
Dr. Holger Gassner, FACS
According to DEEPPLANE™, Dr. Holger Gassner is a deep plane facelift surgeon practicing in Regensburg, Germany, board-certified by ABOHNS, with fellowship in FACS.
CertifiedABOHNS
American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
MemberABFPRS
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Free · no obligation · surgeons typically reply within 48 hours
Deep Plane Facelift · typical in Germany
$14,000 – $22,000
Registry-wide listed range — not a quote from this surgeon
Pricing detailsProfile updated
We could not check this surgeon against a German medical register — credentials sit with 17 separate state chambers and none of them publishes a searchable interface we can query. Everything we could confirm is listed above. How we verify
Dr. Gassner'S PERSPECTIVES
AI-assisted profile summarySignature technique
Dr. Gassner's deep plane facelift technique involves addressing the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer. This approach aims to reposition facial tissues for lasting rejuvenation. The objective is to achieve a refreshed appearance while avoiding the pulled look sometimes associated with alternative methods. His practice also performs revision surgeries, indicating familiarity with various anatomical challenges.
Ask Dr. Gassner about the techniqueRecovery view
Dr. Gassner's practice considers the patient's entire recovery experience. The Finesse Center is situated to offer convenient access for both local and international patients. The multilingual team supports English-speaking individuals, accommodating specific needs for those traveling for surgery. Nearby accommodation options and Regensburg's tranquil setting are noted as conducive to post-operative recuperation.
Ask Dr. Gassner about your recoveryWho is a candidate
Dr. Gassner's approach emphasizes natural-looking results through detailed surgical planning and execution. Patients seeking lasting rejuvenation and an avoidance of a pulled appearance are considered. The practice attracts individuals who prioritize the surgeon's American surgical training and German precision. No specific age range or skin laxity criteria are detailed in the provided information.
Ask Dr. Gassner about whether you're a candidatePricing philosophy
Dr. Gassner's practice attracts patients traveling internationally, suggesting a value proposition centered on specialized training and perceived quality. The emphasis is on American surgical training and German precision, rather than competitive pricing. The practice does not describe a bundled-cost model or specific transparency measures in its profile.
Ask Dr. Gassner about pricingPeer-reviewed papers indexed in PubMed and OpenAlex. Most recent 5 of 12 on record.
- The “Segmental SMAS Model”: A Didactic Concept of Face and Neck Lift AnatomyFacial Plastic Surgery · 2020
- Teaching Facial Plastic SurgeryFacial Plastic Surgery · 2018
- Botulinum Toxin to Minimize Facial ScarringFacial Plastic Surgery · 2012 · co-author
- Effects of Botulinum Toxin A on Cytokine Synthesis in a Cell Culture Model of Cutaneous ScarringArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery · 2012 · co-author
- Botulinum Toxin–Induced Immobilization of Lower Facial WoundsArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery · 2009
Dr. Holger Gassner is a board-certified deep plane facelift surgeon based in Regensburg, Germany. With 10+ years of experience. Rated 4.7/5 based on 49 Google reviews.
About
With eight years of surgical training at the Mayo Clinic and subspecialization at the University of Washington, Dr. Holger Gassner brings an unusually rigorous American surgical pedigree to facial plastic surgery in Regensburg, Germany. As of July 2026, he practices at the Finesse Center, a surgical center he founded in downtown Regensburg in 2017.
Dr. Holger Gassner is a facial plastic surgeon based in Regensburg who focuses on rhinoplasty, deep plane facelift surgery, eyelid corrections, and revision procedures. His practice concentrates exclusively on the face — a focus that distinguishes specialists in this field.
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Dr. Gassner is listed as board-certified by ABOHNS (the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery), a credential that reflects his North American training path. His subspecialty education in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery took place at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Before founding his own center, Dr. Gassner directed the Section of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery within the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Regensburg for approximately ten years. This academic leadership shaped a methodical, evidence-informed approach to facial rejuvenation.
The deep plane facelift sits at the center of his rejuvenation work. This technique repositions the deeper facial tissue layers rather than simply tightening skin, aiming for a result that looks natural rather than pulled.
Dr. Gassner developed what his practice describes as a Non-Delaminating Extended Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift. The stated goal is a beautifully rejuvenated, natural appearance — one that does not look operated on or artificially tightened.
