Time leaves its mark – this is a natural process that we are all subject to. Over the years, our skin loses elasticity and tone, our cheeks sag slightly and our jawline loses definition. If you look in the mirror and feel that your appearance no longer matches your inner vitality, this can cause discomfort. But there are solutions!
A facelift is often the first thing that comes to mind. But not all facelifts are the same. Modern aesthetic medicine offers an impressive range of procedures – from gentle, minimally invasive methods to complex surgical procedures.
In this blog article, we at LIVION provide you with a comprehensive overview of the various options for facial rejuvenation, highlighting in particular the difference between a mini facelift and a classic facelift. We introduce you to all the methods we offer at LIVION to meet your individual needs.
What exactly is a facelift and when is this method advisable?
A facelift, often referred to as a face lift, is a procedure that aims to correct the visible signs of ageing on the face and/or neck. The goal is to create a younger, fresher and more harmonious overall appearance without changing your natural look and individual facial expressions. It is about restoring the best version of yourself from a previous time.
When does a facelift make sense?
The desire for a facelift usually arises when age-related sagging of the skin (elastosis) has progressed to such an extent that non-invasive treatments can no longer achieve the desired, long-lasting effect. Typical signs are:
- Deep nasolabial folds (wrinkles between the nose and corners of the mouth).
- Sagging cheeks and loss of volume in the mid-face.
- Pronounced "jowls" and an undefined jawline.
- Sagging skin and deep wrinkles on the neck (turkey neck).
If these changes are bothering you significantly and you desire a clear, long-term improvement, then it's time to thoroughly research your options. You decide when the right moment has come.
The surgical approach: Mini-facelift vs. classic facelift
Surgical facelift methods remain the gold standard when it comes to achieving profound and long-lasting results. They differ mainly in terms of invasiveness and the extent of the area treated.
1. The classic facelift
What is colloquially referred to as a ‘classic facelift’ is now often a further development in modern surgery, such as the deep plane facelift, the most advanced technique that we also use at LIVION.
What is special about the Deep Plane Facelift?
Unlike older methods, which only tighten the skin, the deep plane facelift treats deeper tissue, namely the area beneath the superficial muscle layer. It not only treats the skin, but also repositions the deeper tissue structure of the face and neck. This is the key to natural and long-lasting results.
- The procedure effectively corrects moderate to severe sagging, lifts the cheeks, redefines the jawline, and tightens the neck.
- It is a comprehensive surgical procedure that usually takes 3-4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
- The result typically lasts 8–12 years and doesn't look "operated on" because the tissue is re-anchored in a more natural position. After that, the natural aging process continues, and slight changes may become visible again. It is ideal for patients with advanced signs of aging.
2. The mini facelift
The mini facelift is designed to be a smaller, less invasive procedure. The incision is shorter and is often made in front of the ear. Primarily, the skin and a very limited area of superficial tissue are tightened. A mini facelift is suitable for younger patients with only very slight signs of ageing, which are mainly limited to the jawline.
Many patients are attracted by the prospect of a smaller procedure and lower costs. However, experience shows that since a mini facelift often only tightens the surface, the results are usually less long-lasting and the risk of an unnatural ‘pull’ (the so-called wind tunnel effect) is higher. The problem of deeply sunken cheeks and neck is often not adequately addressed.
However, it is possible to treat individual ‘problem areas’ specifically, thus avoiding major surgery. At LIVION, we offer forehead lifts and mid-face lifts, for example. Regardless of the method used, at LIVION we always emphasise making incisions as small and hidden as possible, performing the procedure gently and achieving natural results.
The gentle alternatives: Facelift without surgery
Fortunately, surgery is not always necessary. For mild to moderate sagging and to improve skin quality, we at LIVION offer a range of highly innovative, non-surgical procedures that achieve impressive lifting effects – often with minimal downtime.
Morpheus 8: The Power of Radiofrequency Needling
Morpheus8 is a groundbreaking anti-aging method that combines two effective techniques: microneedling and radiofrequency energy (RF).
- How it works: Tiny, gold-plated needles deliver targeted radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers of the skin (up to 8 mm). The micro-wounds stimulate healing (needling effect), while the radiofrequency heats down the deep collagen fibers, massively stimulating the regeneration of collagen and elastin.
- Effect: It can lead to a noticeable tightening and improvement of skin texture, as well as a reduction in fine lines. Treatment of acne scars is also possible.
- Duration: The treatment lasts approximately 30–45 minutes under numbing cream.
- Target group: Ideal for improving skin quality, firming mild to moderate sagging of the face, neck and body.
Endolift: The laser facelift from within
Endolift is a minimally invasive, laser-assisted procedure that has been specially developed for contouring and tightening the face and neck.
- How it works: An extremely thin, sterile, single-use microfiber (laser fiber) is inserted under the skin into the fat layer. This fiber precisely conducts the laser energy (1470 nm) into the tissue. The energy has two effects: It can help to gently reduce unwanted local fat deposits (e.g., along the jawline). It stimulates collagen production, thereby tightening the skin and supporting it from within.
- Effect: Can visibly emphasize the jawline, reduce the appearance of 'hamster cheeks' and support the skin from within – all without incisions.
- Target group: Patients who desire a more defined jawline and suffer from slight fat deposits and mild to moderate skin laxity.
Thread lift: The invisible support structure
Thread lifting is a popular method for gently lifting sagging areas without surgery and stimulating collagen production.
- How it works: Special, self-dissolving threads (often with small barbs) are inserted under the skin through tiny punctures using a fine needle. These threads act as a support structure and gently pull the sagging tissue into the desired, higher position. They also stimulate the body's own collagen production over several months.
- Effect: An immediately visible lifting effect, especially in the cheeks, eyebrows, and jawline. Facial expressions remain completely natural.
- Target group: Ideal for mild to moderate skin laxity when a fast and gentle lifting effect is desired.
Bella Eyes
Even though this primarily affects the eye area, the Bella Eyes Lift is an important addition to a rejuvenated overall appearance, as the position of the eyebrows significantly determines the impression of freshness.
Special threads are used to gently lift the outer eyebrow and temple area. This creates a trendy, more alert, almond-shaped look – without any surgery. For a lasting and stronger result, this can also be done endoscopically with minimal incisions in the hairline to permanently lift the entire eyebrow tissue.
