Facelift – for a firmer, tighter, more lifted you

Non invasive FACELIFT, for a lifted, tightened you.

In my previous post, we discussed about Thermage.

Today I will give you an overview of the modalities available, for a non surgical facelift in Singapore.

Non invasive facelift

1) Liquid facelift – This involves the use of botulinum toxin as in microbotox or dermalift, or the careful use of fillers, namely Hyaluronic fillers, injected at key areas on your face, to provide the anchor, support and lift.

2) RF facelift – Thermage

3) US facelift – Ulthera

Here is an elegant diagram comparing Ultherapy to RF and Lasers. As we can see, Ultherapy delivers focussed energy onto the SMAS layer, reaching up to 4.5mm into the skin to tighten the SMAS layer. It also delivers energy up to 3mm to induce collagen production.

Most Radiofrequency devices deliver bulk heating up to 4.3mm, hence inducing collagen and tightening pores, improving tone and texture.

Lasers deliver energy under 3mm of the skin, improving tone, colour and clarity.

Today, I will focus the discussion on Ultherapy.

Ultherapy is an elegant system, and is FDA approved for skin lifting and tightening. Using targeted Ultrasound, it achieves lifting and collagen stimulation. It is particularly effective for…

1. Upper face for lifting brows– Lift and tighten loose skin on areas such as the eyebrows ( to give you a freshened look)
2. Lower face for a sharper, more defined jawline– Addressing double chin, saggy jawline characterised by jowls (addressing the submental fat in the process)
3. Neck for a smoother outline–  Addressing saggy skin and wrinkles on the neck

Here is an example of the treatment zones in Ultherapy.

Who is suitable?

Ulthera is indicated for patients 35-60 y.o

How does it work?

Its energy is targeted to the SMAS layer                                                                                    –

Superficial musculo-aponeurotic system, which is the layer commonly addressed by plastic surgeons in a surgical facelift.

Is it painful?

Well, this is a subjective question but generally, I would cover my patients with analgesia.

Is there any downtime?

For most patients, there is little to no downtime. There is a small risk of mild and transient redness, edema and bumps on the face.

How about liquid facelift?

Basically, this involves the use of either botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid to achieve a lifting effect. Here are 2 commonly performed procedures.

Dermalift – This technique utilises a diluted dysport dose to induce tightening of the forehead, cheeks, jawline.

8 point lift from Juvederm – This technique involves careful placement of hyaluronic acid to anchor, support and lift your face.

And finally, what about Thermage? 

What is Thermage?

Thermage is an innovative, non-invasive radiofrequency procedure for lifting and contouring skin. Thermage CPT system is the latest version of Thermage machines in the market. Thermage CPT offers better results and more patient comfort during the procedure than its predecessors.

Who is suitable for Thermage?
For the young, under 30s, as a peventative measure to slowdown ageing. Thermage works best when there is less sagging.
For the more matured patients – to combat saggy skin.

So what can Thermage do for you?
1. Skin lifting
2. Smoothen and contour skin-> giving you better texture
3. Pore refinement-> giving you radiancy

How is it done?
A comfort tip delivers RF energy which you will feel in the form of heat. The procedure takes roughly an hour.

(Image courtesy of Solta medical)

How long do the effects last?

With 1 time treatment, results last for at least a year.

What are the side effects?
Minimal or no downtime.
May have a little redness that last for a while, depending on skin sensitivity.
Rare to have swelling or blisters.

Who are the patients unsuitable for this?
Patients with pacemaker or electronic implanted device, or stents.

When can you expect to see changes that you would really like?
Maximum results at 3 to 6 months. Some get immediate results.

How long after botox, fillers can you do Thermage?
Generally, they can be done in the same sitting.

So you now know the options available to you, for a non invasive facelift.

Finally, let me share with you about ageing and why your face sags.

Ageing leads to the 3Ds, deflation, damage, descent. The photo on the left has good skin, good bony support but a loss of volume (deflation). The one in the centre has good volume, lack of bony support and some descent, while the one on the right has skin damage, deflation and descent.

1. Descent. The skin loses collagen and elastin, hence it loses elasticity and supports, and sags downwards with gravity.
2. Deflation is when the soft tissue layer loses volume, hence flattening the cheeks, liken to a deflated beachball, hence forming the laugh lines, the jowls. We can imagine this in a person after weight loss or pregnancy, and finds her once tight fitting tee, now hanging at the sides.
3. Damage from sun exposure leads to fine lines and wrinkles.

So I hope this mini series on facelift has been helpful. Speak to your Dermatologist for more information.

Happy CNY!

Dr Daniel Chang

Making Raffles Place more beautiful, one face at a time.