Safe and professional
Felt I was in very safe and professional hands from my first consultation with Bo. ESPECIALLY on the day of the operation itself, when I was very n…
Thomas Hansen
About the treatment
A facelift is a surgical treatment that lifts and tightens the face so that it looks younger, fresher and more balanced, without changing what makes your features unique. At Caolín we work with several different facelift techniques: the classic facelift, the endoscopic facelift and our own Caolín Signature Babylift.
At Caolín, the treatment is always planned individually, with a focus on natural results, surgical perfection and respect for your features.
At a glance
- Price
- From DKK 60,000
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic
- Duration
- Depends on extent and technique
- Hospital stay
- Depends on technique
- Downtime
- 1–2 weeks
- Socially presentable
- Approx. 2–3 weeks
- Final result
After 3–12 months
What is a facelift?
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure in which the skin and underlying tissue of the face and neck are lifted and repositioned to create firmer contours, soften deeper folds and reduce sagging and excess skin. Whereas more superficial methods only treat the symptoms, a facelift addresses the underlying causes of ageing, making it the most effective and long-lasting solution.
At Caolín, our guiding principle is that the most beautiful result is the one that looks as if nothing has ever been done. We work in the deeper tissue layers (deep plane), respect the natural proportions of the face and always tailor the treatment to your anatomy, your features and your wishes. This gives a harmonious, natural and long-lasting result.
Our plastic surgeons are among the most experienced in facial surgery in the Nordic region. With international training, ongoing professional development and a large volume of facial operations behind them, they master the full spectrum of techniques, from the gentle Caolín Signature Babylift to the classic facelift and the endoscopic lift. The right technique is never chosen from a template, but always on the basis of a thorough assessment of your anatomy, your wishes and the result that will suit you best.
When does the need arise?
A facelift is typically relevant from the age of 40–50, but anatomy varies. What matters is not your age, but what you see in the mirror and the difference you want to achieve.
The face ages through an interplay between skin, fat pads, muscles and bone. With age, the skin loses its elasticity, the fat pads shift downwards and the muscles relax. This typically results in:
Sagging cheeks
Loss of definition along the jawline, known as jowls.
Deeper nasolabial folds
Folds that run from the sides of the nose down towards the mouth.
Loss of firmness in the neck
Loss of firmness and definition in the neck, including the beginnings of a double chin.
Loss of volume and contour
General loss of volume and contour in the midface and cheeks.
Does a facelift remove all wrinkles?
A facelift lifts and repositions sagging tissue and stretches the skin, but does not change skin quality or muscle function. Wrinkles are often divided according to their cause:
Dynamic wrinkles
Temporary lines that appear with muscle movement (such as when you smile or squint). These are not treated directly by a facelift, but can improve indirectly, as the muscles that lift do not need to work as hard after a facelift. For example, the muscles that raise the eyebrows can relax more once the brows have been lifted surgically, which reduces dynamic wrinkles on the forehead. Dynamic wrinkles are usually treated with neuromodulators such as Botox.
Static wrinkles
Lines that are visible even when the face is completely at rest. These are caused by loss of collagen and volume. Static wrinkles develop after the skin has been creased for many years and can be compared to the crease you see in paper that has been folded and unfolded again. They do not disappear even though the skin is stretched out during a facelift. Static wrinkles require separate treatment to improve skin quality, and this can be done at the same time as the facelift. Fine lines can be treated with CO2 laser, and deeper static wrinkles can be smoothed out with very small, superficial fat injections.
Gravitational wrinkles and folds
Lax skin caused by gravity and the loss of underlying structural support. These wrinkles and folds are treated by the facelift, as the skin and underlying structures are lifted back and secured against the pull of gravity. If there is also loss of volume, the result can be further improved with fat grafting to the areas that lack volume.
Types of facelift
Traditionally, the face is divided into 3 areas: the upper face (forehead and brows), the midface (the area between the eyes and the jawline) and the neck. At Caolín we offer treatments for all 3 areas, which can be combined as needed. This section covers treatment of the upper face and midface:
Caolín Signature Babylift
A gentle, minimally invasive technique for treating the upper face and the upper part of the midface. A Babylift is performed without visible scars on the face. It lifts and repositions tissue and muscles in the brows, temples and above the cheekbones. It is suitable for both younger and older patients who want a lift around the eyes. The Babylift has a shorter recovery than the classic facelift.
Endoscopic facelift
A camera-assisted procedure that lifts the midface through very small incisions in the hairline above the ear. The tissue is released and repositioned in the same layers as in a deep plane facelift, but no skin is removed, so there are no visible scars. It is well suited to younger patients with changes in the midface/cheek regions who do not have a large amount of excess skin. The endoscopic facelift is often combined with a babylift and neck lift for a complete result.