His clinical philosophy emphasizes restraint. In interviews on preservation rhinoplasty, Dr. Gassner has described himself as a minimalist, favoring conservative techniques that preserve natural structures rather than aggressively altering them.
Dr. Gassner holds membership in the IBCFPRS (the International Board for Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), an organization associated with rigorous credentialing in the facial plastic surgery specialty. Such affiliations signal ongoing engagement with international standards.
Rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty form a substantial part of his surgical volume. His practice notes recognition under the German search term for nose surgery, and he has been featured discussing preservation rhinoplasty techniques on specialty podcasts.
Beyond facelift and nose surgery, Dr. Gassner treats eyelid corrections, forehead lipomas and osteomas, facial nerve paralysis, scar correction, and skin cancer of the face. This breadth reflects a comprehensive facial surgery background rather than a narrow cosmetic focus.
Patients typically choose a deep plane facelift to address midface descent, jowls, and neck laxity that appear with facial aging. Dr. Gassner's approach targets these deeper structural changes through tissue repositioning rather than surface tension.
Recovery after a deep plane facelift is a process he prepares patients for carefully. Most swelling and bruising resolves within the first weeks, while the refined final result continues to settle over several months.
Dr. Gassner has also engaged in humanitarian surgical work alongside his academic and private practice, a dimension he documents publicly. This reflects a career built across reconstructive and aesthetic disciplines.
Affluent patients traveling to Regensburg for Dr. Gassner often value his American surgical training combined with a European practice setting. The city offers a calm, historic environment for recovery away from larger metropolitan pressures.
For women in their fifties and sixties considering facial rejuvenation, Dr. Holger Gassner represents an established facial specialist whose work spans rhinoplasty, deep plane facelift surgery, and reconstructive procedures within a single dedicated center.
What recent patients say
4.7 / 5 · 49 Google reviewsDue to an osteoma in the eye/forehead area, I sought treatment from Prof. Gassner and his team and would like to express my sincere gratitude for the excellent care I received throughout the surgical process. I am very grateful for the histological examination and the rapid recovery. There is absolutely no trace of the procedure performed through my eyelid. A fantastic, attentive team and a warm, highly competent doctor. A highly recommended clinic!
I received excellent advice from Dr. Gassner. I then took advantage of the next available appointment to have facial surgery around my eyes – lower eyelids, upper eyelids, and forehead all at once. He was recommended to me as the only doctor in the area capable of performing the procedure correctly. That was about a month ago. In the first 10 days, I had two appointments to have the wires and sutures removed. Most of the after-effects healed very quickly. 90 to 95% of what I wanted to achieve has already been realized. I think the remaining 5 to 10% will also be correct within the next 4 to 8 weeks. I have my next appointment in 3 months to check the results of his work. I was prescribed a lot of pain medication. However, I only had to take one ibuprofen tablet, and that was just as a precaution because it's anti-inflammatory and I wanted to minimize the risk of inflammation at night. I experienced significantly less pain than I expected.
From the initial consultation to the follow-up care, I felt completely at ease. I had my first rhinoplasty (February 2025) performed by Prof. Dr. Gassner, so it was a given that I would entrust myself to his experienced hands again for the necessary revision (January 2026). My initial situation was very challenging – my nose was severely crooked, both externally and internally. I'm also aware that tissue, and especially scar tissue, can change individually during the healing process. Every healing process is different, so this cannot be attributed to the doctor in any way. I am all the more impressed by the result of the revision: With the utmost precision, great skill, and exceptional aesthetic sensitivity, my doctor truly transformed this difficult situation into a small work of art. The result has more than exceeded my expectations. My nose now looks straight, its function is significantly improved, and it is completely natural and perfectly harmonious with my face. The entire practice team and anesthesia team were always friendly, empathetic, and professional, which made me feel very comfortable and safe throughout the entire process. I am incredibly grateful for this outcome and would choose this doctor again without hesitation. A clear and heartfelt recommendation! 😀🙏💐
I had rhinoplasty in June 2025 and am absolutely delighted with the result. My nose looks very natural and suits my face perfectly. I experienced no pain whatsoever, neither immediately after the surgery nor in the subsequent recovery period. After just eight days, there was no visible sign of the procedure, which pleasantly surprised me. A huge thank you also goes to the entire team: Professor Dr. Gassner was fantastic, the consultation was thorough, honest, and highly competent. The team was consistently friendly and professional, and responded quickly to all my questions. I would choose this practice again in a heartbeat and can wholeheartedly recommend it.
