Facelifts in Zurich: Facelift, Mini-Facelift, and Neck Lift
Would you like to look refreshed and youthful?
With the right approach, we'll restore your natural radiance.
As of July 2026 · Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Adrian Palma, board-certified surgeon (FMH)
Your Benefits at a Glance
15+ years of experience in cosmetic surgery
Proven methods for natural, long-lasting results.Individualized Treatment Methods
Every facelift is tailored to your facial features and preferences.Confidential Support
Personalized consultation, precise planning, and discreet care.
Over time, the natural aging process leaves its mark; the skin loses its firmness and wrinkles begin to form
A facelift is more than just a cosmetic procedure. For many people, it’s a journey back to better facial contours, a more youthful appearance, and greater self-confidence. What’s often underestimated is that the healing process plays a decisive role in determining the final result. Knowing the right steps to take promotes healing, reduces swelling, and helps ensure that scars fade discreetly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the first few days after the procedure, the critical weeks that follow, and the finer details of aftercare in a clear and practical way. It includes dos and don’ts that have proven effective based on our experience.
“Aftercare is half the battle. If you gently apply cold compresses during the first 14 days, get plenty of rest, and avoid nicotine, your recovery will be much smoother. We see this every day in our practice. We’ll explain exactly what to do and when in advance. This way, the healing process after your facelift remains predictable, and you’ll feel well supported,” Dr. Adrian Palma, artis AESTHETICS
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Treatment Details
A facelift reduces sagging skin, wrinkles, and drooping facial features, resulting in a fresh, natural appearance. Depending on individual needs, the procedure may involve various areas such as the forehead, cheeks, or neck. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 3 to 4 hours. The incisions are made so that they are barely visible later on, for example, along the hairline or behind the ears. Immediately after the procedure, the skin appears tighter, and any slight swelling subsides within a few weeks.
Final result
Immediately
Downtime
About 2 to 3 weeks
Consultation
During your consultation with our specialists, we will analyze the details and proportions of your face and discuss a personalized treatment plan with you. We will take your wishes and expectations into account.
Duration of Treatment
Approx. 3 to 4 hours, performed under general anesthesia
Costs
Starting at CHF 8,500.00 (forehead lift) up to CHF 22,000.00 (deep plane facelift); see the comparison of procedures below. Flexible financing available upon request: Our independent financing partner will find the best solution for you. The exact price is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Follow-up treatment
Stitches are removed after about 2 weeks
More Than Just Skin Tightening: The Holistic artis Approach
A facelift at artis AESTHETICS is never limited to simply removing and tightening skin. We view a facelift as a holistic rejuvenation of the face, because aging involves not only sagging but also a loss of volume, definition, and skin quality. That is why, in most cases, Dr. Palma combines tightening of the deep tissue layers with additional procedures during the same session:
Volume & Definition with Autologous Fat
We restore lost volume in the temples, cheeks, and around the eyes by transplanting the patient’s own fat , the focus of Dr. Palma’s research. The regenerative cells contained in the patient’s own fat also improve skin quality.
A Fresh Look Through Blepharoplasty Surgery
In most cases, a lift of the upper and/or lower eyelids is also recommended; the result is only fully harmonious once the eye area has fully recovered. If the outer part of the eyebrow has also sagged, an eyebrow lift can be scheduled as a supplementary procedure so that the temples, eye area, and cheeks appear as a unified whole.
Skin Quality with the CO2 Laser
We combine virtually every facelift with CO2 laser treatment during the same session: it refines the skin’s surface and restores the skin’s fresh, even appearance.
The big picture, right down to the hands
A youthful face and visibly aged hands don't go together. That's why we also take the hands into account in our assessment; if desired, we can perform hand rejuvenation using the patient's own fat.
Which facelift method is right for you?
