Face & Neck

Refining expression, preserving natural harmony

The face is the center of our expression and the mirror of our emotions.
Even subtle changes can have a remarkable impact.

Aesthetic and plastic surgery of the face and neck aims to preserve or restore harmonious proportions, gently soften signs of aging, and enhance each person’s natural expressiveness always with the goal of maintaining the face’s authentic and lively expression.

For a refreshed, naturally awake appearance

As we age, the delicate skin around the eyes loses elasticity, often leading to drooping eyelids, excess skin, or under-eye bags that create a tired expression.
Eyelid correction is therefore among the most common, and one of my personal favorite, aesthetic procedures.

Upper Eyelid Lift

During an upper eyelid lift, excess skin, muscle, and fat tissue are precisely removed using a scalpel.
The incision is made discreetly within the natural crease of the eyelid and closed with fine, intradermal sutures.
Stitches are usually removed after about one week, and swelling typically subsides within 7–10 days.
After approximately six weeks, the scar is barely visible.

Lower Eyelid Lift

Under-eye bags may form when fat tissue shifts forward as the supporting structures weaken.
Here too, the incision is made discreetly, either externally, just below the lash line, or internally through the conjunctiva.
Excess skin and fat deposits are carefully reduced.
The fine scars fade naturally into existing smile lines and are usually barely visible after six weeks.

Medical Indication

If there is a functional impairment, such as a restricted field of vision or skin irritation due to excess skin, the procedure may be medically indicated.
In such cases, costs can be covered by private health insurance, provided that an independent ophthalmologist confirms the diagnosis and medical necessity.

For a refreshed, naturally open expression

The eyebrows play a defining role in facial expression and overall aesthetics.
As we age, the natural descent of the brows can create a tired or stern appearance.
Modern lifting techniques allow for subtle to pronounced rejuvenation, always tailored to your facial anatomy and desired outcome.

Internal Brow Lift (Transpalpebral Brow Lift)

This technique is performed in combination with an upper eyelid lift and allows for a subtle elevation of up to 5 mm without any visible external scars.
Through an incision in the upper eyelid, the brow is lifted internally and secured to the bone (periosteum), preserving its natural curve and expression.

External Direct Brow Lift

For more pronounced brow descent, a small incision is made along the upper border of the eyebrow, leaving a barely visible scar.
By precisely removing a narrow strip of skin, the brow can be lifted along its full length, giving the face a harmonious and refreshed appearance.

Thread Lift for Brow Elevation

In this popular minimally invasive procedure, resorbable threads are placed under the skin to gently lift sagging tissue.
Over time, collagen stimulation and natural fibrosis provide additional firmness and long-lasting support.
The treatment requires minimal downtime and can be further enhanced through professional skincare and maintenance.

Gliding Brow Lift (GBL)

The Gliding Brow Lift is an innovative minimally invasive technique with virtually no visible scarring.
It gently lifts the brows and forehead, resulting in a more open, youthful appearance.
This method can also be combined seamlessly with an upper eyelid lift for comprehensive rejuvenation of the upper face.

Open Forehead Lift (Coronal Lift)

The open forehead lift is a classic surgical procedure designed to tighten the forehead area and elevate the brows.
A fine incision is made along the hairline to remove excess skin and smooth the underlying muscles.
This creates a lasting rejuvenation of the upper face, softens frown lines, and restores a relaxed, youthful expression.
The technique is particularly effective for advanced skin laxity.

Refining the contours of the neck with precision and subtlety

The neck is often one of the first areas where the natural aging process becomes visible.
Depending on the findings and tissue quality, a range of treatment options is available, from minimally invasive to surgical techniques.

Adhesion Neck Lift & High-Energy Device Lifting

The Adhesion Neck Lift is a modern technique for tightening the neck area, particularly effective for double chin and mild to moderate tissue laxity.
This method is based on the “adhesion lift” principle, in which the neck region is first gently mobilized through fine liposuction.
The skin is then repositioned and secured with special adhesion sutures, allowing it to naturally bond (“adhere”) to the underlying tissue, without the need for drains.

To further enhance skin tightening, high-energy devices such as radiofrequency or ultrasound can be applied to thermally stimulate collagen and elastin fibers.
The combination of both methods provides particularly effective results in cases of moderate skin laxity.

