Dr. Berend van der Lei

Dr. Berend van der Lei approaches facelift surgery through a foundation of detailed facial anatomy, drawing on his academic background as a professor of aesthetic surgery. As of April 2026, his documented techniques include the MACS lift, short scar facelift, and SMASectomy — all of which work with the deeper structural layer of the face.

The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is the layer of muscle and connective tissue that lies beneath the skin and fat. As the face ages, this layer descends and loosens, contributing to jowls, midface flattening, and neck laxity.

Dr. Berend van der Lei is listed as board-certified by the NVPC, the Dutch Society for Plastic Surgery, which is the recognized national authority governing plastic surgeons in the Netherlands. As of April 2026, this certification reflects training and standards specific to the Dutch medical system.

He completed his medical education at the University of Groningen, one of the oldest and most respected universities in the Netherlands. His career has since spanned more than 29 years in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

A deep plane facelift in Amsterdam typically ranges from approximately 18,000 to 25,000 US dollars, according to DEEPPLANE™ regional data as of April 2026. Dr. Berend van der Lei's specific surgical fees are not publicly listed and would be confirmed during a personal consultation.

Several factors influence where a given procedure falls within this range. Surgeon experience, facility standards, anesthesia, follow-up care, and the complexity of the individual case all contribute to final pricing.

Amsterdam offers an appealing combination of well-established medical infrastructure, English fluency, and easy international access for patients considering a deep plane facelift. As of April 2026, the city is served by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe's busiest and best-connected travel hubs.

The Netherlands is widely regarded for its high standards in healthcare, with rigorous regulatory oversight of medical practitioners. For international patients, this translates into a reassuring environment when researching facial rejuvenation options.

Recovery after a deep plane facelift generally follows a predictable timeline, though individual healing varies based on technique and patient health. As of April 2026, patients of surgeons like Dr. Berend van der Lei would receive personalized recovery guidance based on the specific approach used.

During the first one to two weeks, swelling and bruising are most pronounced. Most patients rest at home, keep the head elevated, and limit physical activity while initial healing occurs. Sutures are typically removed within this window.

International patients traveling to Amsterdam for a deep plane facelift benefit from one of Europe's most accessible and well-regulated medical environments. As of April 2026, the Netherlands offers near-universal English fluency, making consultations and post-operative communication straightforward for most visitors.

For visa requirements, travelers from within the Schengen Area face no border controls, while many non-EU visitors can enter for short medical stays under standard Schengen visa rules. Patients should confirm current requirements with a Dutch consulate well before travel.

A consultation for a deep plane facelift typically begins with a detailed discussion of your goals, medical history, and facial anatomy. As of April 2026, patients meeting with a surgeon like Dr. Berend van der Lei can expect an evaluation of skin quality, tissue laxity, and which technique best suits their face.

Useful questions to ask include which facelift technique is recommended and why, how many similar procedures the surgeon has performed, what recovery will realistically involve, and what results can and cannot be achieved. Requesting before-and-after documentation is also valuable.