgery. Then you can slowly resume physical training at a gentle pace.

How much does a face lift cost?

The cost of a face lift depends on the type and scope of the surgical procedure involved and can only be determined through a private consultation and a medical examination. In total you can expect to pay around 26,000 Swiss francs. The preliminary consultation is 200 Swiss francs.

Are the costs covered by health insurance?

No. Forehead, brow, face and neck lifts are not covered by health insurance.

Contact us for a consultation

Our doctors have many years of experience. We guarantee rapid, expert investigation and advice. Treatment is provided using the most up-to-date equipment and facilities. You are also welcome to ask us for a second opinion.

Facts and figures

Operation

Operation

3 to 4 hours, under general anaesthetic

Operation

Length of stay at the clinic

1 to 2 nights

Post-operative treatment

Post-operative treatment

Plaster and stitches removed 1 to 2 weeks after surgery

Arbeits­unfähigkeit

Arbeits­unfähigkeit

3 weeks

Sport

Sport

Resume after 4 to 6 weeks

Ready to socialise

Ready to socialise

After 3 weeks

Costs

Costs

Approx. CHF 26,000

Combining beauty with nature

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Centre for Plastic Surgery
Pyramid Clinic
Bellerivestrasse 34
CH-8034 Zurich

+41 44 388 14 14
+41 44 388 14 15

zpc@pyramide.ch
 

Arrange your appointment today.