Surgical Techniques: Submental Lift, SMAS/LSD Neck Lift & Platysma Tightening

For more advanced tissue laxity, open surgical techniques are used:

  • Submental lift: performed through a small incision beneath the chin, this technique removes excess fat and tightens the central neck area.
  • SMAS/LSD neck lift: targets the deeper tissue layers, enabling long-lasting contouring and definition.
  • Platysma tightening: corrects visible neck bands (“turkey neck”) by precisely re-adapting the neck muscles.

Minimally Invasive Treatments: Threads, Biostimulators & Botulinum Toxin

In the early stages of skin laxity, subtle tightening can be achieved with thread lifting and collagen-stimulating biostimulators.
Additionally, botulinum toxin helps relax vertical platysma bands, creating a smoother, more refined neck contour.

Subtle rejuvenation with lasting, natural results

MACS Lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension Lift)

The MACS Lift is a gentle yet highly effective method of facial rejuvenation, often referred to as a mini facelift.
It is particularly suited for patients with early to moderate skin laxity in the midface, lower face, and along the jawline.

This technique is characterized by shorter incisions placed discreetly along the front of the ear and a vertical lifting vector that repositions sagging tissues.
The SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System), the connective tissue layer beneath the skin, is anchored to stable, deeper structures using special suspension sutures.

Unlike traditional facelift techniques, the MACS approach requires minimal tissue dissection, resulting in faster recovery, reduced risk of complications, and naturally refreshed results.

Benefits of the MACS Lift / Mini Lift

  • Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
  • Shorter recovery period
  • Natural, unoperated appearance (no “mask-like” effect)
  • Ideal for mild to moderate tissue laxity

SMAS / Deep Plane Lift

The SMAS Facelift or Deep Plane Lift addresses more advanced facial aging, particularly involving the midface, jawline, and neck.
This comprehensive approach goes beyond superficial tightening: the SMAS layer is mobilized and repositioned, not merely pulled.

In the Deep Plane technique, deeper tissue layers and fat compartments in the cheek area are carefully released and repositioned to their natural, youthful location, achieving a three-dimensional rejuvenation of the face.

Benefits of the SMAS / Deep Plane Lift

  • Natural, long-lasting results through deep structural lifting
  • Noticeable improvement in facial contours, jawline, and neck
  • Restores youthful volume and harmony
  • Individually tailored to anatomy and degree of aging

Prominent ears can cause psychological distress even in childhood.
Fortunately, modern scar-sparing surgical techniques now allow for effective correction using hidden incisions behind the ear.

The cause is usually a missing or underdeveloped fold of the antihelix (the inner cartilage ridge) and/or an overly pronounced conchal bowl (conchal hypertrophy).
The goal of otoplasty is to achieve a harmonious, natural ear shape through precise cartilage reshaping or partial cartilage reduction, without visible scars or rigid fixation.

After the procedure, swelling is normal for several days to about two weeks.
The first dressing change usually takes place the day after surgery.
Consistent protection is important: a headband should be worn continuously during the first two weeks (day and night), and then at night and during sports for another two weeks to stabilize the result.

Otoplasty is a safe, predictable procedure with lasting results, suitable for children from around six years of age through adulthood.

The earlobe plays an important role in the aesthetic balance of the ear.
Its natural shape can be affected by congenital deformities, age-related sagging, or torn piercings, for example, after wearing heavy earrings.

Earlobe correction is a minor, straightforward procedure performed under local anesthesia, in which the shape and contour of the earlobe are precisely restored, whether through tightening, tissue reshaping, or suturing a torn earlobe.

The result: a natural-looking, well-proportioned earlobe, with most patients able to resume social activities within just a few days.

Additionally, earlobes showing signs of aging can be gently rejuvenated with targeted hyaluronic acid injections, restoring volume and firmness for a youthful appearance.

Relief from teeth grinding and jaw tension

Bruxism refers to the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, most commonly during sleep.
This frequent condition can lead to jaw joint pain, muscle tension, tooth damage, and headaches.

Treatment with botulinum toxin has proven to be highly effective:
By injecting precise doses into the chewing muscles (such as the masseter or temporalis), the muscle activity is gently reduced.
This relaxation relieves strain on the jaw, alleviates discomfort, and helps prevent further dental or muscular damage.

