These days, non-surgical facelifts are all the rage. There are so many options out there, it is tempting to jump on the bandwagon in our quest for eternal youth. However, there are some important things you need to know before you sign up for your lunchtime facelift.
#1 Not all non-surgical facelifts are made the same
Many people confuse one type of non-surgical facelift with another. They are not made the same. The two big FDA approved non-surgical lifts include Thermage and Ultherapy, the former harnessing monopolar radiofrequency and the latter using microfocused ultrasound for their lifting effects. These two can give good results that last up to a year even after one session. Smaller procedures that use radiofrequency in the form of Exilis or other similar lifts tend to be more superficial and are used in the context of a facial done over multiple sessions with milder effects. HIFU is a form of ultrasound that is milder than ultherapy and is also done over multiple sessions with milder results. It is vital therefore to know what you are undergoing and that one procedure is not interchangeable with the next.
Read More: What You Need to Know If You Want a Smaller Nose
#2 Number of sessions to see results may differ
Some people expect to see results after one session of non-surgical facelift. This may be possible if you are doing Ultherapy or Thermage but not possible if a milder treatment such as HIFU or bipolar RF is being done on you. Knowing what you are going for allows you to plan for a series of sessions to get the optimal effect. As reflected in the prices, the milder treatments are often cheaper per session, and frequently sold in packages.
Read More: Three Disappearing Acts for Eyebags
#3 Some work better on specific areas of the face
As a general rule, Ultherapy targets the deeper tissues of the skin and is great for contracting heavy saggy parts of the face such as the jowls. Thermage smoothens out the superficial skin and is excellent for treating the crepey skin of the eyelids and peri-orbital area. That is why a combination of the two—Thermage and Ultherapy gives you the gold standard 3D facelift effect sans scalpel.
Read More: Here’s Why You Can’t See Your Sixpack
#4 They don’t address volume loss
Aging is more than just sagging skin. Our face loses volume with age; this volume loss has nothing to do with weight loss, and someone who has not lost weight with age will also experience facial volume loss that comes up as shadows and lines on the face. Non-surgical facelift cannot address volume loss, instead they are used to merely tighten and lift skin. Fillers on the other hand can help replace volume loss and are frequently paired with non-surgical facelifts for best results.
Read More: 5 Tricks You Never Knew Could Combat Oily Skin!
#5 It doesn’t mean you won’t age
If you think going for non-surgical facelift means you won’t look a day older for the upcoming years, you are sorely mistaken. Your skin is still subjected to environment and stress and may respond accordingly. Sunscreen use continues to be an absolute priority, so is a healthy diet and lifestyle. After all, good health starts from within and is ultimately reflected in your skin. What non-surgical facelifts can do is to help slow down your aging process so that your face looks tighter and firmer if it were left to its own devices. Having a holistic anti-aging strategy will guarantee that you are giving it the best chances to look youthful longer.
Read More: Botox Versus Fillers: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know