Deep plane facelift
The most stable and gentle technique for lifting the midface when the skin is very loose. The tissue is released beneath the SMAS layer of the face, addressing sagging cheeks, deeper folds and loss of jawline definition. Once the tissue has been tightened, the excess skin is removed. The scars are placed discreetly along the front and back of the ear. The procedure is often combined with a neck lift to treat the changes that pull down over the jawline, for a good overall result. A deep plane face and neck lift is also often combined with the Caolín Signature Babylift to treat the whole face.
Facelift combined with other procedures
A facelift lifts and tightens, but does not restore lost volume or improve skin quality. A facelift is therefore often combined with other procedures to create harmony:
Fat grafting
The body's own fat is used to rebuild volume in the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, temples and under the eyes. The lift tightens and the fat fills out. The two techniques complement each other, and at Caolín they are a preferred combination.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Removes excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids and is frequently combined with a facelift for a complete, open expression.
Neck lift
Where the skin of the neck is markedly loose, a separate neck lift can complement the classic facelift and create a sharp, well-defined jawline.
Brow lift
Lifts heavy, drooping brows and opens up the eyes. Typically performed endoscopically as a Babylift and naturally combined with eyelid surgery and a facelift.
Ablative CO2 laser
Improves skin texture, reduces fine lines and pigmentation and provides overall skin rejuvenation that complements the surgical result.
Reviews
What our patients say
Good to know
Questions and answers
Here you will find the whole process step by step — from consultation to the first weeks at home. If there is anything you cannot find an answer to, bring it up at your consultation.
That is our most important goal. At Caolín we work in the deeper tissue layers rather than simply tightening the skin. This gives a natural and long-lasting result.
SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is the deeper layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin. The modern facelift, the deep plane facelift, works beneath this layer to achieve a natural and long-lasting result, rather than simply tightening the skin, which lasts for a shorter time and risks an artificial look.
The result develops gradually over 3–6 months. Most people see a clear and positive difference within the first few weeks, even in the middle of the healing process.
The result of a facelift is long-lasting. The ageing process continues naturally, but from a lifted starting point. Smoking, sun exposure and fluctuating weight are the factors that have the greatest negative impact on skin ageing.
Filler adds volume and can reduce fine lines, but cannot lift and reposition sagging tissue. A facelift addresses the structural changes in the deeper layers and gives a marked and long-lasting result.
Desk-based work can typically be resumed after 1–2 weeks. Most people are socially presentable after 2–3 weeks, once the worst of the swelling has subsided. Sport and strenuous activity should be avoided for approx. 6 weeks.
Stopping smoking for at least 4–6 weeks is by far the most important. Smoking markedly reduces blood circulation and seriously increases the risk of complications. Blood-thinning medication and certain herbal remedies must be paused. You will be guided thoroughly through all the preparation advice once your surgery date has been set.
The first few days are the most demanding. Swelling, tightness and discolouration of the face are to be expected and subside gradually. Keep your head slightly raised and avoid activities that raise your blood pressure for the first 2 weeks. The endoscopic facelift is typically gentler and has a shorter downtime.
− Time off work: Typically 1–2 weeks.
− Socially presentable: Most people are ready for social situations after 2–3 weeks.
− Sport and strenuous activity: Avoid for 6 weeks.
− Sun on the scars: Avoid for at least 12 months, use at least SPF 50.
− Final result: Seen gradually over 3–6 months, as the swelling subsides and the tissue settles.
A successful facelift lasts a long time, but the face continues to age from a new, lifted starting point. Smoking, sun exposure and significant weight fluctuations are the factors that have the greatest negative impact on skin ageing.
The most relevant are bleeding, infection, asymmetry, temporary or permanent nerve effects, unsightly scarring and wound-healing problems. The risk of serious complications is low, but rises significantly with smoking.
Every treatment journey at Caolín starts with a thorough, no-obligation consultation. We take the time to talk about your wishes, assess your anatomy and give you honest advice about what is possible and what will give the most natural and harmonious result for you.
You are welcome to bring someone with you, and you can always contact us with questions along the way.
Book a free consultation at Caolín
Your journey begins with a personal consultation. Here we go through your wishes and options, so that together we can create a treatment plan that feels right for you.
The specialists
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen is a consultant in plastic surgery and one of the Nordic region's leading specialists in cosmetic breast surgery and advanced facial surgery, and one of the few surgeons to master endoscopic facelift without visible scars. He holds a PhD in breast reconstruction using stem-cell-enriched fat grafting and is internationally recognised for his work and research in the field.
Frederik Kølle, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Frederik Kølle is a certified and internationally recognised plastic surgeon specialising in facial and cosmetic surgery as well as advanced fat grafting and body contouring. He is among the Nordic region's leading experts and masters the full spectrum of facial and breast surgery.
Related treatments
Financing your treatment
We offer financing, so you can spread the cost of your treatment. If you have any questions about financing, you are always welcome to contact us – or ask at your consultation.
The calculation is indicative. Credit assessment and terms are set by Resurs Bank.