There is no such thing as “the” facelift. The right technique depends on the degree of sagging, your facial anatomy, and your expectations. One thing always holds true at artis AESTHETICS: We never just tighten the skin. Each of our techniques targets the deeper tissue layers; this is the only way to achieve a natural result without a “pulled” appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Adrian Palma will analyze your facial proportions and recommend the method that achieves the most natural result with the least invasive procedure necessary.
Deep Plane Facelift: The Deep-Tissue Lift
In a deep-plane facelift, the skin and the underlying muscular-connective tissue layer (SMAS), along with its supporting ligaments, are detached and repositioned as a single unit. The advantage: The tension is applied deep within the tissue, not on the skin’s surface. The result looks naturally refreshed and lasts exceptionally long. Dr. Palma is skilled in various Deep Plane techniques and prefers to use them for pronounced sagging of the midface and cheek area, as well as for deep nasolabial folds. Full details on the procedure, recovery, and costs: Deep Plane Facelift in Zurich.
SMAS Facelift, the proven standard
The SMAS lift tightens the layer of connective tissue beneath the skin and removes excess skin. It is the most well-documented facelift technique in the world and is suitable for most patients with moderate to significant sagging of the cheeks, jawline (“jowls”), and chin area.
Mini Facelift (Short-Scar Facelift / MACS Lift), the Gentle Option
When sagging begins to set in, a mini-facelift, with a shorter incision and a recovery time of often just 1–2 weeks, is often sufficient. It is ideal for patients in their early 40s and older who want to correct the first noticeable signs of sagging along the jawline and cheeks without needing a full facelift. This procedure also includes tightening of the deep layer.
Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
The neck is often the first place where signs of aging become apparent. A neck lift, either on its own or in combination with a facelift, corrects sagging skin on the neck, longitudinal bands of the platysma muscle, and a blurred jawline and neck contour. Our Patient Journey shows how a combined facelift and neck lift is performed at artis.
Liquid Facelift: Tightening Without a Scalpel
Not every change requires surgery. With the Liquid Facelift, we use hyaluronic acid, collagen biostimulators (Sculptra®), and, if necessary, botulinum toxin to precisely sculpt volume and contours, with no downtime, though the results are temporary. During your consultation, we’ll give you an honest assessment of what can be achieved with injectables and where only surgery can deliver the promised results. In most cases, we advise against thread lifts: The effect often lasts only 12–18 months and is not effective for severe sagging.
A Comparison of the Methods
| Mini Facelift (MACS) | SMAS Facelift | Deep Plane Facelift | Liquid Facelift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | early signs of sagging | moderate to significant sagging | marked sagging, especially in the midface | initial loss of volume and contour |
| Anesthesia* | Twilight sleep or general anesthesia | General Anesthesia | General Anesthesia | none |
| Downtime | about 1–2 weeks | about 2–3 weeks | about 2–3 weeks | none |
| Shelf Life | about 5–8 years | approx. 8–15 years | about 10–15 years | 6–24 months |
| Costs | starting at CHF 12,000.00 | starting at CHF 18,000.00 | starting at CHF 22,000.00 | Starting at CHF 900.00 per session |
*We always use the gentlest and safest form of anesthesia for your procedure; in some cases, local anesthesia is sufficient, but most facelifts are performed under general anesthesia.
Your facelift surgeon: Dr. Adrian Palma, M.D.
Dr. Adrian Palma, MD, a board-certified surgeon (FMH), has more than 15 years of experience in aesthetic surgery. At artis AESTHETICS, we perform over 100 facial procedures each year. His primary area of research, the use of autologous fat in aesthetic and regenerative surgery, is incorporated into virtually every facelift. As a lecturer at the artis Academy (Masterclass “Mastering Facial Aesthetics”), he shares his techniques with fellow specialists. He has been featured in Forbes Swiss and FACES magazine.
Thanks to the facelift at artis, I feel refreshed and confident again. The team did a great job., Testimonial from S.K.
