Non-surgical facelift

When talking about facial wrinkle surgery, the first thing that comes to mind is plastic surgery. However, not everyone is willing and able to subject themselves to radical influences. In this case, a compromise option is to employ a variety of minimally invasive and non-invasive rejuvenation techniques.Non-surgical facelift– This is a whole layer of various procedures that can improve the condition of the skin, eliminate saggy tissue and increase the definition of the oval without the need for surgical intervention and associated difficulties.The main advantages of this type of technique are relatively low cost, minimal trauma, and fewer contraindications compared with surgery. At the same time, with their help it is not always possible to obtain results as impressive as after surgery, and they do not last as long, usually up to 2-3 years, which partially offsets the cost-effectiveness.

Basic methods of non-surgical lifting

All non-surgical facial wrinkle removal procedures can be divided into several broad categories:

• injectable– Medications injected under the skin to help improve skin tone and overall skin rejuvenation. This includes, inter alia, certain types of mesotherapy, contouring and plasma lifting
• hardware– Performed on devices that use various types of energy (lasers, radio waves, microcurrents, etc. ) to affect the skin.
• Lift with thread– Special biocompatible threads are installed under the skin, with the help of which the tissue is moved to a new position. Most types of thread lifts are surgical techniques, but they are significantly less invasive and have a significantly lower number of contraindications than other anti-aging facial procedures
• deep peeling, during which the upper layer of dermis is removed. Stimulates skin renewal thereby providing a lifting effect
• Manual practice– Various massage techniques aimed at improving the tone of facial muscle structures and activating metabolism.

Injectable Lifting and Facial Rejuvenation

One of the safest and most common methods of this group isMesoscopic improvement– A variant of mesotherapy using a specially selected complex of active moisturizing and strengthening substances that activate the cell renewal process, fill it with moisture and enhance local blood circulation. A standard treatment course consists of 3-5 procedures, with results lasting from 6 to 18 months. After facelift surgery, aging and sagging skin is visibly smoothed and looks fresher and younger, deep static wrinkles are reduced, small expression wrinkles disappear, the skin is renewed at the cellular level, skin tone is even, and plumpness and elasticity are improved.plasma boostorPRP treatmentis an injection of the patient's own blood (or rather, specially prepared plasma). The course lasts for 4-5 sessions and the effects last for about 1 year. Plasma Lift not only works locally at the skin cell level, triggering the synthesis of collagen fibers, but also has a rejuvenating effect on the entire body - it stimulates the immune system and triggers regeneration and cell renewal processes. Additionally, the plasma acts like bioglue, attaching the facial skin to the underlying structure, eliminating age-related tissue sagging. After completing the treatment, the skin becomes smoother, becomes more elastic, the skin tone becomes even, fine lines disappear and deep wrinkles are reduced.If Mesotherapy and Plasma Lift have complex effects on the entire face, tightening and rejuvenating it, thenContouring plastic surgery using fillersandBotulinum toxin therapyDesigned to specifically address specific age-related issues.

• The purpose of filler injections is to fill deep wrinkles, add volume to missing tissue, and correct facial shape. Today, estheticians have access to a variety of products, primarily high-density hyaluronic acid, designed to correct certain age-related facial imperfections.
• Botox therapy uses a drug based on botulinum toxin type A, which blocks nerve endings in the area of injection and prevents them from contracting facial muscles. As a result, the skin becomes smoother and even deep expression wrinkles are reduced or completely disappeared.

The effects of body contouring and Botox treatments last approximately 8-12 months, depending on the activity of metabolic processes and other individual characteristics of the body.

Hardware fastening methods

How most methods workHardware liftingLikewise - by targeted action heating of the subcutaneous tissue stimulates the compaction of existing collagen fibers and the production of new collagen and elastin. As a result, wrinkles are smoothed, pores shrink, the skin tightens and becomes elastic. The main difference between these procedures is the type of energy used (laser, radio waves, etc. ). Otherwise, they are very similar: they are performed in sessions of 3-5, and the duration of the results is about 2 years. The most popular methods today are:

• Laser Thermal Lift– Use of laser energy;
• ELOS-Elevate– Based on the simultaneous impact of two energies – laser and light;
• Radio frequency (RF) boost– Uses low power and high frequency radio waves.

Another option -microcurrent therapy, – works slightly differently. In this case, skin cells are stimulated by microcurrents and specially developed biologics containing strong antioxidants, which activate the natural mechanisms of skin regeneration.A standard course of treatment for this non-surgical lift involves 4-5 surgeries per week. The main advantages of this method include minimal contraindications and being completely harmless to the body. Microcurrents activate metabolism, normalize the chemical composition of cells and increase tissue elasticity - so they are often used as a recovery procedure after surgical intervention.

