SMAS lift in Frankfurt for face and neck
The SMAS lift:
At a glance
Cost
from €9,000
plus anesthesia, clinic and the cost of 1 overnight stay
Duration
2 to 4 hours
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Hospital stay
1 overnight stay
Back to social life
After 2 to 3 weeks
Sports
after 4 weeks
Aftercare
Suture removal after 7 to 10 days, facial bandage for 7 days, lymphatic drainage, regular follow-up appointments as agreed
Deep-acting facial tightening with Dr. Nichlos for natural results
There is a point in the aging process of our skin at which minimally invasive measures reach their natural limits. Hyaluronic acid can fill wrinkles and temporarily give the face volume, and Botox can reduce expression lines. Against gravity and the gradual sinking of tissue and its consequences, however, fillers are powerless. A blurred jawline or “jowls” can only be corrected with a facelift.
For facial tightening, Dr. Nichlos offers the SMAS lift and the deep plane facelift. Both facelift variants are not limited to tightening the skin, but also involve the underlying connective tissue and muscles. In this way, the age-related sagging foundation of the face can be lifted, realigned and a very natural appearance achieved. Schedule an appointment for a consultation now!
What is a SMAS lift?
The SMAS lift is a modern form of facelift that, unlike the classic operation, is not limited to tightening the facial skin but includes the deeper tissue layer, the so-called SMAS. To better understand what the treatment method aims to achieve, it helps to first learn a little more about the SMAS and its function.
Experiences with the SMAS lift at Dr. Nichlos
What are the benefits of a SMAS lift in Frankfurt?
Specialist for the SMAS lift in Frankfurt
Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos has specialized in SMAS facelifts for more than 17 years and has extensive experience in deep-acting facial surgery.
Through targeted tightening of the deeper tissue layers, Dr. Nichlos achieves natural-looking results. Dr. Nichlos personally cares for freshly operated patients. In the first 24 hours after the operation, he is available to them for questions or problems.
What is the SMAS?
SMAS stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system. It is a firm layer of connective tissue and muscle that lies beneath the skin and the subcutaneous fatty tissue.
The SMAS serves as a link between the facial expression muscles and the skin, stabilizes the contours of the neck, cheeks and jawline, and acts like a framework for your face. The problem: over the years this layer gives way, as the connective tissue fibers in the SMAS weaken through the age-related loss of collagen and elastin and can no longer hold the facial features taut. Gravity also contributes. Typical signs of this are:
- The cheeks sink downward (“jowls“).
- The jawline loses its distinct contour.
- Marionette lines and nasolabial folds (at the mouth and nose) deepen.
- The neck contours and the transition from chin to neck blur.
How can the SMAS lift help here?
In a SMAS lift, Dr. Nichlos does not tighten only the superficial facial skin, as in a mini facelift. He prepares the sagging tissue including the SMAS, moves it to its original, higher position and fixes it there. This is more involved, but can rejuvenate the face considerably. This shows, among other things, in that:
- the cheek area looks higher and fuller again.
- the jaw and chin line appears more defined and firmer.
- the lines around the mouth and nose are softened.
- the upper neck region looks visibly smoother and firmer.
- the face overall appears fresher and more harmonious.
With the SMAS facelift, there is no tension on the skin after the operation. This helps avoid the “mask effect” or “wind tunnel look” that many patients fear, and the tightening looks natural.
What happens before the SMAS lift?
If you are interested in correcting your facial contours with the innovative SMAS facelift, we would be happy to invite you to a personal meeting at our practice in Frankfurt. At the personal appointment, Dr. Nichlos examines your face, talks with you about your wishes and explains what result can realistically be achieved with the SMAS method. He then informs you about the exact procedure and the risks and possible complications involved. Of course, you can ask your own questions at any time.
If no questions remain and you decide on the operation, we schedule an appointment. Usually a few examinations (blood tests, ECG) beforehand and, if applicable, stopping certain medications (including blood thinners) are necessary. We explain this to you in more detail during the consultation, as well as how to prepare for the operation (e.g., no nicotine for two weeks beforehand).
SMAS lift in Frankfurt: How does the operation work?
On the day of the procedure, you come to our affiliated private clinic in Frankfurt. Here Dr. Nichlos performs the SMAS facelift in a state-of-the-art operating room. The operation takes about 2 to 4 hours.
After a short preliminary talk and preparation, the anesthesiologist begins inducing anesthesia. For the facelift, Dr. Nichlos uses general anesthesia. Under general anesthesia, you feel nothing during the procedure, and the specialist can work very precisely.