The effect usually begins within 7 to 14 days and lasts for 3 to 6 months.
While regular maintenance treatments are recommended, most patients experience a significant improvement in comfort and quality of life.

Defining contours – balancing proportions

A well-defined chin and jawline are key to a balanced, youthful facial profile.
Several minimally invasive and surgical techniques are available to refine these contours, depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Minimally Invasive Options

Botulinum toxin can relax overactive chin and neck muscles (such as the platysma), reducing the downward pull and softening tension around the lower face.
Regular treatment of the masseter muscle can also create a slimmer, more contoured jawline, a procedure often referred to as the Botox Masseter Lift.

Hyaluronic acid fillers allow for precise volumization, enhancing chin projection and improving the overall facial harmony.

Thread lifting gently tightens sagging tissues, providing a visible improvement in jawline definition without surgery.

Surgical & Energy-Based Procedures

For more pronounced contouring, liposuction can selectively remove excess fat beneath the chin, creating a sleeker silhouette.
Additionally, high-energy devices such as radiofrequency or ultrasound may be used to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production, further improving skin tone and long-term firmness.

Tailored Combination Treatments

Depending on the individual anatomy and treatment goals, these techniques can be combined strategically to achieve a naturally refined, aesthetically balanced chin and jawline.

Subtle tightening and contouring with natural results

The thread lift is a minimally invasive technique designed to lift and contour the face and neck, completely without surgery.
Fine, resorbable threads with small barbs are placed discreetly beneath the skin to gently elevate sagging tissue and stimulate natural collagen production.
The result: a fresh, naturally rejuvenated appearance with minimal downtime.

Types of Thread Lifting

Lifting Threads (e.g., PDO, PLLA, PCL)
Provide targeted, mechanical lifting of sagging tissue.

Biostimulatory Threads
Activate the body’s own collagen synthesis, improving skin firmness and texture over time.

Areas of Application

  • Cheeks and jawline contour
  • Nasolabial and marionette lines
  • Neck and mild double chin
  • Brow lift
  • Forehead and midface

Duration & Safety

Depending on the thread material and skin condition, the lifting effect typically lasts 12–18 months.
All threads used are biocompatible and naturally resorbable.
Mild swelling or small bruises may occur but usually subside quickly.

Natural Lip Contouring with Hyaluronic Acid and Autologous Fat

Treatment Options

Hyaluronic Acid–Based Lip Augmentation
Modern, cross-linked hyaluronic acid gels allow for precise contouring and controlled volume enhancement.
Depending on the patient’s anatomy and desired effect, specific areas such as the vermillion border, the lip body, or the philtrum can be accentuated.

Different formulations, from soft, fine gels for subtle definition to more cohesive products for structured volume, are used to achieve tailored, natural results that complement the individual lip anatomy.

Autologous Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)
For those seeking a long-lasting, biological alternative, refined autologous fat can be used to restore volume and enhance lip texture.
This technique offers an exceptionally soft, natural feel and is particularly suitable for mature skin types.

Injection Techniques

  • Classic Contouring Lift: Emphasizes the cupid’s bow and lip edges for refined definition.
  • “Russian Lips” (in a subtle, natural variation): Vertical volumization focused on the central lip, elegant and never exaggerated.
  • Line-by-Line Technique: Gentle enhancement along natural lip lines for smoother texture and shape.
  • Microdroplet Technique: Even distribution of micro-deposits for a soft, natural texture.
  • Cannula Technique: Use of a blunt, atraumatic cannula for precise filler placement, natural contour, and minimal bruising.

Our Philosophy

At Cromme Aesthetics, we value restraint, precision, and natural beauty.
Overfilled or artificial-looking lips do not align with our aesthetic principles.
Our goal is always a harmonious, well-groomed expression individually tailored to your facial anatomy.

Benign and malignant skin changes are among the most common dermatological conditions.
Thanks to modern diagnostics and established therapeutic approaches, many skin tumors can now be detected and treated early, either medically or surgically.

Extensive Experience in Skin Tumor Surgery

With many years of experience at Dermatologikum Hamburg, one of Germany’s leading centers for dermatology and skin cancer,
Dr. Felix Cromme offers exceptional expertise in the diagnosis, surgical removal, and aftercare of skin tumors.
His approach emphasizes both medical precision and aesthetically unobtrusive results, preserving function and appearance.

