Facelift vs Non-Surgical Options

Over time, your appearance is subject to changes from the natural effects of aging. The skin can take on a wrinkled appearance, and your facial tissues may begin to descend. When this occurs, a surgical facelift is the gold standard for addressing these concerns. Alternatively, there are non-surgical options available for individuals who wish to take a more conservative approach to facial rejuvenation. 

Dr. Dalia Tobbia of Plastische Chirurgie am Klosterstern has led a distinguished career performing a variety of facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Tobbia specializes in plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery, and she has become known across Germany for her natural and seamless results. She can help you find a suitable treatment for each of your needs, no matter what concerns you may be trying to address. 

If you are ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tobbia, please contact us online or call +49 40 46 091 076.

About Facelifts 

A facelift, or a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that consists of lifting the skin, tightening facial muscles, and repositioning facial fat to rejuvenate and refresh your natural appearance. This procedure is one of the most commonly performed facial cosmetic procedures worldwide, and it is ideal for addressing concerns such as:

  • Lax or Hanging Skin
  • Descending Facial Fat
  • Jowling
  • Excessive Jawline Fullness
  • Poorly-Defined Contours
  • Wrinkled or Creased Skin (1)

Types of Facelifts

Dr. Tobbia can perform several different types of facelifts to address a range of concerns across different regions of the face. They include the traditional facelift, mini facelift, and stem cell facelift. 

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift targets visible signs of aging found in the middle and lower portions of the face. Dr. Tobbia can perform this procedure by placing incisions around the temples and ears, hiding them within your hairline to maintain your discretion. She will then lift the skin and SMAS layers, reposition your facial fat pads, and tighten any weakened muscles. She will then redrape the skin and trim the excess away to restore a more contoured and youthful-looking appearance overall. 

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift, or a lower facelift, addresses age-related concerns found across the lower face and jawline. This procedure is more conservative compared to the traditional facelift and is ideal when correcting the appearance of jowls, volume loss, or a poorly-defined jawline. 

Dr. Tobbia performs this procedure by placing a thin incision behind the ears to access your underlying facial structures. She will then lift and tighten your skin and SMAS layer before redraping your skin and removing any excess tissue. 

Stem Cell Facelift 

A stem cell facelift can address visible hollowing and volume loss across different regions of the face. This treatment uses the fat from your own body to stimulate neocollagenesis and elevate the appearance, smoothness, and elasticity of your skin. 

During your procedure, Dr. Tobbia will use liposuction to harvest fat from another region of your body, such as your abdomen, thighs, or flanks. After purifying and processing the harvested fat, she strategically reinjects it to contour targeted areas of your face. Once injected, the stem cells within the fat graft integrate into your facial tissues to stimulate the natural production of new collagen.

About Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation 

Non-surgical facial rejuvenation consists of several treatments that Dr. Tobbia can perform to restore a more youthful-looking appearance. These treatments often avoid incisions, general anesthesia, and significant recovery times, allowing you to enhance your looks without the invasive nature of surgical intervention. 

Thread Lift 

Thread lifts are a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatment that uses absorbable sutures to lift your facial tissues. Each suture or “thread” features tiny barbs that attach to your facial tissues to lift them, restoring a more youthful-looking appearance. (2)

Dr. Tobbia performs this treatment by using a blunt cannula to insert the sutures into specific, targeted areas of the face. Once in place, the threads will lift surrounding tissues and stimulate collagen production, addressing concerns across the neck, jawline, midface, brows, and more. 

Salmon Sperm DNA (Rejuran) 

Rejuran is an injectable treatment that can reduce visible signs of aging using the natural compounds and properties found in salmon sperm. This treatment can effectively address concerns such as loose skin, wrinkles, creases, enlarged pores, and more, allowing you to achieve a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. 

Using fine microneedles, Dr. Tobbia injects the Rejuran solution in a precise grid pattern to ensure an even distribution. Afterward, she applies a soothing cream or ointment to the treated area. The process typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. 

Juvéderm

Juvéderm is a collection of different hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers that can address visible signs of aging and volume loss around various areas of the face. (3) This treatment is highly versatile, and Dr. Tobbia can inject it to address:

  • Forehead Lines
  • Brow Lines
  • Bunny Lines
  • Nose
  • Lips
  • Under-eyes
  • Cheeks
  • Nasolabial Folds
  • Jawline
  • Marionette Lines
  • Chin
  • Temples

BTX

BTX is an injectable treatment that can help diminish visible signs of aging. This treatment is a neuromodulator, and it achieves its results by inhibiting the neurotransmitters responsible for the dynamic facial movements that create wrinkles and creases. This function not only addresses existing signs of aging, but also slows new ones from developing if patients get regular treatments. 

