Rejuvenating the face

Facial rejuvenation means the desire to reduce the visible signs of ageing and restore a more rested, harmonious appearance. This is a frequent and legitimate concern that affects people of all ages depending on their expectations and skin history. Every face, skin and lifestyle is unique: suitable solutions therefore vary from one patient to another. Only a personalised consultation can define the most appropriate approach based on morphology, medical history and individual wishes.

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 deeper structures evolve.
• Lifestyle and environment: sun exposure, smoking, diet, sleep and stress can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and laxity.
• 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. Aesthetic medicine and aesthetic surgery are generally distinguished.

Aesthetic medicine (examples)

• Hyaluronic acid injections: filling wrinkles and restoring volumes (cheekbones, nasolabial folds, tear troughs) to restore relief and support.
• Botulinum toxin (Botox): reducing expression lines in the upper face (forehead, frown lines, crow's feet) by temporarily relaxing certain muscles.
• Peels and gentle lasers: improving skin texture, reducing 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 deep structures to restore facial contour and firmness.
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): removal of excess skin or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids for a less tired appearance.
• Facial lipofilling (fat graft): restoring lost volumes by injecting autologous fat tissue for long-lasting volumisation.
• Rhinoplasty or associated procedures: sometimes performed in addition to balance overall facial harmony.

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 consultation with Pr Ignacio Garrido.

Management pathway

• First consultation: complete facial assessment (skin, volumes, skeletal structure), discussion of medical history and expectations, explanation of possible options.
• Personalised plan proposal: choice of procedures, alternatives, sequencing of interventions (conservative treatments are often recommended first), information on expected benefits and limitations.
• Safety and information: explanation of modalities, pre-operative or pre-procedure precautions, risks and possible aftercare.
• Treatment and follow-up: procedures performed by the practitioner, post-procedure monitoring and adjustments if necessary. The approach is gradual, safety-conscious and natural-looking.

Expected results and follow-up

• Realistic goals: improvement of facial harmony, reduction of wrinkles and laxity, volume restoration — without any promise of an absolute result.
• Individual variability: the extent of effects varies with age, skin quality, lifestyle and the type of procedure. Non-surgical results may require maintenance sessions.
• Long-term follow-up: regular assessments to adapt treatments and schedule touch-ups or complementary procedures as desired.

Frequently asked questions

Are results immediate? Some procedures (injections) produce a visible effect quickly, but the final appearance may evolve over several days to weeks. Other procedures (peels, lasers, surgery) require a healing or remodelling period before the definitive result can be appreciated.

Are there non-surgical alternatives? Yes: injections, lasers, radiofrequency, peels and skin boosters are non-surgical options that can improve appearance without surgery, depending on the degree of ageing.

How long before returning to activities? This depends on the procedure: non-invasive treatments often allow a rapid return, while surgery may require a few days to several weeks of convalescence depending on the extent of the procedure.