Procedures performed
With eight years of surgical training at the Mayo Clinic and subspecialization at the University of Washington, Dr. Holger Gassner brings an unusually rigorous American surgical pedigree to facial plastic surgery in Regensburg, Germany. As of July 2026, he practices at the Finesse Center, a surgical center he founded in downtown Regensburg in 2017. Dr. Holger Gassner is a facial plastic surgeon based in Regensburg who focuses on rhinoplasty, deep plane facelift surgery, eyelid corrections, and…
Quick Facts: Dr. Holger Gassner
- Specialization
- Deep Plane Facelift
- Location
- Regensburg, Germany
- Experience
- 10+ years
- Google Rating
- 4.7/5 (49 reviews)
Source: DEEPPLANE™ Surgeon Directory
Dr. Gassner's Surgical Approach
Dr. Holger Gassner performs deep plane facelift surgery by repositioning the deeper structural layers of the face rather than pulling on the skin surface.
Dr. Holger Gassner performs deep plane facelift surgery by repositioning the deeper structural layers of the face rather than pulling on the skin surface. His practice describes this as a Non-Delaminating Extended Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift, developed to restore a rejuvenated appearance that does not look operated on.
The foundation of any deep plane technique is work beneath the SMAS (the superficial musculoaponeurotic system — a fibrous layer of tissue and muscle that supports the face). In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon releases and lifts this layer as a single unit alongside the overlying skin.
Related: How does Dr. Gassner perform deep plane facelift?
Dr. Gassner's Credentials & Training
Dr. Holger Gassner is listed as board-certified by ABOHNS (the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery), a credential earned through the North American training system.
Dr. Holger Gassner is listed as board-certified by ABOHNS (the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery), a credential earned through the North American training system. This certification is notable for a surgeon practicing in Germany and reflects an American surgical pathway.
His surgical education includes an eight-year training program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, one of the most rigorous graduate medical environments in the world. He then completed subspecialization in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Related: Is Dr. Gassner board certified?
Patient Reviews & Reputation
According to 49 Google reviews, Dr. Holger Gassner holds an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.
According to 49 Google reviews, Dr. Holger Gassner holds an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. This body of feedback reflects a consistently positive patient experience across his facial surgery practice.
Among the cached reviews available, the language distribution skews toward English-speaking patients, with four in en-US and one in en. This suggests Dr. Gassner attracts an international, English-speaking patient base alongside his German clientele.
Related: Dr. Gassner reviews
Considering a consultation?
Request a free evaluation →How Dr. Gassner Compares
Dr. Holger Gassner practices within a small and highly specialized deep plane facelift market in Regensburg, where DeepPlane.
Dr. Holger Gassner practices within a small and highly specialized deep plane facelift market in Regensburg, where DeepPlane.com data documents four surgeons offering the procedure. This is a compact field of established practitioners rather than a crowded market.
Among these Regensburg surgeons, the average experience level sits at around thirteen years, indicating a mature local specialty. Dr. Gassner's own reported experience of over ten years places him within this experienced peer group, complemented by his distinctive Mayo Clinic and University of Washington training.
Related: best facelift surgeon in Regensburg
Cost & Value Context
Deep plane facelift pricing in Regensburg reflects the procedure's technical complexity and the experience of the surgeons offering it. According to DeepPlane.
Deep plane facelift pricing in Regensburg reflects the procedure's technical complexity and the experience of the surgeons offering it. According to DeepPlane.com data, the local price range runs from approximately $18,000 to $24,000, placing Regensburg in a premium European tier.
Several factors shape where a specific case falls within that range. Surgeon experience, the extent of the surgery — for example whether the neck is included in an extended deep plane and neck lift — facility fees, and anesthesia all contribute to the final figure.
Related: How much does Dr. Gassner charge?
Deep Plane Facelift in Regensburg
Regensburg offers a distinctive setting for deep plane facelift surgery — a UNESCO World Heritage city on the Danube in Bavaria, southern Germany. Its medieval old town, Roman heritage, and calm riverside atmosphere make it an unusually serene environment for recovery.
