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Several factors explain facial ageing
- Natural and physiological: progressive reduction in collagen and elastin production, loss of tissue volume, thinning of the skin.
- Hormonal and genetic influence: certain family characteristics determine how the skin and the deeper structures evolve.
- Lifestyle and environment: sun exposure, smoking, diet, sleep and stress can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and sagging.
- Time-related factors: gravity, bone changes and volume redistribution with age.
These phenomena are normal and evolve over time. The aim of treatment is to act on the various elements (skin, volumes, tone) to improve facial harmony while respecting each person's identity.
Possible solutions
Depending on the cause of ageing and the patient's wishes, several options may be considered. A distinction is generally made between aesthetic medicine and aesthetic surgery.
Aesthetic medicine (examples)
- Hyaluronic acid injections: filling wrinkles and restoring volumes (cheekbones, nasolabial folds, tear troughs) to restore contour and support.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox): softening expression lines in the upper face (forehead, frown lines, crow's feet) by temporarily relaxing certain muscles.
- Peels and gentle lasers: improving skin texture, softening pigmentation spots and stimulating skin renewal.
- Skin boosters and mesotherapy: deep hydration and improvement of skin quality through superficial injections of rehydrating products.
- Non-invasive remodelling techniques: radiofrequency, focused ultrasound (HIFU) or laser to stimulate collagen and improve skin tone.
Aesthetic surgery (examples)
- Face lift: correction of skin laxity and repositioning of the deep structures to restore the facial contour and firmness.
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): removal of excess skin or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids for a less tired-looking gaze.
- Facial lipofilling (fat grafting): restoration of lost volumes by injecting autologous fat tissue for a long-lasting correction.
- Rhinoplasty or an associated procedure: sometimes performed in addition, to balance the harmony of the face.
A progressive combination of medical and surgical techniques may be proposed depending on the patient's condition and expectations. The treatment plan is always personalised and defined during the consultation with Pr Ignacio Garrido.
Management pathway
- First consultation: complete assessment of the face (skin, volumes, bone structure), discussion of medical history and expectations, explanation of the possible options.
- Personalised plan proposal: choice of procedures, alternatives, sequencing of interventions (conservative treatments are often recommended first), information on the expected benefits and limitations.
- Safety and information: explanation of the modalities, pre-operative or pre-procedure precautions, risks and possible after-effects.
- Treatment and follow-up: procedures performed by the practitioner, post-procedure follow-up and adjustments if necessary. The approach is gradual, and respectful of safety and of a natural result.
Expected results and follow-up
- Realistic goals: improvement of facial harmony, softening of wrinkles and sagging, restoration of volumes, without any promise of an absolute result.
- Individual variability: the extent of the effects varies with age, skin quality, lifestyle and the type of procedure. The results of non-surgical procedures may require maintenance sessions.
- Follow-up over time: regular assessments to adapt treatments and to schedule touch-ups or complementary procedures if desired.