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

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.