DEEP-PLANE SMAS LIFTING
Chronic stress, exposure to environmental elements, smoking, weight loss and aging can affect our faces, making us look older and tired. Using the most advanced techniques in Facelift, such as Mini MACS-Lift or Deep-Plane SMAS-Lift, Dr. Ektor can improve facial tone and visible signs of aging in the face and neck areas, giving you a more rejuvenated and younger version of yourself.
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The facelift is the crown of plastic surgery and requires great experience, technical training and talent for excellent results. Having worked for over two decades in the UK and later in Munich, the 'mecca of plastic surgery' in Germany, Dr. Ektor has specialized under the most renowned plastic surgeons in facial cosmetic surgery. The doctor uses the most modern and effective face and neck lifting techniques, which are the result of many years of scientific development and practice. These surgical procedures improve problems such as sagging skin and subcutaneous tissue, droopy eyelids, deep facial lines, sunken cheeks, sagging jowls, and accumulated fatty tissue in the neck. It removes excess skin, tightens the muscles, and straightens the connective tissue (SMAS) of the face resulting in a fresher and younger look.The doctor's knowledge and expertise in face and neck lifting procedures, the scientific and methodical approach he follows, as well as his human-centered nature exude confidence in every patient.
HIGH-SMAS TECHNIQUE
Dr. Ektor specializes in facelift procedures and offers his patients a range of modern techniques, including the mini-incision lift (Mini-Lifting/MACS-Lift) and the complete facelift with support of the deeper connective tissue of the face and neck (Deep-Plane SMAS- Lift). In contrast to a mini-lift, the comprehensive facelift is aimed at more advanced ages and aims for a longer-lasting lift of loose tissue, by dividing and repositioning the deep connective tissue (SMAS layer) in its original position. The techniques applied by Dr. Ektor differ from simple facelift techniques, which typically focus on skin lifting instead of deep connective tissue radical lifting. The facelift can be performed under sedation, especially in the case of a Mini-Lift, or general anesthesia when a total lift of the face and neck tissues is required. A facelift can be combined with other surgical procedures, such as upper and lower blepharoplasty, as well as forehead and brow lift. A full surgical face-neck lift is usually performed under general anesthesia, but can also be done under sedation, especially when the neck does not need to be opened centrally (ie when there is not much excess skin in the neck). For the patient's safety, it is recommended to stay in the hospital overnight, while the small drains (tube) are removed during the doctor's visit the next day. The surgical dressing is usually removed on day 4, while the sutures are removed on days 7-10. As a non-traumatic technique is used, the recovery is short (5-7 days). It is recommended to refrain from sports activities for 4 weeks.
SUPPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
To restore the loss of a youthful appearance, the lifting procedure carried out by Dr. Ektor can be supplemented with various skin treatments such as dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser (e.g. Clear-Lift Laser®) /radio frequencies to improve the quality and texture of the skin. Also, a range of rejuvenating treatments such as a Fat Grafting procedure (using the patient's own fat as long-lasting 'filler'), the HYPPP-Lift® treatment (using autologous growth factors) and mesotherapy with nutrients (eg vitamins, peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid) can improve facial volumen and contour, hydrate and brighten-up the facial skin, improve wrinkles and enhance skin elasticity and light reflectivity. Using these auxiliary methods we offer each patient a complete cosmetic package, thus covering all the different problem areas of the face.
For even more impressive results, the doctor applies the unique AccuTite® procedure during the surgery. Through the use of a tiny cannula, which heats the tissue with fractional radio frequency, Dr. Ektor can achieve lifting and tightening even in the most difficult to reach areas of the face, such as around the eyes, nasolabial folds and in the central neck. AccuTite® is a modern state-of-the-art method that dramatically improves surgical results while creating no swelling and bruising.
FULL FACE & NECK LIFT
COMBINATION
COMBINATION WITH ADVANCED NECK-LIFT TECHNIQUES
A neck-lift corrects aesthetic issues related to sagging skin and wrinkles on the neck and chin, accumulation of fat under the skin or muscles, as well as the appearance of characteristic vertical "strips" (platysma bands) in the neck. Using the most advanced lifting techniques, such as the Mini MACS-Lift or the Deep-Plane SMAS-Lift, Dr. Ektor can improve facial tone and visible signs of aging in the face and neck areas, giving you a more rejuvenated and younger version of yourself. Dr. Ektor specializes in face and neck lifting procedures, offering his patients a range of modern techniques, including the complete face and neck lift procedure, with connective tissue support (SMAS-Lift). Specifically, in the deep neck lift, targeted removal of the deep submuscular fat and suturing of the muscular plate (Corsetplasty) is performed, using a very small under-chin incision. It is very important to avoid extensive liposuction of the superficial subcutaneous fat of the neck, as this can lead to undesirable alterations of the surface contour of the neck area. A face and neck lift can be combined with other surgical procedures, such as upper and lower blepharoplasty, as well as forehead and brow lift.
