If facial sagging has progressed beyond the early stages, only a surgical facelift can reposition the deeper structures responsible for the aged appearance. Ageing does not occur in the skin alone—what we see on the surface is the consequence of changes in the underlying anatomy.

As we age, the SMAS layer (the fibromuscular layer that connects skin, fat, and facial muscles) begins to descend. Ligaments that normally hold the midface, jawline, and neck in place weaken. Fat pads lose volume or shift downward, creating heaviness around the lower face, jowls, and a less defined jawline. These changes happen in planes that cannot be lifted or repositioned with fillers, threads, or energy-based devices.

A modern facelift addresses exactly these anatomical shifts. Instead of pulling the skin tight, we work in the deeper tissue layers:

• The SMAS and deep plane tissues are lifted and secured back into their youthful position.

• Facial ligaments are released and resuspended, restoring natural support.

• Excess skin is removed sparingly, ensuring a soft, harmonious look.

• Lost volume is restored through microfat transfer when needed, recreating youthful contours without a “filled” appearance.

This technique respects your facial identity. Your characteristic expressions and proportions remain intact—simply refreshed, defined, and elevated to a more youthful position. The result is a refined, natural rejuvenation without the telltale signs of surgery.

There are many described techniques for performing a facelift: mini-lift, SMAS plication, SMAS flap, short-scar, deep-plane and more. They differ in the length of the incision, the depth and vector of the tissue lift, and the extent of supporting structures corrected. What recent evidence shows is that when two different techniques are applied to similar patients by a highly skilled surgeon, the results may be very comparable — emphasising that the surgeon’s experience and aesthetic sensibility matter more than the name of the technique. At our clinic, we believe that each procedure must be tailored carefully to your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals. We want you to look refreshed, youthful, balanced and natural — and always above all safe. The most important balance is between achieving the best result and doing so by the safest route.

The modern facelift is therefore based on a multimodal approach: surgical repositioning of tissues, fat grafting to restore volume, fillers & botulinum toxin where needed, laser or chemical peel for skin quality — the goal is not only to remove excess skin, but to restore the deeper architecture of the face, rejuvenate the skin envelope and deliver a result that endures. Newer surgical procedures allow for shorter scars, reduced tissue trauma and quicker recoveries, but the key remains: correct indication + meticulous execution = safe, natural, lasting outcome.

Every face ages differently. Genetics, skin quality, bone structure, lifestyle, and previous treatments all influence how tissues descend and where support is needed. For this reason, there is no “one” facelift that fits everyone. Instead, we choose the technique that best addresses your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals — safely, naturally, and with long-lasting results.

Below is an overview of the most established facelift techniques and when each one is most suitable.

Mini-Facelift

What it is:
A limited-incision lift focusing primarily on the lower face. Depending on the surgeon, the mini-lift may involve only skin tightening or a light SMAS adjustment.

Best for:

• Early signs of aging
  
• Mild jowls
  
• Patients in their 40s–50s with good skin elasticity
  
• Those seeking a shorter recovery
  

Limitations:
Does not correct deeper structural changes or significant midface/neck aging.

SMAS Facelift

What it is:
A technique that lifts the SMAS layer (Superficial MusculoAponeurotic System), the key support structure under the skin. This allows repositioning of the deeper tissues before removing any excess skin.

Best for:

• Jowls
  
• Reduced jawline definition
  
• Moderate sagging of the mid and lower face
  
• Patients who want natural, long-lasting results
  

Why it works well:
Lifting the SMAS produces structural improvement without tension on the skin.

Short-Scar Facelift (MACS / Minimal Access)

What it is:
A modern, less invasive facelift with a shorter incision and reduced skin undermining — still with SMAS repositioning, but with less surgical trauma.

Best for:

• Patients wanting less downtime
  
• Moderate facial sagging
  
• Individuals with good skin quality who prefer minimal scarring
  

Characteristics:
A balanced approach between recovery time and effectiveness.

Deep-Plane Facelift

What it is:
A more advanced technique performed in deeper anatomical planes. Here, the surgeon releases key retaining ligaments, repositions drooping fat pads, and lifts the entire facial unit from beneath the SMAS.

