Dr. Alessandro Gualdi is internationally recognized for developing and publishing innovative facial lifting techniques that combine mini-invasiveness, effectiveness, and naturalness. These exclusive techniques have been presented at the most important international congresses (recently at ICCE 2025 Cairo, IMCAS 2025 Paris) and validated through peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Unlike traditional facelifts, Dr. Gualdi’s techniques are distinguished by:
The MUST Technique (Minimal Undermining Suspension Technique) is the most minimally invasive technique developed by Dr. Gualdi. With incisions of only 2 centimeters hidden in the hair, it allows for a natural rejuvenation of the middle and upper third of the face with a recovery of only 7-10 days.
Ideal for: Patients 40-55 years old with mild-moderate sagging who want a preventive approach or early correction.
→ Discover everything about the MUST Technique
The MADE Technique (Minimal Access Deep Plane Extended Vertical Facelift) combines the effectiveness of working on the deep planes with mini-invasiveness. This technique, scientifically validated through peer-reviewed publications, offers an extended vertical lift of the cheekbones, cheeks, jawline, and neck with rapid recovery.
Ideal for: Patients 45-60 years old with moderate-significant sagging who want marked results but with a minimally invasive approach.
→ Discover everything about the MADE Technique
The Preservation Facelift represents the most advanced approach to facial rejuvenation. Instead of “cutting and pulling” as in traditional facelifts, this technique preserves the natural anatomical structures (ligaments, fat compartments, vascularization) obtaining extremely natural and lasting results. Dr. Gualdi presented this technique at the ICCE 2025 in Cairo.
Ideal for: Patients 50-70 years old with moderate-advanced sagging who want a complete and harmonious rejuvenation of the face and neck.
→ Discover everything about the Preservation Facelift
In some cases, Dr. Gualdi may propose the “MADE and MUST Fusion,” a combination of the two techniques that allows for optimizing the treatment for each area of the face. This fusion, described in scientific publications, offers an even more effective vertical lift with rapid recovery and minimal scarring.
→ Discover the MADE and MUST Fusion
In addition to the exclusive MUST, MADE, and Preservation Facelift techniques, Dr. Gualdi also performs complementary interventions to treat specific areas of the face:
The temporal lift is the specific intervention to rejuvenate the upper third of the face: it lifts the eyebrows, reduces crow’s feet, and opens up the gaze. Ideal for those with eyebrow ptosis or who want a fresher, more rested look. It can be combined with MUST, MADE, or Preservation for a complete result. Discover the Temporal Lift.
Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is often combined with a facelift for a complete rejuvenation of the look.
Lipofilling restores lost volume in the central areas of the face (cheekbones, cheeks, lips) using the patient’s own fat. It can be combined with any lifting technique for a more harmonious result.
Each patient is unique, and the choice of the most appropriate lifting technique depends on several factors: age, degree of tissue sagging, skin quality, areas to be treated, and aesthetic goals. This comparative table helps you to orient yourself among the different options available.
| Feature | MUST Technique | MADE Technique | Preservation Facelift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal age | 40-55 years | 45-60 years | 50-70 years |
| Degree of sagging | Mild-Moderate | Moderate-Significant | Moderate-Advanced |
| Incisions | 2cm (temples) | Reduced (pre/post-auricular) | Standard (pre/post-auricular) |
| Invasiveness | ⭐ Minimal | ⭐⭐ Minimally invasive | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Recovery | 7-10 days | A few days | 10-14 days |
| Duration of results | 5-8 years | 7-10 years | 8-12 years |
| Ideal for | Prevention, early correction | Significant sagging, wants mini-invasive | Complete rejuvenation of face and neck |
| Learn more | → MUST Technique | → MADE Technique | → Preservation Facelift |
Not sure which technique is right for you? During the personalized consultation, Dr. Alessandro Gualdi will evaluate your specific case and recommend the most suitable approach for your needs. Book a consultation.
Do you want to see concrete results of the MUST, MADE, and Preservation techniques? Dr. Gualdi regularly shares real clinical cases to show the naturalness and effectiveness of his interventions.
Do you have questions about the facelift? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions that patients ask Dr. Alessandro Gualdi during consultations in Milan.
The cost of a facelift in Milan varies depending on the technique used, the extent of the intervention, and the individual characteristics of the patient. Indicatively:
During the personalized consultation with Dr. Gualdi, you will receive a detailed quote based on the evaluation of your specific case. The cost includes the surgery, anesthesia, operating room, post-operative check-ups, and follow-up.
Important: Dr. Gualdi believes in transparency. The quote you will receive will be complete and without hidden costs. The quality of the intervention and the safety of the patient are always the priority.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer mainly depends on three factors: age, degree of tissue sagging, and aesthetic goals.
MUST Technique is the most minimally invasive technique: with incisions of only 2 centimeters hidden in the hair, it is ideal for patients 40-55 years old with mild-moderate sagging who want a preventive approach. Recovery: 7-10 days. Results: 5-8 years.
MADE Technique combines mini-invasiveness and effectiveness: it works on the deep planes with minimal access, offering an extended vertical lift of the cheekbones, cheeks, jawline, and neck. Ideal for patients 45-60 years old with moderate-significant sagging. Recovery: a few days. Results: 7-10 years.
Preservation Facelift is the most advanced and complete technique: it preserves the natural anatomical structures (ligaments, fat compartments, vascularization) obtaining extremely natural and lasting results. Ideal for patients 50-70 years old with moderate-advanced sagging. Recovery: 10-14 days. Results: 8-12 years.