NATURAL-LOOKING RESULTS
All before-after results show are original works by Dr. Ektor
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MOMMY
MAKEOVER
REGAIN YOUR BODY
After one or more pregnancies, in addition to the relaxation of the abdomen and the dissociation of the abdominal muscles, drooping of the face and neck can also be observed along with a significant decrease in volume in the mid-face area. A face-neck lift procedure can be combined with a tummy tuck and/or breast lift surgery to restore the patient's appearance, while sometimes, when there is significant facial volume loss and atrophy, a fat grafting procedure (transferring fat obtained from tummy liposuction to the face) can be very helpful in achieving long-lasting youthful results.
SPECIALIZATION
All face and neck lift procedures carried out by Dr. Ektor are products of careful and extensive study. During the consultation, Dr. Ektor will assess your suitability for such a procedure, as your safety and achieving the desired end-result must be perfectly aligned. After completing the initial consultation and assessment, Dr. Ektor prepares a detailed and customized surgical and/or non-invasive plan based on your goals, needs and unique facial features. Nothing is left to chance as Dr. Ektor is totally committed to specialized solutions that suit the specific unique characteristics of each patient. The philosophy of Dr. Ektor relies on personalized solutions, as he approaches each patient according to their personal situation and unique characteristics. In this way, he achieves solutions that have been studied and adapted exclusively to each individual patient. To achieve this, Dr. Ektor, faithfully follows a comprehensive series of procedures before each operation, starting with photographing targeted areas and taking detailed measurements. Then, after having all the necessary information at his disposal, he performs a pre-operative 3D simulation, an integral part of the procedure, through which the patient gets a clear picture of what to expect after surgery. After the pre-operative planning is completed, it is carefully and accurately performed in the operating room. The importance to detail and the unparalleled artistic eye of Dr. Ektor ensure the most natural possible result with the smallest possible scars. Dr. Ektor has over two decades of experience in the field of face and neck lifting, having specialized near the most renowned plastic surgeons in Europe and USA.
CUSTOM DESIGN WITH 3D SIMULATION
Dr. Ektor is a big believer in the fact that best post-operative results can only be achieved through careful and detailed pre-operative planning. This is why he always uses the most advanced tools that allow him to plan and discuss with his patients each individual outcome. The use of 3D Simulation (Crisalix 3D , Arbrea AR) allows the doctor to predict important aspects that require clarification before a Face-Neck Lifting procedure, while the patient feels reassured that the result will perfectly fulfil his/her expectations.
EXPERT TECHNIQUES
FAQs
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Is face-neck lift surgery painful?
Due to the use of an atraumatic, precise technique, facelift surgery in the hands of Dr. Ektor is not painful at all. The mild discomfort that may be felT post-operatively can be dealt with using oral analgesia at home, usually for 1 week.
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How long does surgery usually last?
Usually, depending on the severity of the problem, facelift surgery may last from 3-5 hours. If a full face-neck lift procedure is to be carried out, the duration of surgery is usually 5-6 hours.
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How long does it take to full recovery after surgery?
Following a facelift or neck lift procedure, the doctor will apply a special bandage that is left in place for 5 days, until all incision wounds heal up. Some bruising might be expected, which usually lasts for 5-7 days. Patients can expect a full recovery after 1 week.
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In which months of the year can face and neck lift surgery be performed?
Face and Neck-Lift surgery can be done throughout the year, even in the summer months, when the patient is advised to apply SPF 50-100 sunscreen on the scars to prevent any colour alterations.
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How long do the results of a facelift last?
A Full Face-Neck Lift procedure using the deep-plane technique can have very long-lasting results of 20+ years, depending on patient lifestyle choices (smoking, weight gain, excerices, sun exposure). A short-scar mini facelift (MACs Lift) may provide somewhat shorter results of 5-10 years.
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Will i have to stay in the hospital overnight after a facelift procedure?
Yes, we recommend to all our patients to stay in the hospital overnight, the day of surgery, in order to guaranty safety and ensure a smooth post-operative recovery, as we administer intravenous analgesia and antibiotic treatment for 24h. Also, the drains (tubes) that are placed during surgery are left in for 24h, and removed the morning after, to prevent any haematoma formation.
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When can i resume daily activities and exercise after surgery?
Daily activities can be resumed 1 week following surgery. Weight lifting should be avoided for 1 month. Cardiovascular exercise can be done 1 month after the procedure, while heavy weight lifting in the gym must wait 3 months.
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Can i smoke before or after surgery?
The consumption of nicotine (in any form) can significantly affect wound healing, and might delay your recovery after surgery. Dr. Ektor recommends to all his patients to abstain from smoking for 4 weeks before and after surgery to ensure smooth wound healing and good-quality scars.
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How does a full face-neck lift procedure compare to other minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments ?
While Dr. Ektor is a big proponent of non-invasive treatments, such as laser (e.g. Clear-Lift Laser lifting) and radiofrequency devices (e.g. Morpheus), he also acknowledges the fact that for significant facial skin laxity there is a limit to what can be achieved without surgery. In younger patients (usually under 50 years old), the doctor might recommend a mini-lift surgical procedure (e.g. MACs Lift), in order to correct the first signs of facial aging, while for older patients he prefers the Deep-Plane Full Face-Neck Lift procedure, for radical improvement via repositioning the sagging tissues in the mid-, lower-face and neck areas.
