Facelift
Natural facelift—from a mini-lift to a full face-and-neck lift

The face ages differently than the rest of the body. The skin, connective tissue, and muscles lose their elasticity—wrinkles form, facial contours become less defined, and the face appears tired or gaunt, even though you feel completely different on the inside. Even with intensive skincare and conservative treatments such as fillers or thread lifts, there comes a point where one reaches the limits when dealing with significant excess skin.

I am Dr. Juliane Bodo, a board-certified specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Berlin-Charlottenburg. For me, a facelift is one of the most challenging and, at the same time, most rewarding procedures—because when performed with the right technique, the result is so natural that no one can tell anything has been done. That’s my goal: not a “surgery-altered” face, but your face—just fresher, more rested, and simply better.

What methods do I offer?

Depending on your initial condition, signs of aging, and your personal preferences, various procedures may be appropriate. During the consultation, we’ll work together to determine which method—or combination of methods—is right for you.

Liquid Lifting – A Facelift Without Surgery

For patients showing early signs of aging but who still have good skin elasticity, I offer a non-surgical facelift. Fillers or autologous fat are strategically injected to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance the cheek area—with no downtime and no anesthesia.

Facelift Using Autologous Fat

The body’s own fat—harvested, for example, from the abdomen or thighs—is processed and precisely injected into specific areas of the face. This autologous fat contains stem cells that improve the skin’s appearance, regenerate its structure, and restore lost volume. The result is a more youthful, smoother appearance—without looking artificial.

Midface Lift – Rejuvenation of the Midface Area

A mid-face lift focuses on the middle part of the face—the cheeks, lower eyelids, and nasolabial area. These areas often show early signs of aging even though the chin and neck are still firm. Through the targeted lifting of the tissue structures, combined with the use of the patient’s own fat, the face regains its vitality and freshness.

Deep Plane Facelift – Comprehensive Facelift

In a deep plane facelift, not only the skin but also deeper tissue layers and the SMAS muscle layer are repositioned. The SMAS—the muscle-connective tissue layer beneath the skin—is the key to a natural-looking, long-lasting result. If only the skin is tightened without treating the underlying structures, the face appears pulled and unnatural. With the Deep Plane facelift, I lift the entire tissue as a single unit—this produces harmonious, long-lasting results.

Typical areas of application: cheeks, jawline, and neck; lower third of the face.

Super Extended Deep Plane Facelift

The advanced version of the deep-plane facelift offers even more comprehensive tightening and rejuvenation—including extensive correction of the chin, neck, and lower third of the face. It is often combined with autologous fat grafting for maximum volume restoration. This technique is ideal for pronounced signs of aging, significant excess skin, or patients who have already had a facelift and desire a more comprehensive result.

What does a facelift involve?

Every facelift procedure I perform begins with a detailed consultation. We analyze your face, discuss your goals, and I explain which technique is right for you.

Anesthesia: Depending on the extent of the procedure, it is performed under general anesthesia, twilight sleep, or, for minor procedures, under local anesthesia.

Duration: Approx. 3–5 hours, depending on the technique.

Incision technique: The incisions are made so that they are as inconspicuous as possible—along the hairline and behind the ear. This way, the scars are barely visible once they have healed.

Hospital stay: A mini-lift can be performed on an outpatient basis; more extensive facelifts require a 1–2-night stay at my clinic.

Preparation for surgery

For best results, I recommend:

• Avoid nicotine for at least two weeks before and after surgery—smoking significantly impairs blood flow and, as a result, wound healing
• Discontinue blood-thinning medications and aspirin as directed
• Avoid alcohol during the week before surgery
• Maintain a stable body weight—significant weight fluctuations after surgery can affect the outcome

Aftercare & Healing

• Immediately after surgery: a light head bandage to reduce swelling, apply cold compresses, and rest the area
• Drainage is usually not necessary
• Suture removal: after about 8–10 days
• Ready to socialize: after 2–3 weeks
• Sports: Light exercise is possible again after 2 weeks; strenuous activity should be avoided until 6 weeks have passed
• Sun: Avoid during the first 6 weeks, or use only sunscreen with a high SPF
• Final result: after about 3–6 months, once all swelling has completely subsided

If you'd like, I'd be happy to advise you on appropriate scar care and medical cosmetics that support the healing process.

Risks & Potential Complications

A facelift is considered a very safe procedure when performed by an experienced specialist. Nevertheless, I will discuss all the risks with you in detail:

• Swelling & bruising: Normal and subside within a few weeks
• Temporary numbness: The skin may feel temporarily numb after the procedure—this usually resolves within a few months
• Asymmetries: Minor differences are anatomically normal. In cases of pronounced asymmetries, correction is possible
• Infections: Very rare when the procedure is performed under sterile conditions and followed by consistent aftercare
• Excessive scar tissue: Very rare—minimized through precise incisions and careful suturing techniques
• General surgical risks: thrombosis, anesthesia reactions – will be discussed during the informed consent consultation

When is a facelift a good idea?

Most patients between the ages of 45 and 70 opt for a facelift—typically when conservative methods such as fillers or thread lifts are no longer sufficient, the skin has visibly sagged, or deep wrinkles have formed. There is no „right“ age—the individual’s specific situation is what matters. We’ll assess this together during the consultation.

Cost of a Facelift in Berlin

• Mini Facelift: starting at €8,000
• Neck Lift / Lower Facelift: starting at €9,500
• Face and Neck Lift: starting at €12,000

The exact costs depend on the scope of the procedure and your individual situation. You will receive a transparent cost breakdown during your personal consultation.

If you are considering a facelift in Berlin, I invite you to schedule a no-obligation consultation at my clinic in Berlin-Charlottenburg.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts in Berlin.