Candidates

Whether considering a surgical facelift or a non-surgical alternative, ideal candidates should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations for their outcomes. Non-surgical treatments are best suited for individuals with milder signs of visible aging or those who wish to avoid undergoing surgery. In contrast, a surgical facelift is designed for patients experiencing more pronounced signs of aging that require deeper correction, such as muscle weakness or jowling.

During your consultation, Dr. Tobbia and her team will assess your facial structure and skin quality to determine whether a facelift or non-surgical procedure best suits your goals. 

Advice and Treatment

The first step to rejuvenating your appearance is scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Tobbia at her Hamburg office. During your visit, she will review your medical history, including any previous procedures, medical conditions, current medication intake, and allergies. She will listen to your personal concerns and learn more about your aesthetic goals. She will also perform a physical evaluation to examine your facial anatomy. 

Based on this information, Dr. Tobbia will determine whether a facelift or non-surgical option is best for you. As she creates your treatment plan, she will explain each step and concept so you have a full understanding of what to expect. Her goal is to answer all your questions and alleviate any concerns, so you leave feeling confident and prepared. 

If you are ready to schedule this consultation, please contact us online or call +49 40 46 091 076.

Preparation

After Dr. Tobbia has established your treatment plan, she will provide you with a detailed set of instructions. 

For both treatment types, Dr. Tobbia will ask you to:

  • Refrain from using certain blood-thinning medications or supplements
  • Avoid consuming any alcohol or nicotine in the weeks leading up to your procedure
  • Wear sun protection and avoid excessive UV exposure

If you are undergoing a surgical facelift, Dr. Tobbia will also have you:

  • Fill any necessary post-operative prescriptions
  • Schedule time away from professional and personal commitments
  • Ask a friend or family member to transport you home from your procedure and stay with you for the first night of your recovery

Recovery

The recovery processes for both a facelift and a non-surgical procedure are quite different, with surgical intervention requiring more involved aftercare. During your consultation, Dr. Tobbia will provide you with a full set of instructions to help you navigate your recovery and best care for yourself as you heal. 

Recovering from a Facelift

During your initial healing phase, you will need to take time away from your responsibilities and commitments to focus on your recovery. It is common to experience swelling, bruising, and general discomfort, but you can manage these using prescribed medications and resting with your head elevated. 

After approximately one to two weeks, you may be able to return to work. However, you will need to continue to refrain from strenuous activities until Dr. Tobbia gives you clearance to return. 

Recovering from a Non-Surgical Treatment

You may return to most of your daily activities immediately after your treatment. You may experience some mild redness, swelling, or tenderness around the treated areas, but these effects will subside within a few days. 

Dr. Tobbia may instruct you to avoid wearing makeup in the treatment area or using certain skincare products for the first several days of your recovery. You should also avoid excessive sun exposure. 

Results

Whether you undergo a surgical procedure or a non-surgical treatment, you can expect a more youthful appearance overall, characterized by smoother and tighter skin, accentuated facial contours, and improved proportions. A facelift provides long-lasting results for years to come, eliminating the need for routine maintenance. Alternatively, non-surgical treatments may eventually require follow-up appointments to preserve your renewed appearance. 

Cost of Facelift vs Non-Surgical Options in Hamburg, Germany

Dr. Tobbia will provide you with a full cost breakdown once she has established each detail of your treatment plan. This is because your pricing will vary depending on the treatment or procedure you receive, the type of corrections you undergo, and the overall scope of your procedure.  

For more information about pricing and to start exploring options for your facial rejuvenation, please request a consultation online or call +49 40 46 091 076.

FAQ

How will I know if a facelift or a non-surgical option is best for me?

Attending a personal consultation with Dr. Tobbia is the best way to determine your candidacy for each treatment.  

What non-surgical options does Dr. Tobbia offer?

Dr. Tobbia can perform several non-surgical treatments, including thread lifting, BTX, Juvéderm, and Rejuran. 

What type of surgical facelifts can Dr. Tobbia perform?

Dr. Tobbia offers traditional, mini, and stem cell facelifts.  

What are the threads used in a thread lift made of?

Dr. Tobbia can use either PDO threads or PLLA threads. These are both medical-grade, biocompatible materials that doctors safely and commonly use in various medical applications.

Can Dr. Tobbia combine several treatments?

Yes, Dr. Tobbia can combine several treatments and procedures together to enhance your natural appearance. We ask that you schedule a consultation for more information and personalized suggestions. 

References

  1. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. Nih.gov. Published March 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/#article-28568.s4 
  2. Adam A, Karypidis D, Ghanem A. Thread Lifts: A Critical Analysis of Treatment Modalities. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2020;19(4):413-417. doi:https://doi.org/10.36849/jdd.2020.3646 
  3. Sánchez-Carpintero I, Candelas D, Ruiz-Rodríguez R. Dermal Fillers: Types, Indications, and Complications. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). 2010;101(5):381-393. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1578-2190(10)70660-0 
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