Best for:

• Advanced aging changes
  
• Midface descent
  
• Deep nasolabial folds
  
• Heavier jowls
  
• Combined lower face and neck laxity
  

Why it is powerful:
It offers one of the most natural and durable rejuvenations, restoring the facial structure from the deepest layer.

How We Choose the Right Technique for You

During your consultation, we assess:

• The quality and elasticity of your skin
  
• The position of fat pads and supporting ligaments
  
• Your bone structure
  
• Your natural facial proportions
  
• Your desired degree of rejuvenation
  
• Your healing capacity and safety profile
  
  

The best technique is the one that:

1. Corrects the true anatomical cause of your aging,
   
2. Achieves the most natural rejuvenation,
   
3. Provides the highest level of safety,
   

Fits your lifestyle and recovery capacity.

A Modern Facelift Is Multimodal

Regardless of the technique, the most beautiful and long-lasting results are achieved when surgery is combined with:

• Microfat grafting
  
• Fillers (where appropriate)
  
• Muscle relaxation (Botox)
  
• Laser treatments
  
• Chemical peels
  
• Medical skincare
  

A facelift restores position — the skin and its quality must also be rejuvenated.

Absolutely — and in most cases, a facelift achieves its most powerful and natural results when combined with complementary procedures. Aging rarely affects only one area. The face, neck, eyelids, brows, volume distribution and skin quality change together. A modern, contemporary rejuvenation therefore addresses all layers in a harmonious way.

Neck Lift

The neck is one of the earliest areas to show aging because its skin is thinner and less elastic. Sagging skin, banding, and loss of contour cannot be corrected with non-surgical treatments alone.
A facelift is most effective when performed together with a neck lift, as this restores the entire lower face–neck unit and provides a seamless, defined jawline.

Nano-Fat or Micro-Fat Transfer (Volume Restoration)

Structural aging is not only about sagging — it is also about volume loss. With advancing age, fat pads shift downward or shrink, leaving the midface flat and the lower face heavier.
Adding nano- or micro-fat transfer during a facelift restores youthful contours, improves skin quality, and supports long-term stability of the result.

Eyelid Surgery (Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty)

A refreshed lower face can look incomplete if the eyes still appear tired.
Blepharoplasty beautifully complements a facelift by opening the eye area, removing excess skin, and correcting fat herniation for a harmonious overall result.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

A minimally invasive brow lift elevates the eyebrows in their natural position and softens heaviness over the upper eyelids. Combined with a facelift, it creates a balanced and youthful upper-third of the face.

Skin Rejuvenation: Chemical Peels & Fractional Laser

A facelift restores structure — but the skin envelope itself also needs rejuvenation.
Chemical peels and fractional laser treatments improve:

• Fine lines

• Pigmentation

• Sun damage

• Pore size

• Skin texture

Together with surgery, they create a truly vibrant, fresh, and radiant appearance.

Our Philosophy

At Dr. Kelly®, a facelift is never “just a facelift.”
We follow a holistic, multimodal approach: repositioning deep tissues, restoring lost volume, rejuvenating the skin, and combining surgical and non-surgical methods to achieve the most natural, balanced, and long-lasting result.
Everything works together — beautifully and precisely.

Recovery after a modern facelift is often far easier than patients anticipate. Because we use advanced, minimally traumatic surgical techniques, support you with anti-swelling medication and professional lymphatic drainage in our clinic, and give you clear post-operative instructions, most patients are fully socially presentable after just 7 days.

Healing still follows a natural process — but with the right technique and support, it becomes predictable, gentle, and easy to plan.

Recovery Overview (Typical Timeline)

Day 1–2

• Mild swelling and tightness

• Light activity at home is allowed

• Most patients need only mild pain medication

Day 3–5

• Swelling decreases noticeably

• Bruising becomes lighter and easy to conceal

• Energy levels improve; many feel “normal” again

• Gentle walks and household tasks are fine

Day 7–10

• Most patients feel confident returning to social life

• Make-up can camouflage any remaining redness

• Many already return to work during this time

Day 10–14

• Social and professional life fully resumed

• Most bruising has resolved

• Face looks fresh, natural, and balanced

Return to Normal Activities

• Work: often after 7–10 days

• Light exercise: one week

• Intense workouts: 3–4 weeks

• Photos / events: 3–4 weeks

• Final result: 3–6 months

What Makes Recovery Faster at Dr. Kelly® Group

• Latest surgical methods with minimal trauma

• Anti-swelling medication

• Medical lymphatic lift-training to speed up healing

• Tailored aftercare and close follow-up

• A clear plan that makes recovery structured and predictable

Most importantly: if you follow our postoperative instructions, you can realistically expect to feel and look socially ready one week after surgery.