Lift with thread

This is a minimally invasive technique in which thin wires are inserted under the skin. They are then pulled up, moved behind them and the soft tissue is secured in the desired position. The procedure is quick and safe, but is still quite serious and therefore should not be performed by a beautician who deals with the "exterior" of the face, but by a plastic surgeon who is familiar with its internal structure. Depending on the general indications and the patient's personal preference, the following methods may be used:

• non-absorbable line, made from biocompatible materials such as polypropylene.
• filament- Considered less effective, but they are made of polylactic acid and do not remain under the skin, but are completely absorbed after a few months. In addition to the actual tightening effect, they also have a beneficial effect on the overall condition and health of the skin (similar to mesotherapy, hence the prefix "meso" in the name)

The results obtained last on average 2-3 years, after which you can install additional threads or choose a different technique (already installed threads will not interfere with cosmetic procedures or surgical lifts). Some nonabsorbable threads can be "tightened" in the future, but experts have not yet reached consensus on the advisability of this procedure.

deep peeling

These are quite invasive and painful, but at the same time very effective procedures, with the help of which you can enhance the regeneration process of the skin, improve its color, smoothness and elasticity and eliminate many external defects (hyperkeratosis, hyperpigmentationExcessive, ETC. ).

• periodDeep chemical peelApplying phenol-based acid compositions to the face damages the upper layers of the skin up to the middle of the reticular dermis. The procedure is only performed in a clinical setting, under general anesthesia - as a full-fledged procedure.
• Deep laser skin resurfacingIt combines two processes: the application of minimally invasive heat to the skin, triggering the skin's internal recovery mechanisms and the vaporization (evaporation) of old cells. Modern fractional ablative lasers do both at the same time, which allows you to achieve a more noticeable lift in fewer sessions than previous generations of lasers.

The recovery period after a deep peel is quite long (recovery time is up to 2 weeks). The effect lasts for about 1 year. If we compare these two procedures, laser resurfacing has an important advantage - the ability to adjust the power and depth of the effect "on the fly". This allows you to choose the best parameters for each area, even very sensitive areas (eyelids, lips, neck), which is not possible with chemical peels. In addition, the cooling system reduces pain and allows the use of local anesthesia.

Massage as a Non-Surgical Facelift

With the help of manual influence, a certain lifting effect can also be achieved, although experts have very different opinions on its severity and duration. The most popular program in this group isSculpture facial massage(Plastination Massage, Facial Massage according to Joelle Siocco and other proprietary techniques).Its principle of action is based on deep strength training of facial and non-facial muscles while activating lymphatic drainage. The massage therapist "contours" the face and corrects problem areas. As a result, the oval shape becomes more defined, the appearance of age-related changes is reduced, muscle tension is relieved, and the skin tone improves.A standard course is 10-12 lessons, held every 2-3 days. Further maintenance procedures are required 2-3 times per month, which is a relative disadvantage of this non-surgical lifting method. The obvious advantages of Sculpture Massage are that it is painless, completely safe, has no recovery period, no risk of complications and no irritation to the skin. The obvious disadvantage is that the results are significantly less pronounced than with the other procedures mentioned above.

How to choose the best non-surgical face slimming technique?

In order to eliminate or even completely eliminate the signs of aging, it is necessary to determine the cause of their appearance. This unique diagnosis is one of the main tasks of the beautician or plastic surgeon. He should be entrusted with choosing a specific method of revival or a combination thereof. For faces, the question is usually:How "deep" are the age-related changes localized?

• If they mainly affect the skin - for example we are talking about small wrinkles, changes in relief, loss of elasticity - give priority to methods that affect the dermal layer (repair, compaction, strengthening of the elastin-collagen framework, polishing of existing defects). For this purpose, peels, thermal lifts, plasma therapy, and mid-lifts can be used.
• For problems with the subcutaneous structure of the face (deep wrinkles, pronounced nasolacrimal troughs, jowls, bags under the eyes, loss of facial oval definition, double chin), choose methods that affect the muscular framework and subcutaneous tissue. These include thread lifts, Botox, contouring, microcurrent and sculptural massage.
• In many cases, changes affect both the skin and internal structure, so a thoughtful combination of rejuvenation techniques is needed to achieve dramatic results.

