Across Europe, facial rejuvenation continues to evolve toward safer, less invasive, and more natural-looking outcomes. Today’s patients—whether local, regional, or international—are increasingly seeking results that refresh rather than transform, preferring subtle enhancement over dramatic alteration. Among all European destinations, Ghent, Belgium, has emerged as a global center of excellence for these advanced, natural-looking facelift techniques.
The reason is clear: Ghent is home to the world-renowned creators of the MACS-Lift and modern regenerative facial rejuvenation techniques. The methods refined there have redefined global best practices and attracted thousands of surgeons from around the world to train directly under the innovators themselves.
This article dives deep—educating medical tourism professionals on why Ghent leads Europe in facial rejuvenation, how modern facelift science has shifted toward naturalistic results, and how the pioneering work of two Belgian surgeons has shaped the international aesthetic landscape.
Understanding Modern Facial Rejuvenation: Why “Natural” Is Now the Standard
The Evolution from Traditional to Modern Facelifts
Traditional facelift surgery often relied on extensive incisions, wide skin undermining, and significant tissue tension. Although these methods created noticeable lifting, they also produced well-known drawbacks:
- Stretched or “wind-swept” appearance
- Long recovery periods
- Higher risk of nerve injury
- Visible scarring
- Unnatural facial contours
In contrast, today's best facelift approaches are built on principles of minimal access, vertical lifting vectors, anatomical precision, and tissue preservation. Instead of pulling skin tight, modern methods reposition deeper structures, restore volume, and enhance skin quality.
The ideal modern facelift:
Looks natural in motion
Preserves the patient's unique facial identity
Is minimally invasive
Reduces downtime
Offers long-term structural improvement
These principles are embodied most clearly in Ghent’s pioneering facelift technique: the MACS-Lift.
The MACS-Lift: Europe’s Benchmark for Natural Facial Rejuvenation
The MACS-Lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension Lift) is recognized globally as one of the most innovative contributions to aesthetic surgery in the last several decades. Developed at the Coupure Centre for Plastic Surgery in Ghent, the MACS-Lift is celebrated for its minimal scarring, reduced surgical trauma, and exceptionally natural results.
How the MACS-Lift Works
Unlike traditional facelifts, the MACS-Lift focuses on:
- Vertical lifting of the midface and lower face
- Minimal incision access, typically placed discreetly in front of the ear
- Suspension sutures that elevate the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system)
- No extensive undermining, reducing complications and healing time
Key Benefits of the MACS-Lift
- Natural rejuvenation that preserves individual anatomy
- Lower complication rates compared to classic facelifts
- Faster recovery and less bruising
- Minimal and well-hidden scars
- Long-lasting, sustainable outcomes
- A refreshed, youthful appearance without surgical “tell-tale” signs
For medical-tourism professionals, the MACS-Lift is an extremely attractive procedure: safe, efficient, and ideally suited for international patients with limited travel time. Its lower risk profile makes it a reliable option for those flying in for same-week consultations and treatments.
The Rise of Regenerative Facial Rejuvenation in Belgium
Modern facelift results are no longer dependent on surgical tightening alone. Regeneration, not resection, has become a core philosophy of natural aging correction.
Ghent’s surgeons were among the first to incorporate fat-derived regenerative therapies into facial surgery—an innovation that has dramatically enhanced facelift outcomes.
Fat as a Regenerative Tool
The Ghent team discovered that adding adipose-derived tissue to facial surgery resulted in:
- Faster healing
- Reduced swelling
- Improved skin texture
- Less scarring
- Superior long-term results
This discovery led to the development of Nanofat, now used worldwide.
Nanofat: A Breakthrough in Skin Quality
Nanofat is a finely emulsified form of processed fat containing:
- Stromal vascular fraction
- Fat-derived stem cells
- Regenerative cellular components
In practical application:
- Nanofat rejuvenates skin from within
- Can treat fine lines, dark circles, and crepey skin
- Enhances facelift outcomes without creating bulk
- Improves elasticity, tone, and vitality
Ghent’s contribution to the global aesthetic world extends far beyond surgical technique—it reshaped how the world understands facial regeneration.
Why Surgeons Worldwide Travel to Ghent
Surgeons across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas routinely travel to Ghent to learn facelift and regenerative techniques firsthand.
- Nearly 200 physicians have undergone formal training in Ghent.
- More than 2,000 surgeons have attended workshops, live surgeries, and international lectures.
