Practiced by Dr. Christophe Desouches in Marseille, the French Lift is an innovative technique developed by the Dr. Philippe Bellity to regain a harmonious face without artificial effects.
What is the French Lift?
The French Lift (or French Lift facelift) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that corrects sagging skin in the lower face: chin, cheeks and neck.
Here are its key features:
- Vertical repositioning: unlike traditional facelifts which pull the tissues obliquely, the French Lift corrects the fall of facial volumes by raising them vertically to their original position
- Minimally invasive approach: performed in 1.5 hours, possibly under local anesthesia, it minimizes scarring (short incisions behind the ears) and avoids extensive skin detachment
- No tension on the skin: excess skin is removed “to measure”, without any tension, preserving natural expressions
What are the benefits of the French Lift?
- Natural result: restores a redesigned facial oval, as if “10 years younger”, without tension
- Discreet scars: short posterior incisions behind the ears, anterior incision along the inner ear opening and in front of the hairline barely visible after healing
- Duration: 1.5 hours under local anesthesia or light sedation
French Lift vs. Classic Lift: What’s the Difference?
The French Lift is less invasive than a traditional facelift:
- Faster intervention (1.5 hours versus 3-4 hours)
- Discreet scars (behind the ears instead of the temple at the nape of the neck)
- Shorter social downtime: 10 to 15 days on average, compared to 3 to 4 weeks for a traditional facelift
- A more pronounced natural effect (no frozen or overly tense face)
Discover in this video all the details given by Dr. Philippe Bellity in discussion with Dr. Desouches:
Who is the French Lift for?
This is the ideal intervention for patients:
- Having moderate sagging of the cheeks or neck
- Wanting to avoid major surgery
- From the age of 45 if sagging is visible (depending on the quality of the skin)
How does the French Lift work?
Here are the key steps with Dr. Desouches in Marseille:
1 – Preoperative consultation
The first step is to assess your needs and plan the intervention:
- Personalized assessment: facial analysis and clear explanations of expectations
- Detailed quote: transparency on costs and stages
2 – Intervention
The operation, carried out in a Marseille clinic, follows a precise protocol:
- Adapted anesthesia: local with light sedation for optimal comfort
- Precise technique: lifting of tissues without tension, with neck refinement if necessary
3 – Postoperative follow-up
Tailor-made support guarantees a peaceful recovery:
- Recovery advice: social isolation for 10 to 15 days on average, and cessation of physical exertion during this period. Moderate swelling may sometimes persist for 3 to 4 weeks, without affecting the final result.
- Progressive results: visible improvement from 3 weeks, final result in 6 months
What are the risks ?
The French Lift is a safe technique, but some side effects may occur:
- Bruising and swelling → bruises fade in 10 to 15 days; swelling may persist for 3 to 4 weeks
- Temporary sensitivity → may last a few weeks
- Very rare risk of infection → avoided with appropriate care
Key tip:
- Follow pre- and post-operative instructions carefully
Why choose Dr. Desouches for your French Lift in Marseille?
- A recognized expert in facial cosmetic surgery
- Personalized support before and after the operation
- A natural facelift without a fixed effect
- A more affordable cost than a traditional facelift
Frequently asked questions about the French Lift
Is the French Lift painful?
No, the procedure is performed under local or light anesthesia, and you will not feel any pain. After the operation, some mild discomfort may occur, but this is well controlled with mild painkillers.
How long do the effects of the French Lift last?
The results are long-lasting, between 7 and 10 years, depending on the quality of your skin and your lifestyle.
When can I resume my activities after the French Lift?
Social downtime is generally 10 to 15 days. Bruising fades during this period. Residual swelling may sometimes persist for 3 to 4 weeks before completely disappearing. These timeframes vary from patient to patient and are discussed during the consultation.
Does the French Lift leave visible scars?
No, the incisions behind the ears are short, and the incisions in front are hidden in natural folds. Once healed, they are virtually invisible.
From what age can you have a French Lift?
The French Lift is recommended from the age of 45, depending on the sagging of your skin.
What are the risks of the French Lift?
Typical after-effects include bruising (10 to 15 days), swelling that may persist for 3 to 4 weeks, and temporary tenderness. Like any surgical procedure, the French Lift carries risks, which will be discussed in detail during the pre-operative consultation.
How much does a French Lift cost?
The price depends on each patient's specific needs. A personalized quote will be provided to you during your consultation with Dr. Desouches.
Any more questions?
Make an appointment with Dr. Christophe Desouches for a personalized assessment!