At Dr. Kelly®, all facelift procedures are performed under modern twilight anesthesia (sedation) combined with local anesthesia. This method offers the perfect balance between comfort, safety, and fast recovery — and has become one of the signature advantages of our clinic.

Why Twilight Anesthesia Is the Optimal Choice

Twilight anesthesia places you in a deep, calm, sleep-like state. You breathe on your own, feel no pain, and have no awareness of the procedure. Most patients describe the experience as falling asleep for a few minutes and waking up feeling refreshed.

Because we combine this with precisely administered local anesthesia, the entire surgical area is completely numb during and after the operation.

This approach provides benefits that full general anesthesia simply cannot offer:

Your Benefits at a Glance

• No pain during the procedure
  
• A deep, restful sleep-like state — without a breathing tube
  
• No nausea, no grogginess, and significantly fewer side effects than general anesthesia
  
• A quicker, clearer awakening — most patients are fully alert within minutes
  
• Faster recovery and lower complication risk
  
• You can go home just a few hours after surgery
• Reduced risks for patients with underlying health conditions

Why We Avoid General Anesthesia

Many clinics still perform facelifts under full general anesthesia. While it is safe in trained hands, it is associated with:

• a higher physiological stress load
  
• longer wake-up times
  
• more postoperative nausea and fatigue
  
• potentially increased risks for certain patient groups
• it demands an overnight stay, sometimes even two
  

For a facelift — a procedure focused on precision and patient comfort — this is usually unnecessary.

Our Specialty

Our team has extensive training and certification in procedural deep sedation, ensuring full patient safety. This expert approach allows us to offer the most comfortable and safest anesthesia option available for facelift patients today.

No — in most cases, a facelift at Dr. Kelly®  is safely performed on an outpatient basis. Thanks to our modern sedation technique (twilight anesthesia combined with local anesthesia) and our minimally invasive, tissue-preserving approach, patients recover quickly and comfortably without the need for hospital admission.

After the procedure, you will spend a monitoring period in your private patient room, where our team ensures that you wake up gently, feel well, and are fully stable. Once you are ready, you may go home accompanied by an escort, feeling clear, calm, and surprisingly fit.

To ensure your safety and peace of mind, you will receive:

• detailed post-operative instructions,

• your personal 24/7 emergency number, and

• close follow-up in the first days after the surgery.

Optional Overnight Stay for Your Comfort

For patients who prefer additional comfort — and especially for those traveling from abroad or from other regions of Switzerland — we also offer the option of overnight accommodation in our private patient rooms.
This allows you to rest in a calm, luxurious environment with our team available on-site.

Whether you choose outpatient care or an overnight stay, you can rely on the same high level of safety, professionalism, and personalized support.

Many patients worry about scars — but in modern facelift surgery, this is rarely a concern. With today’s refined techniques, precise incision placement, and meticulous closure, facelift scars are minimal, well-hidden, and naturally camouflaged in the hairline or around the ear. Most of our patients can comfortably wear their hair up again once healing is complete.

In other words: a modern facelift does not look operated.

Because each facelift technique involves a different surgical approach, the scars may vary slightly. Here is an overview based on the most common methods:

Mini-Facelift (Short Incision / Limited Lift)

• Scar location: Around the front of the ear; sometimes only within the natural crease

• Length: Very short

• Visibility: Excellent — often barely noticeable once healed

• Ideal for: Younger patients or those with early signs of sagging

• Why minimal: Less skin undermining and limited access to deeper structures

Patients usually heal quickly and can wear their hair back without hesitation.

SMAS Facelift

• Scar location:

  • Around the ear contour (in front and slightly behind the ear)

  • Occasionally extending a few centimeters into the hairline

• Length: Moderate

• Visibility: Excellent — placed along natural shadows of the ear

• Ideal for: Midface and jawline sagging

This approach allows deeper structural correction while keeping scars discreet and natural.

