Dr. de Clermont-TonnerrePlastic Surgeon

Paris 16th & Pontoise (95)

Facelift

Surgical facial rejuvenation — Paris 16th & Pontoise

The cervicofacial facelift is the gold-standard surgical technique for correcting the signs of ageing in the lower face and neck: sagging cheeks, jowls, double chin and nasolabial folds. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre performs this procedure in Paris 16th and Pontoise using deep SMAS techniques for a natural, long-lasting result.

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Step by step

How the procedure works

01

Consultation

Analysis of facial ageing, definition of objectives. Standardised photographs. Discussion of technique and expected results.

02

Pre-operative assessment

Blood tests, anaesthetic consultation. Cessation of smoking and anticoagulants. Mandatory 15-day reflection period.

03

Procedure

Under general anaesthesia, 3 to 4 hours. Incisions in natural creases (temples, ear contour, nape). SMAS and skin repositioning. Neck liposuction if required.

04

Hospitalisation

1 to 2 nights in clinic. Compressive dressings. Drains removed at day 2.

05

Follow-up

Suture removal at day 10–14. Bruising and swelling for 2 to 3 weeks. Definitive result at 6 months.

At a glance

Duration
3 to 4 hours
Anaesthesia
General
Hospitalisation
1 to 2 nights
Time off work
2 to 3 weeks
Definitive result
At 6 months
Duration of results
8 to 12 years

Advantages

  • Long-lasting facial rejuvenation (8 to 12 years)
  • Natural result acting on deep layers (SMAS)
  • Correction of sagging cheeks and neck
  • Discreet scars in natural creases
  • Can be combined with other procedures
  • Improvement of the eye area and facial contour

Risks

  • Post-operative haematoma (main early risk)
  • Facial nerve injury (rare with an experienced surgeon)
  • Temporary hair loss around the scars
  • Widened or hypertrophic scars
  • Residual asymmetry
  • Pulled appearance if excessive tension is applied

Insurance & Reimbursement

An aesthetic facelift is not reimbursed by French national health insurance. It remains entirely at the patient's expense.

Expected results

A cervicofacial facelift delivers natural, lasting rejuvenation. The face appears 8 to 12 years younger, with redefined contours and a restored oval. The final result is visible at 6 months, once swelling and bruising have completely resolved.

Before-and-after photographs available on request at the consultation.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can a facelift be performed?+
There is no ideal age for a facelift. In general, patients consult between the ages of 45 and 65, when the signs of ageing become sufficiently pronounced to justify surgical intervention. The important factors are that skin laxity is genuine and that the patient is in good general health.
Does a facelift give a "pulled" appearance?+
Current facelift techniques (deep SMAS) aim for a natural result without any pulled appearance. The surgeon works on the deep layers (SMAS and platysma) for a lasting, harmonious result. A pulled appearance is the hallmark of an older technique or excessive tension — something Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre takes great care to avoid.
How long do facelift results last?+
Cervicofacial facelift results generally last 8 to 12 years. The surgery does not stop the ageing process but effectively "resets the clock". A healthy lifestyle, sun protection and good skincare help to prolong the results.
Is a facelift covered by health insurance?+
An aesthetic facelift is not reimbursed by French national health insurance. It remains entirely at the patient's expense.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?+
Yes, a facelift is often combined with other procedures for a globally harmonious result: blepharoplasty (eyelids), brow lift (forehead), lipofilling (volume restoration), hyaluronic acid injections. The surgeon proposes a treatment plan tailored to your needs during the consultation.
At what age should a facelift be considered?+
A cervicofacial facelift is generally considered between the ages of 45 and 65, when laxity of the lower face and neck tissues becomes significant. Some patients with fine skin and early signs of ageing may be candidates from the age of 40. Conversely, a facelift can be performed in patients over 70 if their general health allows it. Age alone is not a criterion; it is the degree of tissue laxity that guides the decision.
Is a facelift performed under general or local anaesthesia?+
A cervicofacial facelift is most commonly performed under general anaesthesia, which ensures patient comfort and allows the surgeon to work under optimal conditions over a period of 3 to 4 hours. In certain selected cases (limited facelift, good general health), deep local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation may be considered. The choice is discussed at consultation with the surgeon and anaesthetist.
Where are the scars placed in a facelift?+
Facelift scars are carefully concealed in the natural creases of the face: they begin in the temporal hairline, run down in front of the ear in the pretragal groove, curve around the earlobe, rise behind the ear in the posterior sulcus, and end in the mastoid hairline. Although lengthy, they become virtually invisible over time, owing to their strategic placement in natural transition zones.
What is the SMAS technique in a facelift?+
The SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) is a deep fibromuscular layer of the face connecting the neck and facial muscles. The SMAS facelift technique involves mobilising and repositioning this deep layer, rather than simply tightening the superficial skin. This approach achieves a more natural, more durable result without a pulled appearance, because the skin is not over-stretched. It is the reference technique used by Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre.
Is there a facelift without scars?+
There is no truly scar-free surgical facelift. Some "mini-lift" or "S-lift" techniques involve shorter incisions, but they remain indicated for moderate laxity only. Non-surgical techniques (focused ultrasound such as Ultherapy, radiofrequency, thread lifts) can offer a lifting effect without scars, but are less powerful and less durable than a conventional surgical facelift. The surgeon will guide towards the most appropriate solution for each situation.
What is the difference between a facelift and aesthetic medicine (Botox, fillers)?+
Aesthetic medicine (botulinum toxin injections, hyaluronic acid, biorevitalisation) addresses dynamic wrinkles, volume and skin quality, but does not correct structural tissue laxity. A cervicofacial facelift is the only technique capable of durably repositioning the deep layers (SMAS, platysma) and effectively correcting sagging cheeks, jowls and the neck. The two approaches are complementary: aesthetic medicine can prepare or complement a facelift, but does not replace it when there is marked tissue ptosis.

Patient testimonials

★★★★★

“At 58, I wanted a natural rejuvenation. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre explained exactly what was achievable. The result is precisely what I wanted: a rested, younger appearance without looking "done".”

Martine

★★★★★

“Cervicofacial facelift combined with blepharoplasty. Recovery took 3 weeks but the result is truly worth it. I look 10 years younger and natural. Impeccable follow-up.”

Colette

★★★★★

“I was worried about a "plastic" result. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre reassured me from the very first consultation. At 6 months post-op, my face is rejuvenated harmoniously. I warmly recommend him.”

Geneviève

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See also

Face surgery — all proceduresRhinoplastyBlepharoplastyOtoplasty — prominent earsChin liposuctionGenioplasty — chin surgery
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