Once you are asleep, Dr. Nichlos begins making the incisions for access to the SMAS tissue. The incision is made inconspicuously, starting in the hair-covered temple area, running along the natural fold in front of the ear and ending hidden behind the ear in the hairline. In the next step, he carefully detaches the skin areas to reach the SMAS layer. He then mobilizes it, lifts it and moves it to its original, youthful position, where he fixes it. If lifting leaves excess skin or tissue, Dr. Nichlos removes it.
Finally, the specialist sutures the wound edges without any tension. This is important so that the result of the lift later looks very natural and not “pulled.” In addition, less tension on the wound leads to less pronounced scarring. You then receive a facial bandage, which you wear for 7 days, and are taken to the recovery room for observation. After anesthesia, a feeling of tightness and mild pain are possible.
For your safety, Dr. Nichlos plans a one-night clinic stay for the SMAS lift. You are in the best hands in our affiliated clinic. If the night passes without complications and nothing speaks against it after a check, you can go home the next day.
Healing after the SMAS lift: What to keep in mind
When you get home after your clinic stay, you should first allow yourself plenty of rest. In the first week, swelling and bruising are completely normal. Acute pain is rare. Patients generally report more of a feeling of tightness around the ears.
After 7 to 10 days, you come to our practice for a follow-up examination. Dr. Nichlos checks the course of healing and removes the sutures on this occasion. This helps counteract scarring.
Experience shows that you are back to social activities 2 to 3 weeks after the facelift. Any remaining bruises have then usually faded enough to be covered well with makeup. If problems occur during this time, simply call our practice or send us a short email. In the first 24 hours after the operation, Dr. Nichlos is personally available to you.
Tips for behavior after the SMAS lift
- Sleep with your upper body elevated in the first few days. This promotes the drainage of lymph fluid and reduces swelling in the face.
- Cool the cheek area gently and regularly. Please do not place cooling packs directly on the skin, always with a cloth in between.
- Consistently avoid sports, sauna and heavy lifting for 4 weeks. Any exertion that raises blood pressure has a negative effect on healing.
- Strictly protect the fresh scars from sun exposure. If it cannot be avoided, always use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (50+) outdoors.
What risks does a SMAS lift carry?
A facelift operation, regardless of the method, is always a complex surgical procedure. Even with great care, the expertise of an experienced physician such as Dr. med. Nichlos and high standards of hygiene and safety, no operation is without risk.
Complications that are very rare but theoretically possible include:
- postoperative bleeding
- wound healing disorders
- nerve injuries (e.g., facial nerve)
Normal and harmless side effects of the operation are:
- bruising
- swelling
- feelings of tightness & numbness
These occur only temporarily and subside on their own.
How much does a SMAS lift cost in Frankfurt?
What is included in the price?
The total cost of a SMAS facelift is made up of several components. The following services are usually part of the treatment:
- detailed consultation (€100, fully credited if you go ahead with the treatment)
- individual analysis of your facial structure and treatment planning
- surgeon’s fee for the procedure
- medical care during the operation
- facial bandage to support the healing process
- aftercare and follow-up appointments
Since the SMAS lift is performed in a specialized clinic, anesthesia and clinic fees as well as the cost of an overnight stay in the clinic are added.
The cost of a SMAS lift depends on the extent of the facial tightening and on your individual anatomy. Since this technique lifts not only the skin but also the deeper tissue structures (the SMAS layer), the SMAS facelift is among the more complex methods of facial rejuvenation.
At our practice in Frankfurt, the cost of a SMAS lift generally starts at:
- SMAS lift: from €9,000
The final price depends on which areas of the face are treated and how extensive the tightening is. After a personal examination, Dr. med. Nichlos prepares an individual treatment and cost plan that clearly summarizes all services of the treatment.
Can you finance a SMAS lift?
A facelift is a long-term decision. That is why a SMAS lift can also be financed in monthly installments.
Financing is handled through an experienced financing partner and can be tailored to your personal financial situation. This allows you to conveniently pay for the treatment through a monthly installment.
We are happy to inform you about the requirements and the financing process during a consultation.
Finance your desired treatment flexibly
You have the option of conveniently paying your treatment costs in monthly installments, tailored individually to your financial situation. The application is straightforward, and processing is handled by our financing partner.