- Ghent’s surgeons have authored over 100 scientific articles and four medical textbooks, forming a major contribution to contemporary surgical literature.
Reasons surgeons train in Ghent
1. Access to the Innovators Themselves
Training directly with the creators of the MACS-Lift and Nanofat provides unparalleled educational value.
2. Evidence-Based Techniques
Their facelift and regenerative protocols are supported by decades of clinical research, publications, and outcomes.
3. A Surgical Philosophy Focused on Naturalism
Their philosophy is simple yet powerful:
“Restore youth without revealing that surgery was done.”
This approach has become the global gold standard.
4. A Unique Collaborative Environment
Ghent's surgical team culture—highlighted as a product of lifelong friendship, collaboration, and mutual respect—creates an environment where innovation thrives.
5. State-of-the-Art Facilities
Their fully private surgical centers are equipped with high-level technology from Germany and Switzerland, ensuring excellent standards for training and patient care.
Inside Ghent’s Leading Aesthetic Centers
Ghent’s private facilities as:
- Fully controlled surgical environments
- Featuring a private entrance for patient discretion
- Equipped with boutique-style overnight suites
- Staffed by board-certified surgeons, specialized anesthesiologists, and expert nursing teams
For medical tourists, this kind of environment—private, controlled, high-end, and personalized—is extremely attractive. It combines hospital-level safety with hotel-level comfort, an ideal combination for facial rejuvenation patients.
Meet the Surgeons Behind Europe’s Most Natural-Looking Facelifts
Dr. Patrick Tonnard: International Pioneer of Modern Facial Rejuvenation
Dr. Patrick Tonnard is recognized globally for his work in facelift innovation, regenerative medicine, and natural-looking aesthetic outcomes. His reputation is grounded in:
- Extensive international training
- A medical doctorate with highest distinction from Ghent University
- A PhD dedicated to fat grafting and facial rejuvenation
- Over 100 published scientific papers
- Authoring four medical textbooks
- Global recognition as the father of Nanofat technology
Dr. Tonnard is especially respected for his artistic approach to surgery—prioritizing natural harmony, subtle enhancement, and patient individuality.
His philosophy:
The best facial rejuvenation is one where people notice you look better—without knowing why.
Dr. Alexis Verpaele: Co-Innovator and Global Educator
Dr. Verpaele complements the team with advanced expertise in:
- Microsurgery
- Ear reconstruction
- Male facial rejuvenation
- Reducing complications in facelift surgery
He is a board member of the Royal Belgian Society for Plastic Surgery and has earned his own PhD for research on minimizing facelift complications.
Together, Drs. Tonnard and Verpaele have:
- Built one of Europe’s most respected private aesthetic centers
- Trained thousands of surgeons
- Pioneered the MACS-Lift
- Revolutionized regenerative facial rejuvenation
- Delivered natural, long-lasting facelift results recognized worldwide
Their lifelong friendship and collaborative energy are repeatedly highlighted as a unique strength that sets Ghent apart.
Why Ghent Leads Europe in Natural Facelifts
To summarize, Ghent stands at the intersection of innovation, research, precision surgery, and regenerative science. Through the MACS-Lift, Nanofat, and a philosophy centered on subtlety and authenticity, Ghent’s surgeons have transformed global standards for natural facial rejuvenation.
For medical tourism professionals, this makes Ghent a uniquely compelling destination—one that blends surgical excellence with compassionate care and proven aesthetic outcomes.
Looking for the most natural and regenerative approach to facial rejuvenation?
If you are considering a facelift, regenerative fat-based rejuvenation, or comprehensive aging-face surgery, we recommend Patrick Tonnard, MD, PhD, one of Europe’s most respected leaders in modern aesthetic medicine.
Dr. Tonnard is a world-renowned, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the CEO and Founder of the Coupure Center for Plastic Surgery and the Aesthetic Medical Center 2 (EMC²) in Ghent, Belgium. He is internationally recognized for breakthroughs such as the MACS-lift and nanofat grafting, techniques that have influenced the global shift toward natural and long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
His approach focuses on anatomical precision, scientific integrity, and subtle improvements that restore your own facial harmony. Patients value his expertise in advanced facelift methods, regenerative procedures, and male and female facial aesthetics. The goal is always the same: results that look refreshed, youthful, and authentically you.
Explore Dr. Patrick Tonnard’s Profile and Request a Consultation
https://www.better.medicaltourism.com/providers-platform-single?provider=patrick-tonnard-md-phd