Jowls, sagging cheeks, and a sagging neck: what a facelift corrects
The terms patients use when they come to us differ from those used in surgery. “Sagging cheeks” refer to the sagging cheek fat that hangs over the jawline and softens the contour. “Sagging cheeks” describes the loss of volume in the midface, accompanied by deeper nasolabial folds. A “sagging neck” or “double chin” is part of the lower third of the face. A facelift lifts and reattaches the supporting layer beneath the skin (SMAS or deep plane), so that the cheeks and jawline return to their proper positions; a neck lift is used to treat the neck, either on its own or in combination with a facelift. What a facelift does not change: skin quality, pigmentation spots, and fine wrinkles; for these, we supplement the procedure with CO2 laser treatment or Sculptra.
Face Lift Costs in Zurich
| Intervention | Price |
|---|---|
| Forehead Lift | starting at CHF 8,500.00 |
| Neck Lift | Starting at CHF 9,000.00; when combined with a facelift, there is an additional charge starting at CHF 4,000.00 |
| Mini Facelift | starting at CHF 12,000.00 |
| SMAS Facelift | starting at CHF 18,000.00 |
| Deep Plane Facelift | starting at CHF 22,000.00 |
All prices include anesthesia, clinic fees, and all follow-up visits, and become binding as a written quote after the consultation. You can also find them on the price list.
Neck Lift in Zurich
The neck is often where age first and most clearly shows: neck wrinkles, a double chin, and a blurred chin-neck angle. A neck lift with platysmaplasty tightens the neck muscle, removes fat under the chin, and reposition the skin behind the ear. As a standalone procedure, starting at CHF 9,000.00; combined with a facelift under general anesthesia. For full details, the procedure, and recovery information, visit the Neck Lift in Zurich page.
Your Facelift Surgeon
Dr. Adrian Palma, MD, a board-certified surgeon (FMH), performs facelifts, neck lifts, and eyelid surgeries at the artis AESTHETICS clinic in Zurich. His approach is holistic: facelifts, eyelids, autologous fat grafting, and skin quality are planned as a single facial treatment, not as four separate procedures. Learn more about his training, areas of expertise, and philosophy on the Dr. Adrian Palma, MD page.
FAQs
We provide detailed answers to all questions about healing and aftercare (swelling, scar care, exercise, sun exposure, showering, numbness, compression bandages) in the article “Healing After a Facelift: Day 1 to Week 6.”
A facelift is a surgical procedure in which sagging skin is tightened and drooping facial features are lifted. During the procedure, excess skin and tissue are gently removed to achieve a fresh, natural-looking result. The incisions are made in such a way that they are barely visible.
Depending on your needs, various areas can be treated: the forehead, eyebrows, cheeks, jawline, or neck. In many cases, a facelift is combined with complementary treatments such as autologous fat, hyaluronic acid, or Botox.
The results of a facelift are long-lasting, typically lasting between 8 and 15 years. However, the natural aging process continues, which is why good skin care and a healthy lifestyle can help maintain the results over the long term.
The entire healing process is divided into the following stages: the immediate phase (first 72 hours), early recovery (weeks 1–2), return to daily life (weeks 3–6), and scar remodeling (months to a year). Patience and realistic expectations are crucial; improvement occurs gradually, not overnight.
Thanks to general anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the surgery. In the first few days after the procedure, you may experience mild tightness or a pulling sensation, which can be easily managed with pain medication.
The incisions are made in natural skin folds or in inconspicuous areas, such as along the hairline. With proper aftercare, they fade after a few months and are barely visible.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks such as bruising, infection, or temporary numbness. However, these risks can be minimized through careful planning and experienced surgeons.
Yes, for minor skin tightening, nonsurgical methods such as thread lifts, hyaluronic acid, or Botox may be an option. However, these do not have the same long-lasting effects as a surgical facelift.
