Deep plane facelift price in Switzerland

The deep plane facelift is now one of the most requested facelift techniques, for its natural look and durability. It involves working beneath the facial musculo-aponeurotic layer and releasing certain attachment points in order to reposition the tissues as a single unit, with little tension on the skin. This precision comes at a cost: the procedure is longer than a superficial facelift, it is performed close to the branches of the facial nerve and it requires specific training and experience, which not all surgeons have. The price of a deep plane facelift is therefore generally a little higher than that of a classic SMAS facelift. This page details what this price covers and how to compare it. For the technique itself, see our page on the deep plane facelift.

The price of a deep plane facelift brings together the surgeon's fees, anaesthesia, the operating theatre, the hospital stay and follow-up. It is generally slightly higher than a classic facelift, because of the duration and expertise required. Additional procedures, such as eyelids, fat or skin treatment, are added on. Insurance does not cover this procedure. Differences between Swiss regions remain moderate, whereas differences between surgeons can be considerably greater.

The surgeon's fees are the largest share: they pay for a long procedure, often four hours or more when the neck is included, and rare expertise. Anaesthesia, usually general, is charged according to duration. Clinic fees cover the theatre, the team, equipment and one or two nights in hospital, which are useful for monitoring blood pressure and preventing haematoma. On top of this come dressings, the support bandage, medication and check-ups. A reputable quote states in black and white that it is a deep plane facelift, and not a superficial facelift presented under that name.

Two deep plane facelift proposals can vary considerably. First, the scope: face only, or face and neck, with or without work on the neck muscle under the chin. Next, combinations: eyelid surgery, fat transfer to the cheekbones or temples, brow lift, skin laser. Then the surgeon: a highly experienced deep plane specialist with a long waiting list often charges higher fees. The facility, the number of nights and whether follow-up is included complete these differences.

In relative terms, a deep plane facelift limited to the middle and lower thirds of the face is the baseline. A deep plane face and neck lift, with work on the neck muscle, represents a larger budget. A complete project combining a deep plane facelift, upper and lower eyelids and fat transfer is at the highest level, often more than one and a half times the baseline.

The tables below show the cost of a deep plane face and neck lift by city and canton, as a difference compared with Geneva. As not all surgeons offer the deep plane technique, it may be worth travelling to a nearby major city to consult a specialist.

Like any cosmetic facelift, a deep plane facelift is at the patient's expense. It is worth asking in writing what happens in the event of a complication, such as a haematoma requiring revision, or if a touch-up is wanted after a year: some surgeons waive their fees, with the clinic charging for theatre costs.

To compare, you need quotes covering an identical scope, with explicit mention of the technique. You should also look at the surgeon's experience in deep plane facelifts, the number of procedures performed and their results photos at one year. A saving of a few percent is not worth a higher risk in a procedure that involves the facial nerve and shapes your face for a long time.

The deep plane facelift is often presented as longer-lasting than a superficial facelift, because it repositions the deep tissues rather than stretching the skin. If you divide its cost by the number of years of benefit, the gap with a cheaper technique narrows, or even reverses. This is a factor to consider, without treating it as a guarantee: skin quality, smoking and sun exposure also affect how long it lasts.

A deposit is generally required to reserve the date, with the balance paid before the procedure. Payment plans are available at some clinics. You should also allow for indirect costs: two to three weeks of social downtime, skincare and possibly maintenance injections in the following years.

Beyond the quote itself, a few expenses often accompany a deep plane facelift. The pre-operative assessment, a blood test and sometimes an electrocardiogram, is charged separately if not included. Scar care products, silicone gel and sun protection, are recommended for several months. Lymphatic drainage may be offered to speed up the resolution of swelling. Finally, some people plan light injections a year later to refine the result. These items remain modest compared with the procedure, but it is worth anticipating them to avoid surprises.

Operating time accounts for a large part of the price difference between a deep plane facelift and a more superficial one. An extra hour in theatre ties up the surgeon, the anaesthetist, the team and the room. It is also this time, devoted to precise dissection of the deep tissues, that allows a natural, long-lasting result.

Find out how the procedure is carried out on our page Deep plane facelift in Switzerland.

Compare with related procedures

• Face and neck lift: prices in Switzerland
• Brow and temporo-malar lift: prices in Switzerland
• Facelift: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Facelift in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

The essentials about the bill, in plain terms.

Before you commit

Why does a deep plane facelift cost more than a classic facelift? It is longer, more technical and requires particular experience.

Is the difference compared with a SMAS facelift significant? It is generally moderate, in the order of a few tens of percent at most.

Is the neck included? Often, as a deep plane facelift treats the face and neck together.

Is eyelid surgery extra? Yes, if combined.

Is fat included? No, fat transfer is added if performed.

Is general anaesthesia charged separately? Depending on the practice; check the quote.

How many nights in the clinic? Often one, sometimes two.

Are check-ups included? Generally for one year.

Is a touch-up included? Sometimes, under specific conditions.

Is a deep plane facelift reimbursed? No, it is a cosmetic procedure.

Can you pay in instalments? Some clinics allow this.

Does the price vary by surgeon? Yes, significantly, depending on experience and demand.

Are the major cities more expensive? Geneva and Zurich are at the highest level.

Is a cheap deep plane facelift risky? You need to check the surgeon's actual experience.

Is there a charge for the consultation? Yes, generally, sometimes deducted.

Does the price include the support dressing? Yes, in most cases.

Are medications included? Not always.

Is a deposit required? Often, to reserve the date.

Does a deep plane facelift last longer? It is known to be long-lasting, which puts its price into perspective.

Are revision costs provided for? Ask before signing.

Is the price the same for a man? Yes, for the same procedures.

Can a skin treatment be combined? Yes, charged extra.

Should the quote specify the technique? Yes, the term deep plane must appear clearly.

Do prices change? They are reviewed periodically by clinics.

Should you compare several quotes? Yes, for the same technique.

Is the pre-operative assessment charged for? Often extra, at low cost.

Is transport included? No.

Is the deep plane facelift offered everywhere in Switzerland? No, mainly in the major cities, by trained surgeons.

Does the price include the anaesthesia consultation? Often; confirm on the quote.

Is lymphatic drainage included? Rarely; it is generally charged separately.

Are follow-up photos included? Yes, they are part of the check-ups.

Is a verbal quote enough? No, always ask for a detailed written quote.

Can the price change on the day of the procedure? No, unless the plan is changed with your agreement.

Are clinic fees fixed? They depend on the duration and the number of nights.

Are there cancellation fees? Depending on the clinic's terms.

Tell us your canton: we will send you, free of charge, quotes from surgeons who perform deep plane facelifts near you.