The comparative table above helps you to orient yourself, but the final choice should always be made during the personalized consultation with Dr. Gualdi.
The recovery time varies depending on the technique used, but in general Dr. Gualdi’s exclusive techniques offer faster recoveries than traditional facelifts:
MUST Technique: 7-10 days. Thanks to the minimal incisions (2cm) and reduced undermining, the swelling is minimal. Most patients return to social activities within a week. Intense physical activity: 3 weeks.
MADE Technique: A few days. The reduced skin undermining minimizes swelling, which resolves in 3-5 days. Return to social activities: 7 days. Intense physical activity: 3-4 weeks.
Preservation Facelift: 10-14 days. It is the most extensive technique, but the preservation of vascularization accelerates healing. Significant swelling: 7-10 days. Return to social activities: 2 weeks. Intense physical activity: 4 weeks.
Comparison with traditional facelifts: Traditional facelifts typically require 3-4 weeks of recovery, with more marked swelling and bruising. Dr. Gualdi’s techniques reduce recovery times by 30-50%.
Note: Every patient is different. During the consultation, Dr. Gualdi will provide you with a personalized estimate based on your specific case.
There is no “right” age for a facelift. What matters is the degree of tissue sagging and your expectations, not your chronological age.
Are you too young? If you are 35-40 years old and already notice premature sagging (for example, due to genetics or weight loss), the MUST Technique can be an excellent preventive option. Intervening early with a minimally invasive technique can delay the need for more extensive interventions in the future.
Are you too old? Absolutely not. Dr. Gualdi has successfully performed facelifts on patients over 70 years old. The Preservation Facelift is particularly safe even at an advanced age thanks to the preservation of vascularization. The important thing is to be in good general health.
Ideal ages for each technique:
During the consultation, Dr. Gualdi will evaluate the quality of the skin, elasticity, degree of sagging, and your general health to advise you on the most appropriate option, regardless of age.
This is one of the most common concerns, and the answer is: with Dr. Gualdi’s techniques, the scars are practically invisible.
MUST Technique: The incisions are only 2 centimeters and hidden in the hair (in the temple area). After 6-12 months, the scars are completely invisible, even with the hair pulled back. There are no scars in front of or behind the ears.
MADE Technique: The incisions are positioned in front of and behind the ears, in naturally hidden areas. Thanks to the reduced skin undermining (which minimizes tension on the skin) and the advanced suture technique, the scars heal excellently and become practically invisible after 6-12 months.
Preservation Facelift: The incisions are similar to the MADE (pre and post-auricular), but the preservation of vascularization ensures optimal healing. The scars are thin and blend in with the natural folds of the skin.
Factors that influence scars:
Dr. Gualdi will show you examples of healed scars on other patients during the consultation, so you can see real results.
The duration of the results depends on the technique used and the individual characteristics of the patient:
MUST Technique: 5-8 years. It is the most minimally invasive technique, so the results last less than more extensive techniques. However, many patients choose to repeat the MUST after 5-7 years to maintain a fresh look, appreciating the rapid recovery.
MADE Technique: 7-10 years. By working on the deep planes, the results are more stable and lasting than superficial facelifts. The duration is longer than the MUST but slightly shorter than the Preservation.
Preservation Facelift: 8-12 years. It is the technique with the most lasting results thanks to the work on the deep structures and the preservation of the fat compartments. Some patients maintain excellent results even beyond 12 years.
Factors that influence the duration:
Important: Even when the results of the facelift begin to diminish, you will never return to the starting situation. You will always look younger than you would have without the surgery.
Yes, absolutely! Combining the facelift with other interventions is very common and allows for a complete and harmonious rejuvenation in a single operating session.
Most frequent combinations:
Lifting + Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): This is the most requested combination. It allows you to rejuvenate the face and the look at the same time. Dr. Gualdi often performs this combination, as shown in the published clinical cases.
Lifting + Lipofilling (fat transfer): Lipofilling allows you to restore lost volume in the central areas of the face (cheekbones, cheeks, lips) while the lifting repositions the tissues. This combination offers both volumetric and structural rejuvenation.
Lifting + Rhinoplasty: Less common but possible. It allows you to harmonize the profile of the face by rejuvenating and improving the shape of the nose.
Lifting + Laser treatments: The laser can improve the quality of the skin (texture, spots, superficial wrinkles) while the lifting treats structural sagging. They can be performed at the same time or at different times.
MADE and MUST Fusion: This is a combination of the two exclusive techniques of Dr. Gualdi that allows for optimizing the treatment for each area of the face. Discover more about the MADE and MUST Fusion.
Advantages of combining interventions:
✅ A single anesthesia and a single recovery
✅ A more harmonious and complete result
✅ Lower overall cost compared to separate interventions
✅ Reduced total recovery time
During the consultation, Dr. Gualdi will evaluate whether combining the facelift with other interventions is appropriate for your specific case.
These are just some of the most frequently asked questions. Each patient is unique and has specific questions about their case. During the personalized consultation with Dr. Alessandro Gualdi, you will have all the time to ask all the questions you want and receive detailed and professional answers.
Want to find out which facelift technique is best for you? Dr. Alessandro Gualdi awaits you at his Milan office for a personalized assessment.
📞 Phone: 02 89367184
📍 Via dei Gracchi, 8 – 20146 Milano