Most are best suited in the 50s, but it depends on the individual’s starting point. In the 30s and 40s, early age changes can be treated well with minor surgical interventions such as correction of eyelids/eyebrows and bags under the eyes. In addition, non-surgical treatments such as filler, laser and other wrinkle treatments can be effective.

The classic face lift (High-SMAS), which we perform at the Amalie Clinic, aims in particular to lift the face, so that the skin on the neck and jaw line is smoothed out as much as possible. In addition, the technique will create a lift in the mid-face above the cheeks and a lift in the temple region. If you want a real lift of the eyebrows and eyelids , it can be done in connection with the operation.

In some cases, a face lift must also be combined with liposuction of the neck and possibly tightening of the neck muscles via an access under the chin.

In order to achieve a good durability of the operation, it is important that the underlying tissue containing the mimic muscles of the face is simultaneously tightened during the operation.

It is our opinion that the less extensive alternatives to a classic face lift, where thread lifts are used, have an unacceptably short shelf life, and we have therefore chosen not to offer this type of treatment. We also do not use terms such as “half-facelift” and “mini-lift”, as we do not believe that half-solutions benefit the patient, because it will not give the best cosmetically possible and natural result.

Complications are generally very rare with facelifts. Minor bleeding in the hours following surgery may occur and may necessitate surgery, which can be performed under local anesthesia, but full anesthesia may be necessary.

Infection is very rare, but can occur and will require treatment with antibiotics. If infection occurs, it is typically seen after 1-2 weeks and the signs are redness and swelling as well as increasing pain and fever. If you are in doubt, it is best that we see it in the clinic.

The nerves to the mimic muscles of the face can be affected by the operation, and this can cause loss of function of some of the muscles, especially the muscle that lifts the forehead and the muscle that pulls down the corner of the mouth. Fortunately, this loss is often temporary, but in rare cases it can be permanent. The sensation to the outer ear can also be affected by the operation. Overall, the risk of nerve damage is less than 1% in experienced surgeons.

Traditional Facelift

This is the traditional facelift where you put the incisions in the scalp over the ears and back of the neck as well as around the ears. The skin is loosened and underlying muscle membranes are lifted and tightened. Then the skin surplus is removed. There are many different techniques used in a traditional facelift. The surgeon’s expertise and the technique used are crucial to the result you achieve. This applies to everything from where the scars are laid, how far forward in the face you go, how the soft parts are lifted and fastened and what direction the skin is tightened. A « facelift» is thus not necessarily a full facelift.

Mid-face lift ( intermediate facelift, mid-face lift)

This is an operation that lifts the softeners to the cheeks, in the area under the eyes. A traditional facelift will have little effect on this area. A mid-face lift, on the other hand, can be performed simultaneously with a traditional facelift if you want to lift this area in addition to tightening the skin along the jaw comb and the rest of the face.

Bruising is common, but bleeding that requires reoperation is rare – in women at around 2%, in men somewhat higher.

It is important to stop smoking completely before a face lift , as smoking reduces blood circulation to the skin that has been loosened. In the worst case, you can then get a rejection reaction from the skin that causes an open wound in front of or behind the ear. The wound must then heal by itself, which causes wide scars.

Everyone experiences reduced sensation in the skin, but the sensation returns after a few months. Damage to the nerves that control the facial muscles is very rare, less than 0.5% worldwide. Should one still be unlucky enough to suffer such an injury, the nerve will in most cases repair itself. If this still does not lead to progress, there is the possibility of sewing the nerves back together. With liposuction on the neck , we can see that some people cannot pull the lower lip down, this is due to the nerve being stretched and “knocked out”. It recovers within 1-3 weeks.

It is very important to be aware that no face is symmetrical. Nor will they be after an operation. Often there is more fullness on one side than the other. Furthermore, it is important to be aware that some people have salivary glands on the neck which may appear more visible after the skin above them has been tightened. The ear lobes can also be experienced as slightly asymmetrical after surgery.