Expert Opinion

Reporters asked top beauticians to comment on the effectiveness of using certain non-surgical cosmetic options and sought professional advice from plastic surgeons:

1. "This question is much simpler than it seems. In order not to make the mistake of choosing a technique, not to undergo surgery early, and not to stay in the beautician's office longer than expected, you only need to figure out three things:
   • Soft tissue condition, degree of ptosis.If age-related changes are not too significant yet, we can discuss non-surgical solutions. If we are talking about visible folds and considerable excess skin, do not waste time and money on cosmetics and do not kid yourself. Excess skin won't go away on its own; it can only be removed with a scalpel, and only a plastic surgeon can help you.
   • age.Cosmetic surgery works well until age 40 (in most cases). After the age of 40, the effects become less and less obvious, and after the age of 50, if you need real results, not just care, you should seriously consider surgery.
   • patient's wishes.Only you can decide who to go to and what you need. Not all women want to look 10 to 20 years younger; for many, it's important to look neat, fresh, and appropriate for their age. This problem can be resolved without surgery. Dull skin, sagging, fine lines, age spots, etc. – A beautician can handle all of these issues well. But if you are unhappy with the sagging facial contours, droopy eyelids, chin, eye bags, double chin, or neck creases, the only option is to contact a surgeon.
   If you need a very small lift, be aware of the various threads available for vector lifts or contouring procedures. By repeating these procedures 1-2 times per year, you can postpone surgery for a few years. You'll know for yourself when the end result no longer works for you and it's time to consider a more radical approach. "
2. "Non-surgical methods will certainly not replace plastic surgery, but they are a good means of prevention and can postpone a visit to the surgeon for a long time. It is recommended that women start having a gentle lift (hardware cosmetic surgery) from the age of 25. Almost every method listed in the article can help address certain subtle age-related changes. Our experts use some of these procedures alone, but most commonly as part of a comprehensive program.Therefore, stagnation may occur after cosmetic surgery, which can be easily treated with the help of microcurrent. Contouring surgery using fillers can correct minor age-related changes, but in this case, plasma fillers (an analogue of hyaluronic acid fillers, produced from the patient's own blood) have proven themselves to be better.Of course, botulinum toxin type A preparations are very effective and it is impossible to replace them with analogues. Radiofrequency lifting is also very effective in preventing aging and maintaining treatment after plastic surgery. However, phenol peeling is not used in our clinic due to its traumatic nature.A significant advantage of non-surgical lift procedures is that they can be recommended for patients at considerably younger ages, along with subtle age-related changes. For example, gentle alternatives to blepharoplasty could be plasma, laser or radiofrequency lifts, as well as midline lifts - the exact choice depends on the "severity" of the skin, the depth of wrinkles, the patient's age and the presence of certain contraindications. "
3. "I would like to point out right away that, of course, no minimally invasive technique can compete with surgery in terms of effectiveness. However, it often happens that the patient's health does not allow him to take such a step, or the specific case is not yetNo surgical intervention is required. In these cases, minimally invasive cosmetic surgery can help.Thread lifts, laser face lifts, and radiofrequency lift techniques can work well to delay the need for surgery and serve as a temporary alternative to surgical face lift techniques. Botox treatments and fillers can eliminate wrinkles. Plasma lifting improves skin elasticity and its overall condition. Peels also affect the elasticity, color and quality of the skin. These procedures are effective within their scope but are not a direct replacement for plastic surgery.The clinic performs nearly every procedure described in the article, but each procedure has indications and contraindications. Especially for patients who come to us for a full face lift, I recommend a plasma lift before and after surgery to shorten the recovery period. But it’s not worth having any hardware repair procedures before surgery. "
4. "Currently, there are many effective methods for non-surgical facial rejuvenation, but it is important to understand the difference in abilities between plastic surgeons and estheticians. Surgeons contour the face, while estheticians improve skin quality. Aging manifests itself as skin and muscle sagging and loss of skin tone. , quality decline. There are about 5 types of aging in total, depending on its manifestations, and rejuvenation plans are developed, including the use of non-surgical techniques.Today, I consider hardware surgeries (fractional laser photothermolysis, laser thermal facelift), radiofrequency facelifts, and contouring and thread lifts to be the most effective. But it must be honestly stated that for severe ptosis and large amounts of subcutaneous fat, all types of hardware lifts are ineffective because they affect the deep layers of the skin without affecting its surface. In addition, the so-called 3D facial modeling is very popular and effective, which uses a set of measures: contouring, thread lifting, botox therapy.Generally speaking, we have quite a few minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to choose from in our arsenal, but for optimal results, a comprehensive approach is always required. No single approach, no matter how good, can solve all problems. "