Non-Surgical Facelift

Non-surgical face lift refers to all techniques and treatments that result in lifting of the mid and lower parts of the face without the need for surgical intervention such as a facelift. Over time with aging a number of changes happen to our face. The combination of volume loss at deeper parts of the skin including the fat and thinning of the muscles and bone resorption all lead to volume deficiency. Ligaments that suspend the skin and act as support structures weaken. Gravity ensues and the combination of all these factors together (volume loss, ligaments weakening and gravity) lead tissue descent of the upper, mid and lower parts of the face colloquially known as “sagging”. Any intervention that results in reversing these changes with as a result an upward lift in the descended tissue is referred to as lifting procedure.

Non-surgical face lifting include several treatments such as the use of filler injections, threads, and high intensity focused ultrasound also known as “HIFU”. Non-surgical lifting using filler injections rely on the principle of traction. That is, by injecting filler at certain points one can achieve support to the weakened and descended ligaments as well as lateral traction (injection points in the outer or lateral part of the face) of the face. This needs to be performed by an experienced doctor who injects the filler material carefully and skilfully without over volumizing the face or giving an unnatural aesthetic appearance. 

High intensity focused ultrasound or “HIFU” uses a sophisticated ultrasound waves that are focused at certain points that relate to depths giving localised heating with as a result shrinkage, strengthening and tightening. The ultrasound waves can be positioned deep in the skin to target the fascia that is important in giving visible traction and lifting as well as more superficial targeting the ligaments and deeper parts of the skin that leads to generation of new and stronger collagen. The procedure is quick and associated with minimal pain. It is important to note that treatments can be combined to achieve a synergistic effect. Fillers can be combined with botulinum toxin injections and high intensity focused ultrasound. A careful assessment is required prior to the treatment.

Professor Firas Al-Niaimi has published a scientific medical article on when to use surgery versus non-surgical treatments in cosmetic procedures including non-surgical facelift and this article can be found in the publications section of the website.