Linse Kessler and her facelifts: what she said herself

What did Linse Kessler say about her facelifts?

At a press event for a new season of “Familien fra Bryggen” in September 2017, Kessler sat down with SE og HØR and, for the first time, added up what she had spent on her appearance. Her own estimate was 650,000 Danish kroner. Asked what the money had gone on, she answered: “I have had facelifts a few times. I have had six or seven sets of breasts.”

She was equally frank about the sum: “Well, I have actually never gone around calculating how much money I have spent. But I have just sat down and worked it out. And I think it is 650,000 kroner.” The magazine noted that her first operation dates back to 1991.

That is all we rely on here. Kessler did not say when each facelift was done, which technique was used or how she recovered, so this article does not guess at any of it. Where the text below describes facelift types and recovery, it explains the operation in general, not her treatment.

Why her frankness is unusual

Many public figures prefer to deny cosmetic surgery or leave it to speculation. Kessler takes the opposite approach: she names what she has had done and even puts a number on the cost. Whatever one thinks of it, that openness makes the subject easier to talk about for people who are considering an operation themselves.

It also points to a practical truth. A facelift is a real operation with a real budget and a recovery period, not a quick treatment. The useful questions are the ones a surgeon asks at the consultation: what exactly bothers you, which areas are affected, what has been done before, and what result is realistic.

How a facelift is done today

A modern surgical facelift works deeper than the skin. The surgeon lifts and redrapes the skin, redistributes fat in the cheeks and lower face and — the key step — lifts and secures the SMAS layer of muscle and fascia. Working at this depth treats the cause of sagging rather than its effects and gives a natural look that lasts up to 10 years. The operation is done under general (inhalation) anaesthesia, with incisions hidden along the hairline and around the ears.

One operation gives a complete result; a repeat procedure may be considered after 7–10 years if the patient wishes. A facelift is often combined with eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty or double-chin liposuction, and the surgeon decides the scope at the consultation.

Who is a candidate and how to prepare

Surgery is usually recommended from around 40 with marked sagging, and in some cases from 35. Typical reasons are a blurred jawline and jowls, a double chin and loose neck skin, deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and drooping brows that make the face look heavy.

• Tell the surgeon about every earlier procedure, including fillers and previous lifts. A full history helps the surgeon plan realistically.
• Check contraindications: acute skin inflammation, pregnancy and breastfeeding, severe cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, cancer and decompensated diabetes.
• Mention chronic conditions at the consultation, so they can be taken into account before a date is set.

What recovery looks like

The first 7–10 days are for rest, a compression bandage and reduced physical activity; tightness and discomfort are eased with medication prescribed by the doctor. Swelling and bruising fade in 2–4 weeks, and the first clear changes appear after 3–4 weeks. Full recovery takes about two months, and the face takes on its final look within 3–6 months. The operating surgeon follows the patient through the whole first year.

1. Day of surgeryGeneral (inhalation) anaesthesia; you stay in the inpatient unit under 24/7 monitoring.
2. Days 1–10Rest, a compression bandage and less physical activity.
3. Weeks 2–4Swelling and bruising fade.
4. Weeks 3–4The first clear changes are visible.
5. About 2 monthsFull recovery.
6. Months 3–6The final look settles; follow-up continues for a year.

A facelift at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre in Moscow performs surgical facelifts only, and patients from other countries can start with an online consultation. The first consultation is free: the surgeon examines you, suggests the option that fits and gives the final price. The lower face and neck lift, SMAS facelift, endoscopic brow lift and all-inclusive facelift start from $2,400; the full circular facelift is priced on request. The price includes inhalation anaesthesia, a stay in the inpatient unit with 24/7 monitoring and meals, personal support and a year of follow-up by your plastic surgeon. In-house 0% instalments are available. More details are on the facelift page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Linse Kessler or her treatment. Her words are quoted here because she chose to talk about her operations publicly.

Frequently asked questions

How many facelifts has Linse Kessler had?

In her 2017 interview with SE og HØR she said she had had facelifts “a few times”. She did not give an exact number or dates in that interview, so we do not add any.

How much has Linse Kessler spent on cosmetic surgery?

In 2017 she estimated the total at 650,000 Danish kroner, covering all her treatments, not only facelifts.

How long does a facelift last?

A surgical SMAS facelift usually gives a result of 7–10 years. Ageing continues, so a repeat operation can be considered later if the patient wishes.

How long is the recovery after a facelift?

Plan on 7–10 days of rest with a compression bandage. Swelling and bruising fade in 2–4 weeks, full recovery takes about two months and the final look settles within 3–6 months.

How much does a facelift cost at City Medical Centre?

Facelift options start from $2,400; the full circular facelift is priced on request. The final cost is set after the free consultation.