Dr Richter’s philosophy
For Dr Richter, modern facial surgery is not about achieving the most dramatic change possible. His aim is a result that blends seamlessly into the face and looks natural in the long term.
The focus is on anatomy, function, tissue quality and a cautious approach. Not every change requires surgery, and not every technically feasible procedure is appropriate in every individual case. This approach shapes every stage of the planning process — from the initial consultation right through to the choice of the most suitable technique.
SMAS lift techniques
SMAS techniques are among the tried-and-tested cornerstones of modern facelift surgery. The SMAS is a supporting layer of connective tissue and muscle in the face that plays a key role in maintaining the stability of the cheeks, jawline and neck.
Where the anatomy is suitable, classic or advanced SMAS techniques can produce very natural and stable results — often with less deep dissection than with more aggressive techniques. For Dr Richter, SMAS techniques are therefore not an outdated concept, but an important component of personalised facial surgery.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift works on the deeper anatomical layers of the face. The aim is not to tighten sagging tissue structures superficially, but to reposition them more naturally as a functional unit.
This technique can be particularly useful for certain changes affecting the cheeks, jawline, marionette lines and deeper facial structures. At the same time, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Not every face requires extensive deep dissection or aggressive release of supporting structures.
More about the High-SMAS facelift
Mid-face lift
A mid-face lift focuses on the mid-face, the cheek area and the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek. This area plays a crucial role in giving the face a tired, sunken or exhausted appearance.
A targeted mid-face lift may be particularly beneficial in cases of malar bags, pronounced tear troughs or a sagging eyelid-cheek junction. However, the indication must be determined very carefully, as a precise distinction must be made between volume loss, tissue sagging and structural instability.
Revision surgery on the face
Revision surgery on the face is particularly challenging because previous operations, fillers, sutures, radiofrequency, HIFU, lasers or other energy-based devices can alter the natural anatomy and tissue physiology. Scarring, fibrosis, altered dissection planes or impaired tissue mobility make repeat surgery significantly more complex.
Dr Richter has particular expertise in treating complex cases involving patients who have undergone previous procedures. The aim is not to achieve maximum correction, but rather the careful restoration of natural appearance, function and anatomical balance.
More about revision surgery on the face
Which technique is the right one?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to determining the right technique. A deep-plane facelift is not automatically better than a high-SMAS facelift. An SMAS technique is not automatically less modern. And a mid-facelift is not necessary for every face.
The key is always an individual assessment:
What is the quality of the tissue?
Which structures have sagged?
Where is there a loss of volume?
What previous treatments have been carried out?
Which functions need to be protected?
And which result will look natural in the long term?
A consultation with Dr Richter is therefore not about ‘selling’ a particular technique, but about finding the right strategy for each individual face.