Endoscopic or cervicofacial lift: what is the difference and when to choose?

When a patient consults for a “lift”, they rarely arrive with a precise idea of the technique suited to their case. The term “lift” in fact covers several very different procedures, which target distinct areas of the face and address specific ages and indications. The two main ones are the endoscopic lift (upper face) and the cervicofacial lift (lower face and neck). They are not alternatives to one another: they are complementary procedures that may sometimes be combined.

At the practice at 20 rue de la Trémoille, I have been performing the endoscopic lift for 25 years, mainly on the brows and the forehead. Cervicofacial lifts, which are heavier, are carried out by my fellow plastic surgeons within the Centre Esthétique Trémoille. This article explains the technical difference and the precise indications of each.

Endoscopic lift of the upper face

A minimally invasive surgical procedure using incisions hidden in the scalp (3 to 5 incisions of 1-2 cm) through which an endoscope and fine instruments are introduced. The tissues of the forehead and the temples are released, the frontalis muscle and the brow are repositioned, then the tissues are fixed in a raised position with resorbable micro-screws. Duration: 1 hr to 1 hr 30.

Areas treated: forehead, brows (ptosis), temples (temporal jowl), root of the nose. Does not treat: the lower face, the cheeks, the neck.

Cervicofacial lift (lower face and neck)

A classic surgical procedure using longer but well-hidden incisions: in front of the ear (pre-tragal), passing around the earlobe, then behind the ear (retro-auricular) and ending in the hairline at the level of the scalp. The tissues are dissected (skin and musculo-aponeurotic SMAS), repositioned upwards and backwards, the excess skin is removed, and sutures are placed. Duration: 3 hrs to 5 hrs.

Areas treated: cheeks, jawline (oval), neck (jowl, banding), chin. Does not treat: the forehead, the brows, the upper temples.

Detailed comparative table

Upper face (forehead, brows, temples)

Lower face + neck (cheeks, oval, chin, neck)

3 to 5 incisions of 1-2 cm in the scalp

Hidden beneath the hair · concealed; visibility depends on healing

Visible but very discreet, hidden by the hair and the natural lines

General, or local with deep sedation

communicated on an estimate, in consultation

Choose the endoscopic lift if…

• Your brows are drooping and mask the gaze (“I put on make-up and it no longer shows”)
• Your forehead is very lined (deep horizontal forehead lines)
• Your temples are hollowing and your gaze appears “hard” or “tired”
• You are between 35 and 55 years old and the lower face is still firm
• You want a short social downtime (7-10 days)

Choose the cervicofacial lift if…

• The oval of your face is being lost (jowls, lateral sagging)
• You have a “turkey neck” (vertical excess cervical skin)
• A double chin has settled in despite a stable weight
• You are over 50 and the upper face is less of a priority
• You wish for a deep renovation of the lower face for 10-12 years

Choose the two combined if…

→ Harmonious ageing of the upper AND the lower face. Rather after 55. A “full face” procedure in 2 stages (endoscopic + cervicofacial in the same week), or in a single long procedure (5-6 hrs, general anaesthesia). Durability 10-12 years, downtime 3 weeks.

Why the “four hands” at 20 rue de la Trémoille?

The Centre Esthétique Trémoille brings together 4 specialised physicians, which makes it possible to offer combined protocols in a single session that are not found in single-practitioner practices. My expertise in oculoplastic surgery (eyelids, brows, endoscopic forehead) combines with my colleagues’ expertise in major plastic surgery to offer:

• Endoscopic lift + upper + lower blepharoplasty + cervicofacial lift in one session
• Simultaneous combination of non-surgical procedures (nano lipofilling, toxin, HA) with surgery
• Simplified aftercare: a single hospital stay, a single recovery process

Can the endoscopic lift be performed on a man?

Yes, it is the most frequent procedure among my male patients (compared with the cervicofacial lift, which is rarer). The particularity: the incisions must take account of the male hairline and of possible future baldness.

Does a lift create a “pulled face”?

With older techniques, yes · that is the stigma of the lifts of the 1980s and 1990s. With modern endoscopic and deep SMAS techniques, the “pulled” aspect no longer exists: the tissues are repositioned in their original natural anatomical position rather than being stretched at the surface.

Is there a minimum age?

No absolute minimum age. I see patients from the age of 35 for the endoscopic lift (hereditarily drooping brows). The cervicofacial lift is rarely performed before 45-50.

Can surgery be combined with botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid?

Yes, and it is even recommended in order to optimise the result. Typically:

• HA or lipofilling after the lift to restore volume (a lift is repositioning, not volume)
• Botulinum toxin on the glabellar lines and residual “crow’s feet”
• Nanolipofilling on the skin to improve the texture

How long does the result last?

A well-performed lift lasts 8-12 years before ageing resumes significantly. Beyond that period, a touch-up (mini-lift or aesthetic medicine) can extend the result by a further 5-7 years.

What budget for a complete lift?

Endoscopic lift alone: communicated on an estimate, in consultation. Cervicofacial lift alone: communicated on an estimate, in consultation. Combined “full face”: communicated on an estimate, in consultation (with associated blepharoplasty). These costs include the initial consultation, the procedure, the anaesthesia, the clinic and complete post-operative follow-up.

• Lift · general hub
• Endoscopic brow lift (detail)
• Blepharoplasty (pillar)
• Lipofilling vs HA
• Regenerative medicine

Updated: April 2026. Informative, does not replace a medical consultation. Dr Bernard Hayot, Ophthalmologist, oculoplastic surgeon, RPPS 10003926226, CNOM Paris.