Face Lift Before and After: What to Expect? What It Is and How It Works

The desire to see a fresher, more rested, and firmer face is common. Over time, the skin loses elasticity, contours become less defined, and signs of aging become more visible.

Facelift surgery has long been one of the most effective ways to counter these effects. However, traditional surgery often comes with concerns about invasiveness, recovery time, and the naturalness of the results.

At Image Regenerative Clinic, we have redefined the concept of lifting by taking it to a higher level — combining the finest surgical precision with the most advanced regenerative science.

We offer a comprehensive pathway that does not merely “tighten” the skin, but regenerates it from within — delivering results that are harmonious, long-lasting, and, above all, authentic.

Facelift: What It Is and How It Works

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is an aesthetic surgical procedure that repositions the tissues of the face and neck, removing excess skin to correct sagging and deep wrinkles. The goal is to restore a more youthful and defined appearance.

Our approach, however, goes further. The Regenerative Facelift, developed by Professor Carlo Tremolada, integrates the surgical procedure with the innovative Lipogems® technology.

This patented method does more than mechanically reposition the tissues — it introduces a powerful biological stimulus. During the procedure, a small amount of the patient’s own adipose tissue is harvested, processed with the Lipogems® system to purify and activate it, and then re-injected into strategic areas of the face.

This tissue is rich in mesenchymal cells and growth factors that act deeply to:

• Stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin, improving the skin’s quality, firmness, and elasticity.
• Naturally restore lost facial volume, without the “puffy” effect typical of synthetic fillers.
• Enhance vascularization and overall skin health.

The result is a dual action: an immediate lifting that redefines contours and a regenerative process that improves the skin from within, with benefits that continue to evolve over time.

Preparing for a Facelift: Consultation and Planning

Every rejuvenation journey begins with an in-depth consultation and meticulous planning. The first appointment at Image Regenerative Clinic is a key step during which our team of specialists, led by Prof. Tremolada, carefully listens to your expectations and evaluates the unique features of your face.

A comprehensive analysis is performed — assessing facial structure, skin quality, degree of laxity, and volume distribution. This allows us to design a tailor-made surgical plan, defining the most suitable facelift technique and identifying where the regenerative Lipogems® tissue graft will deliver the greatest benefit.

Transparency is essential: we will discuss expected results, recovery times, and every detail of the process to build trust and ensure peace of mind.

The Day of the Surgery: What Happens at the Clinic

On the day of your Regenerative Facelift, you will be welcomed into a comfortable and safe environment designed to guarantee privacy and professionalism. The surgery, which lasts about four hours, is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the plan agreed upon.

The procedure unfolds in two key phases:

1. Lipogems® Harvesting and Processing: A small amount of adipose tissue is collected from a donor site (such as the abdomen or flanks) and processed in the operating room using our patented system.
2. Surgical Lifting and Regenerative Grafting: The surgeon performs precise incisions, strategically hidden along natural facial folds (hairline, around the ears), to reposition muscular and cutaneous structures. The processed Lipogems® tissue is then grafted to regenerate and restore natural volume in targeted areas.

Thanks to this regenerative approach, the natural anti-inflammatory action of Lipogems® helps minimize surgical trauma and promotes faster healing.

Post-Operative Recovery: Convalescence and Healing

One of the most common concerns about facelifts is recovery time. Thanks to the regenerative approach, healing is faster. The anti-inflammatory properties of Lipogems® significantly reduce postoperative swelling.

In the first few days, moderate swelling — especially in the cheeks — and some bruising are normal. Our protocol includes close follow-up visits (on day 2, 4, and 7) to monitor healing and remove sutures.

To further speed up recovery, we recommend facial lymphatic drainage sessions performed by our specialized therapists to help eliminate excess fluids.

Most patients return to normal social activities within 10–15 days, a much shorter time compared to traditional facelifts.

Visible Results: Facelift Before and After

The results of a regenerative facelift can be appreciated on two levels. Immediately after the initial recovery phase, the face appears lifted, contours are more defined, and the overall look is refreshed — this is the “before and after” contrast.

However, the true added value emerges in the following months: the “after” continues to improve over time. The skin becomes visibly more radiant, firm, and elastic. Fine lines fade, and the face regains vitality derived not from mechanical tension but from true biological regeneration. The final result is an authentic rejuvenation that enhances your natural features without altering your expressions.

How to Maintain the Results of a Facelift

A regenerative facelift is a valuable investment in your well-being. To maximize and prolong the benefits, it’s essential to adopt healthy habits:

• Sun Protection: UV exposure is the leading cause of skin aging. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential.
• Proper Skincare: Following a personalized skincare routine with high-quality products recommended by our specialists nourishes and protects the skin.
• Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, proper hydration, and avoiding smoking help maintain youthful, vital skin.
• Maintenance Treatments: Non-invasive procedures such as biorevitalization or HydraFacial® can be scheduled to sustain results over time.

Choosing Image Regenerative Clinic for your facelift means opting for excellence, where science, expertise, and aesthetic vision come together to achieve results that exceed expectations.

FAQ

How long does swelling last after a facelift?

Swelling is a normal reaction that peaks within the first 2–3 days. Thanks to the Lipogems® regenerative technique, edema is reduced and largely resolves within 7–10 days. Mild residual swelling may persist for a few weeks.

What is the post-operative course of a facelift?

Recovery includes a few days of rest. Sutures are removed within a week. Social activities are usually resumed after 10–15 days. At our clinic, medical follow-ups and lymphatic drainage sessions are part of the recovery program.

How can swelling be reduced after a facelift?

To minimize swelling, it’s recommended to sleep with the head slightly elevated, apply cold compresses (as instructed by your surgeon), and undergo manual lymphatic drainage sessions. A low-salt diet and adequate hydration also help.

Is a facelift painful?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so no pain is felt during surgery. Postoperatively, discomfort is mild and easily managed with common pain relievers prescribed by the doctor. Most patients describe the sensation as “tightness” rather than real pain.