In the field of medical aesthetics, the desire for a youthful look no longer necessitates going under the knife. Non-surgical facelifts have become increasingly popular, offering effective, less invasive alternatives to traditional surgical facelifts. Some of the non-surgical facelift options available at VIDASKIN are dermal fillers, Ultherapy, and Thermage. Each of these treatments provides unique benefits and targets different aspects of facial aging. In this article, we will delve into how these treatments work and what sets them apart.
Understanding Non-Surgical Facelifts
Non-surgical facelifts encompass a variety of procedures designed to rejuvenate and lift the face without the need for incisions or sutures. These treatments typically involve minimal downtime, making them attractive to individuals seeking quick and effective results with little disruption to their daily lives.
As we age, our skin changes, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, and a loss of firmness. There are many layers of the face that age with time. Sagging can be due to skin laxity, weakness of the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) layer or volume (fat) loss. Each issue requires a different treatment modality and we will discuss some of the common ones below.
Dermal Fillers: Volume and Contour Restoration
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. The primary ingredients in most of our fillers are hyaluronic acid, a substance which is naturally found in the body, making them biocompatible whilst being effective for aesthetic use.
How Dermal Fillers Work:
Volume Restoration: As we age, our skin loses collagen and fat, leading to sagging and hollow areas, particularly around the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. Fillers replenish this lost volume, giving the face a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Wrinkle Reduction: Fillers smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the mouth (nasolabial folds) and forehead.
Contour Enhancement: Fillers can also be used to sculpt and define facial features, such as the jawline, chin, and lips. This helps to correct structural deficiencies which add to the appearance of facial aging.
Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin. It is the only FDA-approved procedure for non-surgical lifting of the skin on the neck, under the chin, and on the brow, as well as improving lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.
Precision With Direct Visualisation: Ultherapy has an ultrasound scan built in which allows us to customise every Ultherapy treatment with precision. The target of the treatment is to tighten the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer, which can vary in depth between different people. There is no one-size-fits-all and Ultherapy’s See-Plan-Treat approach ensures that we target the correct layer every time. Your provider may change out transducer depths throughout your treatment. The See-Plan-Treat approach also reduces the risk of fat loss as we are able to visualise the tissues and avoid targeting the deep fat pads that provide structural support.
Focused Ultrasound Energy: Ultherapy delivers ultrasound energy deep into the skin, specifically targeting the SMAS layer, which is the same layer addressed in surgical facelifts.
Collagen Stimulation: The ultrasound energy triggers the body’s natural collagen production, gradually lifting and tightening the skin over the following months.
Versatility: Ultherapy can be used to treat various areas of the face and body, including the forehead, eyes, cheeks, jawline, neck, and décolletage.
Benefits of Ultherapy:
Built in ultrasound for direct visualisation
Customised treatment with the See-Plan-Treat approach
Non-invasive with minimal to no downtime
Natural-looking results that improve over several months
Long-lasting effects (up to a year or more)
FDA-approved and clinically proven
Thermage: Skin Tightening with Radiofrequency (RF)
Thermage is another non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten and contour the skin. It is particularly effective for treating loose skin on the face, neck, and body.
How RF Skin Tightening Works:
Radiofrequency Energy: Thermage delivers RF energy deep into the skin, heating the collagen-rich layers. This heat causes immediate collagen contraction and stimulates new collagen production.
Skin Remodeling: Over time, the newly produced collagen results in tighter, smoother skin.
Dermal Fillers: Minimal downtime, with potential for slight swelling or bruising that resolves quickly.
Ultherapy: No downtime, though some patients may experience mild redness or swelling.
Thermage: No downtime, with possible temporary redness or swelling.
Results and Longevity:
Dermal Fillers: Immediate results, lasting 6-18 months depending on the type of filler used.
Ultherapy: Gradual results over 2-3 months, lasting up to a year or more.
Thermage: Gradual tightening with continued improvement over 2-3 months, lasting up to a year or more.
Treatment Areas:
Dermal Fillers: Best for replacing fat loss and volumizing specific areas, such as cheeks, lips, and under-eye hollows.
Ultherapy: Ideal for lifting the tissues on the face, neck, and décolletage. It specifically targets the SMAS layer which is a deeper layer in the face to improve nasolabial folds and jowling.
Thermage: Effective for overall skin tightening and contouring on the face, neck, and body. Helps to improve skin laxity.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Selecting the appropriate non-surgical facelift treatment depends on your specific concerns and desired outcomes. Consulting with a qualified aesthetic professional can help determine the best approach for your individual needs. Whether you seek volume restoration with dermal fillers, lifting with Ultherapy, or RF skin tightening, non-surgical facelifts offer a range of solutions to achieve a youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
Conclusion
Non-surgical facelifts provide a viable alternative to traditional surgery, offering impressive results with minimal downtime. By understanding the differences between dermal fillers, Ultherapy, and RF Skin Tightening, you are able to decide which course of treatment best meets your needs. Embrace the possibilities of non-surgical facelifts and rediscover your youthful radiance with these innovative aesthetic treatments.
Dr Elizabeth Heah
author
With a strong foundation in medicine and a keen eye for beauty, Dr. Elizabeth Heah brings a refined and meticulous approach to her aesthetic practice. Her background in surgical training and anatomy provides her with a distinct advantage in aesthetic medicine, allowing her to execute procedures with precision and artistry. Dr. Elizabeth is dedicated to patient education, ensuring that individuals receive clear, science-backed guidance tailored to their unique needs. She takes a personalized and safety-first approach, employing only FDA-approved, evidence-based treatments to deliver effective and natural enhancements. Her goal is to empower patients with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their aesthetic journey.
(Read Dr Elizabeth's full biography in our About Page!)