The cost depends on the method chosen: forehead lift starting at CHF 8,500.00, mini facelift starting at CHF 12,000.00, SMAS facelift starting at CHF 18,000.00, Deep Plane facelift starting at CHF 22,000.00, neck lift starting at CHF 9,000.00 (CHF 4,000.00 surcharge when combined with a facelift), and liquid facelift starting at CHF 900.00 per session. You will receive a detailed, transparent cost breakdown during your personal consultation.
Both techniques tighten the deep connective tissue layer of the face (SMAS); the difference lies in the depth of the dissection. In an SMAS facelift, this layer is lifted or partially removed and repositioned. In a deep-plane facelift, the surgeon detaches the tissue layer beneath the SMAS, along with its supporting ligaments, and reposition the skin and deep layer as a single unit. This allows for tension-free tightening, particularly of the midface and nasolabial region; the result appears more natural and tends to last longer. Dr. Palma will determine which technique is right for you during a personalized analysis of your facial anatomy.
There is no “right” age; what matters is the clinical findings, not the year of birth. Most of our facelift patients are between 50 and 70. For the first signs of sagging in your early 40s, a mini-facelift or a liquid facelift is often sufficient; for pronounced sagging of the cheeks, jawline, and neck, the classic or deep-plane facelift provides the most lasting results. During your consultation, we’ll show you which method is best suited to your face and your current situation.
As a rule of thumb: Loss of volume and initial loss of contour can be effectively corrected with a liquid facelift (hyaluronic acid, Sculptra®, botulinum toxin). No surgery and no downtime are required, but the results are temporary. Excess, sagging skin, on the other hand, cannot be tightened by any injection: In this case, a surgical facelift is the honest recommendation. Many patients combine both approaches, surgery for structural correction and injections for fine-tuning. During your consultation, Dr. Palma will candidly explain what can and cannot be achieved with injectables in your specific case.
Yes, and this combination is a particular strength of artis AESTHETICS. The aging process involves not only sagging but also a loss of volume in the temples, cheeks, and around the eyes. During a facelift with lipofilling, Dr. Palma tightens the tissue while simultaneously restoring natural volume using the patient’s own fat. Autologous fat is the focus of his research: the regenerative cells it contains have also been proven to improve skin quality. As a result, the appearance is not only firmer but also younger and more harmonious overall.
A Deep Plane facelift at artis AESTHETICS in Zurich-Stettbach starts at CHF 22,000.00, including general anesthesia, hospital stay, and all follow-up visits. The exact price depends on the scope of the procedure, such as whether it is combined with a neck lift, blepharoplasty, or autologous fat transfer. It will be specified in a transparent quote following your personal consultation. There are no hidden costs.
Art is ...... to restore the skin's natural beauty and vitality.
- Dr. Palma
I can wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Palma and his entire team. Dr. Palma is an absolute expert in his field, his work is simply fantastic and was performed with the utmost precision and perfection. The entire team is also incredibly friendly, warm, and professional. … Thank you so much for the wonderful care and the beautiful result, I’m more than satisfied!
Simply amazing! I don't even know where to start, this team is just sensational! From the very first moment, I felt welcome, understood, and in good hands. … This combination of professional excellence and human warmth is, unfortunately, rare these days, and that's exactly why this team deserves every bit of recognition!
Over the years, I have consulted with some of the most highly regarded aesthetic doctors in Zurich, so I came to artis with high standards and realistic expectations. What I found there truly exceeded them. … He combines outstanding expertise with a calm, honest, and thoughtful approach that immediately inspires trust. … I can wholeheartedly recommend artis.
It Begins With a Conversation. Then an Analysis. Then your tailored artis AESTHETICS Solution. Time to shine!
Change takes courage, but you don’t have to face it alone. We’ll support you with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals and needs. Every consultation with us is as unique as you are, open, transparent, and clearly focused on your satisfaction.
Please use our contact form to get in touch with us. We will get back to you right away to discuss all the details, personally, discreetly, and as equals.
Treatments
artis AESTHETICS
Am Stadtrand 5
CH-8600 Dubendorf
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- info@artis-aesthetics.ch
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Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.