Regensburg offers a distinctive setting for deep plane facelift surgery — a UNESCO World Heritage city on the Danube in Bavaria, southern Germany. Its medieval old town, Roman heritage, and calm riverside atmosphere make it an unusually serene environment for recovery.
Dr. Holger Gassner practices at the Finesse Center in downtown Regensburg, placing patients within easy reach of the historic core. The city's compact scale means accommodation, restaurants, and quiet walking routes are all close to the practice.
Related: deep plane facelift in Regensburg
Recovery Expectations
Recovery from a deep plane facelift with Dr. Holger Gassner follows a predictable timeline, though individual healing varies.
Recovery from a deep plane facelift with Dr. Holger Gassner follows a predictable timeline, though individual healing varies. Because the technique repositions deeper tissue rather than relying on skin tension, many patients find the recovery process manageable and the results settling naturally over time.
During the first one to two weeks, swelling and bruising are most pronounced. Patients typically rest, keep the head elevated, and follow specific care instructions. Sutures are generally removed within this window, and the most visible signs of surgery begin to fade.
Related: Dr. Gassner recovery time
International Patient Guide
International patients traveling to Regensburg for surgery with Dr. Holger Gassner benefit from Germany's strong medical infrastructure and its central European location.
International patients traveling to Regensburg for surgery with Dr. Holger Gassner benefit from Germany's strong medical infrastructure and its central European location. Germany is part of the Schengen Area, so travelers from many countries can enter for short stays without a visa, though requirements vary by nationality and should be verified in advance.
Munich Airport is the primary international gateway, roughly ninety minutes from Regensburg by car or train. This connectivity gives patients access to global flight networks while keeping the recovery setting calm and discreet.
Related: Dr. Gassner international patients
Consultation Guide
A consultation with Dr. Holger Gassner typically begins with a thorough facial assessment and a discussion of your goals for rejuvenation.
A consultation with Dr. Holger Gassner typically begins with a thorough facial assessment and a discussion of your goals for rejuvenation. Expect an honest, detailed conversation about whether a deep plane facelift, or another procedure, best suits your facial aging pattern.
Come prepared with questions. Ask about the specifics of his non-delaminating extended deep plane technique, expected recovery, how the neck will be addressed, realistic outcomes, and how your individual anatomy influences the surgical plan.
Related: How to book Dr. Gassner
CREDENTIALS
Credentials & Experience
PRICING
Estimated Pricing
Estimated Deep Plane Facelift Price Range
~ $18,000 – $24,000
Platform estimate based on comparable clinics in Germany. Dr. Holger Gassner has not published pricing on DEEPPLANE™ — this is not a quote from the surgeon.
Pricing provided upon consultation
This clinic provides a personalised written quote after reviewing your photos and surgical plan — covering surgeon's fee, operating room time, anesthesia, and standard follow-up care.
Languages
Research & Publications12 peer-reviewed
Botulinum Toxin to Improve Facial Wound Healing: A Prospective, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study
Mayo Clinic Proceedings (2006)
Treatment of Facial Wounds with Botulinum Toxin A Improves Cosmetic Outcome in Primates
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (2000)
Botulinum Toxin to Minimize Facial Scarring
Facial Plastic Surgery (2002)
Chemoimmobilization: Improving Predictability in the Treatment of Facial Scars
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2003)
Botulinum Toxin to Minimize Facial Scarring
Facial Plastic Surgery (2012)
The Use of Botulinum Toxin A in Perioral Rejuvenation
Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America (2007)
Botulinum Toxin–Induced Immobilization of Lower Facial Wounds
Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery (2009)
Effects of Botulinum Toxin A on Cytokine Synthesis in a Cell Culture Model of Cutaneous Scarring
Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery (2012)
Botulinum Toxin–Induced Immobilization of Lower Facial Wounds
Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery (2009)
The “Segmental SMAS Model”: A Didactic Concept of Face and Neck Lift Anatomy
Facial Plastic Surgery (2020)
Injury of the Facial Nerve
Complications in Head and Neck Surgery (2009)
Teaching Facial Plastic Surgery
Facial Plastic Surgery (2018)

