If the thought of a facelift still sounds a little daunting, a nonsurgical procedure called FaceTite could restore several years to your appearance.
FaceTite uses targeted radiofrequency energy—the same used in MRI machines and many other medical treatments—to tighten the skin from within the dermis. Results are immediate, though you’ll see continued improvement over the next six weeks as new collagen forms.
And it’s safe for all skin types, making it the next best thing to a facelift. It’s also an effective treatment for those who’ve had a facelift and want to maintain the results without further treatment.
Not bad for a procedure that lasts less than an hour, right?
How it works
FaceTite is performed under a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel anything. Your plastic surgeon will create a tiny incision near the treatment area, so tiny that sutures won’t be needed and it won’t leave a scar.
A small, hand-held applicator passes radiofrequency energy through a small electrode that’s been inserted through the incision. It heats the underlying tissue, making it tighten and contract.
The procedure was developed to treat delicate skin—beyond the face, FaceTite has also proven to be effective for treating small areas of the body—without causing cellular damage to the tissue. The applicator is equipped with state-of-the-art thermal controls to ensure the patient’s safety.
The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with most seeing a 40-percent improvement in the tightness of their skin shortly after the treatment. Clinical studies and patient reports suggest that the results are equivalent to those of a mini-facelift.
What’s the recovery like?
Following the procedure, you can expect your face to be a little tender and swollen for a few days, partly due to the local anesthetic. That’ll dissipate on its own, though it may also be accompanied by some redness and bruising. Most patients, however, return to work within a few days.
As always, discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon to find the best result and path for you.