Short-Scar / MACS Facelift

• Scar location: In front of the ear, sometimes slightly into the temple hairline

• Length: Shorter than a full SMAS facelift

• Visibility: Very good; designed to avoid extending behind the ear

• Ideal for: Patients seeking impactful results with minimal incision footprint

Perfect for individuals prioritizing shorter scars and faster recovery.

Deep-Plane Facelift

• Scar location:

  • In front of and behind the ear

  • Often blended into the hairline for the most natural flow

• Length: Slightly longer due to deeper anatomical work

• Visibility: Excellent — advanced closure techniques make scars very discreet

• Ideal for: Advanced aging, heavy midface descent, combined face–neck rejuvenation

Because the deeper layers carry the tension (not the skin), scars heal softer and finer.

Neck Lift and Platysmal Bands

When the neck requires additional correction (especially prominent platysmal bands):

• A small incision under the chin is added

• It heals extremely well due to the natural shadow under the chin

• Used when central neck tightening or fat removal is needed

Why Scars Heal So Well at Dr. Kelly® 

• Incisions follow natural creases and shadows of the ear

• No tension on the skin — deeper support layers carry the lift

• Extremely fine suturing techniques

• Postoperative scar management with medical skincare and laser if needed

• Close follow-up and personalized wound-healing plan

The result: soft, fine scars that are barely visible — even when wearing a ponytail.

A surgical facelift remains the longest-lasting and most effective rejuvenation procedure in aesthetic medicine. No injectable, thread lift, or energy-based device can achieve the same degree of structural lifting — nor can they match the durability of surgical correction.

The results of a facelift are visible immediately, but they continue to refine over the first 3–6 months as swelling settles and the tissues adapt to their new, lifted position. Once healed, the change is dramatic, natural, and long-term.

A well-performed facelift does not stop the aging process — but it turns the clock back by 10 to 15 years, and you will continue to look significantly younger than you would have without surgery.

Longevity by Facelift Technique

Mini-Facelift

Duration: ~5–8 years
A limited-lift with shorter incisions. Because the deeper structures are only partially treated, results fade faster. Suitable for early aging, but not for patients with significant sagging.

Short-Scar / MACS Facelift

Duration: ~7–10 years
Repositions the SMAS to some degree. Longer-lasting than mini-lifts, but still limited in correcting deeper structural aging.

SMAS Facelift

Duration: ~8–12 years**
Addresses the SMAS layer — the true support structure of the face. Offers noticeably stronger, more stable, and more natural results than surface-focused techniques.

Deep-Plane Facelift

Duration: 10–15+ years
The most advanced and durable technique. By releasing and lifting the deeper ligaments and fat pads, the entire facial unit is repositioned.
This produces one of the most natural and longest-lasting outcomes in modern plastic surgery.

A Crucial Warning About “Mini Facelifts” Sold Online

There are many marketing terms such as “mini facelift,” “ponytail lift,” “weekend lift,” or “lunchtime lift.” These procedures often:

• tighten only the skin

• do not address the SMAS or deeper structures

• put tension on the skin closure

• create short-lived results (often <5 years)

• can produce widened scars

• may lead to unnatural pulling over time

For this reason, we do not recommend or offer superficial mini-lifting techniques. They do not meet our standards of safety, stability, or natural aesthetics.

A facelift must correct the deep anatomy, not just the skin — otherwise the results simply cannot last.

Maintaining Your Result Over Time

Sun protection, high-quality medical skincare, and holistic maintenance treatments significantly extend the longevity of your facelift.

To support you long-term, we offer our “Beauty Through the Ages” program — a personalized plan combining non-surgical rejuvenation, dermatology, and medical skincare to help your lifted, youthful appearance remain at its best through every decade of your life.

Prices for a surgical facelift start from CHF 14,500. 

Your well-being and an optimal result are our top priorities. Each patient has an individuality whose needs are the focus of my treatments. Therefore, it is not always possible to give a general estimate of the costs. Therefore, please understand that we cannot quote generally valid prices for surgical facelifting. The costs of each surgical treatment also depend on your personal initial situation and your wishes.

Are you interested in a surgical facelift and would like to know more about the prices?
Write us a message and arrange your consultation!