Benign Skin Tumors

Common benign lesions include fibromas, seborrheic keratoses, and moles (nevi).
These may be irritating, cosmetically bothersome, or prone to inflammation.
Removal is typically performed under local anesthesia using tissue-sparing surgical techniques with minimal scarring.
A histopathological examination (microscopic tissue analysis) provides additional diagnostic certainty.

Malignant Skin Tumors

The most frequent malignant types include:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC / “white skin cancer”)
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
  • Malignant melanoma (“black skin cancer”)

These require accurate diagnosis, often confirmed by a biopsy, followed by complete surgical excision with histological margin control.
In early stages, a single procedure is usually sufficient.
For more complex cases, treatment is carried out interdisciplinarily and according to current clinical guidelines, often in collaboration with specialized oncology centers.

Autologous fat transfer, also known as lipofilling or autologous fat grafting, is a well-established, safe, and versatile technique for both aesthetic and reconstructive facial rejuvenation.
It uses the body’s own fat tissue to restore lost volume, refine facial contours, and visibly improve skin quality, without foreign materials and with exceptionally natural results.

Different Fat Fractions: Nano, Micro, Milli, and Macro Fat

The harvested fat is carefully processed into various fractions, depending on the treatment goal:

  • Macrofat – larger fat cell aggregates for targeted volume enhancement (e.g. cheeks, temples, chin).
  • Millifat – medium fraction for subtle contouring (e.g. jawline, facial asymmetry).
  • Microfat – finely processed for delicate areas such as the lips or tear troughs.
  • Nanofat – highly filtered fat containing growth factors and stem cells, ideal for improving skin texture, pigmentation, and fine lines (e.g. under-eye circles, sun-damaged skin).

Harvesting and Processing

Fat is gently collected using fine cannulas from discreet donor sites with mild fat deposits (e.g. lower abdomen, thighs, or flanks).
It is then purified in a sterile, closed system to isolate pure, injectable fat in different fractions.
Injection is performed with microdroplet precision using blunt cannulas, ensuring optimal integration and natural, even results.

Recovery and Results

Mild swelling and bruising may occur for several days, especially at injection sites.
Typical downtime is 7–10 days, occasionally a little longer.
Some of the transferred fat will be naturally reabsorbed, this is expected.
On average, 60–80% of the transplanted fat cells remain permanently, leading to stable, long-term improvement.

The final result becomes visible after about 3–4 months, once swelling has subsided and the graft has fully integrated.

Extensive Experience

Dr. Felix Cromme has extensive expertise in fat grafting and regenerative fat tissue treatments, gained through his many years at leading plastic surgery clinics and specialized centers for body contouring and reconstructive surgery.
He has performed over 1000 liposuctions and fat grafting procedures (lipofilling) for both aesthetic and reconstructive indications, combining surgical precision with a refined aesthetic sense.

Microneedling – Skin Regeneration Through Controlled Stimulation

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that improves skin texture by creating precise micro-injuries in the skin using fine needles.
This controlled stimulation activates the body’s own collagen and elastin production, enhances microcirculation, and triggers cellular regeneration for smoother, firmer, more radiant skin.

Cosmetic vs. Medical Microneedling

Cosmetic Microneedling (0.2–0.5 mm needle depth)

  • Ideal for refining pores, improving hydration, and treating fine lines
  • No or minimal downtime
  • Excellent for preventive skincare in younger or mildly stressed skin
  • Can be combined with PRP (“Vampire Lift”) or active serums for enhanced results

Medical Microneedling (1–2.5 mm needle depth)

  • Designed for deeper concerns such as wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, pigmentation, or skin laxity
  • Creates stronger regenerative effects by reaching deeper skin layers
  • Also suitable for neck, décolletage, and hands
  • Requires topical or mild sedation anesthesia for comfort

Downtime & Aftercare

After medical microneedling, temporary redness, mild swelling, or light flaking may occur for about 2–5 days.
During this period, consistent UV protection, gentle skincare, and avoidance of makeup are essential.
Using a regenerating cream and intensive moisturizing products supports healing and ensures an even, radiant outcome.