Your benefits at a glance:
- Flexible monthly installments for medical and cosmetic services
- Terms of up to 72 months to choose from
- Financing also possible for smaller amounts
- Desired amount and installment size freely selectable
- Attractive terms with an effective annual interest rate of 9.90% and a fixed nominal interest rate of 9.48%
- Apply conveniently online or submit the form as a PDF
- Financing only through participating partners, subject to creditworthiness
Non-binding example calculation from a financing amount of €300 with an effective annual interest rate of 9.90% and a fixed nominal interest rate of 9.48%. Financing only through participating partners, subject to creditworthiness.
To the installment calculator
Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos
Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Frankfurt and has specialized for more than 17 years in SMAS facelifts and other demanding procedures in aesthetic facial surgery.
All content on this page has been personally reviewed by him and reflects the current medical standards of plastic and aesthetic surgery.
Frequently asked questions about the SMAS lift in Frankfurt
How long does a SMAS facelift last?
That cannot be said in general terms and depends heavily on your individual skin aging and external influences. Experience shows, however, that the rejuvenating effect lasts about ten years. After that, a further correction is possible if you wish.
Is there an ideal time for a SMAS lift?
Most patients decide on tightening with a SMAS facelift from around the age of 50 onward. The best results can be achieved when the face and neck already show clear signs of aging, but wrinkles have not yet etched themselves too deeply into the skin.
Can you tell from my earlobes later that I had a lift?
Facelifts that are not performed properly can often be recognized by stretched or attached earlobes (also called “pixie ear”). Dr. Nichlos avoids this mistake with a tension-free suturing technique. As a result, your earlobe keeps its natural, round shape.
Can the SMAS facelift be combined with other treatments?
Yes, this is possible and even advisable, as you then only have the anesthesia risk once. The facelift can be combined, among other things, with a correction of the eyelids (e.g., under-eye bag surgery, eyelid lift or removal of hooded eyelids) or other aesthetic facial surgery treatments.
What is the difference between the SMAS lift and the deep plane facelift?
In a SMAS lift, Dr. Nichlos releases and lifts the SMAS layer, a firm layer of connective tissue and muscle beneath the skin, and fixes it in its original position. In a deep plane facelift, he releases the retaining ligaments that anchor the tissue to the bone and lifts muscle, fat and skin together. With both procedures, there is no tension on the skin after the operation, both are performed under general anesthesia, and both start at €9,000 plus anesthesia, clinic and overnight stay. Dr. Nichlos clarifies which procedure suits your findings during the consultation in Frankfurt.
How much does a SMAS facelift cost?
A SMAS lift starts at €9,000, plus anesthesia, clinic and overnight stay. What is included in the price is explained in the cost section, and you can find further prices in the price list. After the examination, you will receive an individual cost plan.
Is there a SMAS lift without surgery?
Non-surgical treatments reach their limits when tissue has sagged. Hyaluronic acid fills wrinkles and temporarily gives volume, and Botox reduces expression lines. They help only to a limited extent against sagging tissue. Lifting the deeper tissue layers is only possible with surgery. Dr. Nichlos will discuss with you which option makes sense in your case.
Mini facelift or SMAS lift: What is the difference?
In a mini facelift, smaller areas of the cheeks and jaw are tightened in a targeted way. In a SMAS lift, Dr. Nichlos tightens not only the superficial facial skin but prepares the sagging tissue including the SMAS and moves it to its original, higher position. This is more involved and includes both face and neck.
Does health insurance cover a SMAS lift?
No, generally not. A SMAS lift is an aesthetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. Dr. Nichlos’s practice in Frankfurt is a private practice without statutory health insurance accreditation and bills privately: it treats self-pay patients as well as privately insured patients with a medical indication. Costs start at €9,000 plus anesthesia, clinic and overnight stay.
Your practice in Frankfurt’s Westend
At our practice on Grüneburgweg, Dr. Nichlos takes the time for your personal consultation. Bright rooms, short distances and a calm atmosphere help you feel well looked after from your first appointment.
Preliminary examination, consultation and aftercare take place here. Dr. Nichlos performs the surgery itself at the affiliated clinic in Frankfurt.
Plastic Surgery Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos
Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main
Schedule your consultation now
Are you bothered by increasing skin laxity, especially around the chin and cheeks? The SMAS facelift is an effective treatment method with which Dr. Nichlos can achieve a visible improvement and rejuvenation of your appearance. The goal is your long-term satisfaction when you look in the mirror. Schedule your personal consultation now!
- 1Send your inquiry via the form
- 2We will get back to you promptly
- 3Personal consultation with Dr. Nichlos at the practice
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