Non-surgical facelift

Plastic surgery is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a face lift. However, not everyone is willing and able to expose themselves to radical influences. In this case, the compromise option is numerous minimal and non-invasive rejuvenation methods.

Non-surgical facelift- this is a whole layer of different procedures that can improve the condition of the skin, get rid of sagging tissues and clarify the oval without surgical intervention and associated complications.

Compared to surgery, the main advantages of such methods are relatively low cost, low trauma and fewer contraindications. At the same time, it is not always possible to achieve such an impressive result after surgery with their help, and it does not last long, usually up to 2-3 years, which partially compensates for the cost benefit.

The main methods of non-surgical lifting

All non-surgical facelift procedures can be divided into several large groups:

• Injectable- subcutaneous administration of drugs that help improve skin tone and general rejuvenation. This includes, in particular, some types of mesotherapy, contouring and plasma lifting
• Apparatus- it is carried out in equipment that uses different types of energy (laser, radio wave, microwave current, etc. ) to affect the skin.
• Lifting with ropes- installation of special biocompatible threads under the skin, with their help tissues are moved to a new position. Most types of thread lifts are surgical methods, but their invasiveness and the number of contraindications are much lower than other antiaging facial procedures.
• Deep peels, during which the upper layers of the dermis are removed. Stimulate skin renewal and thereby provide a lifting effect
• Manual experiments– various massage methods aimed at improving the tone of the facial muscle structures and activating the metabolism.

Injection lifting and facial rejuvenation

One of the safest and most common methods of this groupmesolifting– a mesotherapy option that uses a complex of specially selected active moisturizing and strengthening substances that activates the cell renewal process, fills them with moisture and strengthens local blood circulation. The standard course consists of 3-5 procedures, the duration of the result is from 6 to 18 months. After mesolifting, the aging and sagging skin is visibly smoothed, it looks fresh and young, deep static wrinkles are reduced and small expressive wrinkles disappear, the skin is renewed at the cellular level, its color is evened out, turgor and elasticity are improved.

PlasmoliftingorPRP therapyis the injection of the patient's own blood (more precisely, specially treated plasma). The course is 4-5 sessions, the result lasts about 1 year. Plasmolifting works both locally and at the cellular level of the skin, triggers the synthesis of collagen fibers and has a rejuvenating effect on the entire body - it stimulates the immune system, triggers the processes of regeneration and cell renewal. Also, plasma, like a biological glue, attaches the skin of the face to the main structures, eliminating age-related tissue ptosis. After completing the course, the skin becomes smoother, more elastic, toned, fine wrinkles disappear, and deep wrinkles are reduced.

If meso- and plasmolifting has a complex effect on the whole face, tightening and rejuvenating it, thencontour plastic surgery with fillersAndbotulinum therapydesigned to address specific age-related issues.

• Filler injections are designed to fill deep wrinkles, increase the volume of missing tissues and correct the shape of the face. Today, cosmetologists have at their disposal a wide variety of products, mainly based on high-density hyaluronic acid, designed to correct certain age-related facial defects.
• Botulinum therapy uses drugs based on botulinum toxin type A, which blocks nerve endings at the injection site and prevents facial muscle contraction. As a result, the skin is smoothed and even deeply expressed wrinkles are reduced or completely disappear.

The effect of contouring and botulinum therapy lasts about 8-12 months, depending on the activity of metabolic processes and other individual characteristics of the body.

Methods of fixing equipment

How most methods workhardware liftingthe same - the subcutaneous tissue is heated with a targeted movement that stimulates the compression of existing collagen fibers and the production of new collagen and elastin. As a result, wrinkles are smoothed, pores are narrowed, the skin is tightened and elastic. The main differences between such procedures are what kind of energy is used (laser, radio waves, etc. ) Otherwise, they are very similar: they are carried out in courses of 3-5 sessions, and the duration of the result is about 2. years. The most popular methods today are:

• Laser thermolifting- laser energy is used;
• ELOS-lifting– based on the effect of two types of energy - laser and light at the same time;
• Radio frequency (RF) removal- low power and high frequency radio waves are used.

Another option -microcurrent therapy, – works a little differently. At this time, skin cells are stimulated with microcurrents and specially developed biological preparations, which are powerful antioxidants that activate the skin's natural regeneration mechanisms.

The standard course of such non-surgical lifting consists of 4-5 procedures performed once a week. The main advantages of this method include a minimal number of contraindications and complete harmlessness to the body. Microcurrents activate metabolism, normalize the chemical composition of cells and increase tissue elasticity - for this reason, it is often used as a restorative procedure after surgical interventions.

Lifting with ropes

This is a minimally invasive technique where thin threads are inserted under the skin. Then they pull up, move on their backs and adjust the soft tissues to the desired position. The procedure is quick and safe, but still quite serious, so it should be performed not by a cosmetologist who works with the "external part" of the face, but by a plastic surgeon who knows its internal structure well. Depending on the general indications and personal preferences of the patient, the following can be used:

• Non-absorbable threads, made of biocompatible materials such as polypropylene.
• Mesothreads- are considered somewhat less effective, but they are made of polylactic acid, which does not remain under the skin, but is completely absorbed after a few months. In addition to actual tightening, they have a beneficial effect on the general condition and health of the skin (similar to mesotherapy, hence the "meso" prefix in the name).

The obtained result lasts an average of 2-3 years, after which you can install additional threads or choose a different technique (threads already installed will not interfere with cosmetic procedures or surgical lifting). Some threads that are not absorbed can be "squeezed" in the future, but there is no consensus among experts about the feasibility of such manipulation.

Deep peels

These are quite traumatic and painful, but at the same time very effective procedures, with the help of which you can strengthen the regeneration processes in the skin, improve its color, smoothness and elasticity, as well as many external defects (hyperkeratosis, hyperpigmentation, etc. ).

• duringdeep chemical peelingAcid compositions based on phenol are applied to the face, which destroy the upper layers of the skin up to the middle of the reticular layer of the dermis. The procedure is performed only in clinical conditions, under general anesthesia - as a full-fledged operation.
• Deep laser resurfacingcombines two processes: the application of thermal microtraumas, which activates internal regeneration mechanisms in the skin, and the evaporation (evaporation) of old cells. Modern fractional ablative lasers perform both of these actions simultaneously, which allows for a more pronounced lifting effect in fewer sessions than previous generation lasers.

The recovery period after deep peels is quite long (rehabilitation lasts up to 2 weeks). The effect lasts about 1 year. If we compare both procedures, laser resurfacing has one important advantage - the ability to "quickly" adjust the impact strength and depth. This allows you to choose the optimal parameters for each area, even for very sensitive ones (eyelids, lips, neck), which cannot be achieved with chemical peeling. In addition, the cooling system makes it less painful, allowing the use of local anesthesia.

Massage as a non-surgical facelift

It is also possible to achieve a certain lifting effect with the help of manual influence, although among experts there are very different opinions about its intensity and duration. This is the most popular procedure from the groupSculptor facial massage(plasticizing massage, facial massage with Joelle Siocco and other special methods).

Its principle of action is based on deep strength training of facial and facial muscles with simultaneous activation of lymphatic drainage. The massage therapist "sculpts" the contours of the face by correcting problem areas. As a result, the oval becomes clearer, the manifestations of age-related changes are reduced, muscle tension is eliminated, and skin color improves.

A standard course is 10-12 sessions every 2-3 days. Additional maintenance procedures are required 2-3 times a month, which is a relative disadvantage of the non-surgical lifting method. The obvious advantages of sculpting massage are painlessness, complete safety, no rehabilitation period, no risk of complications, no skin irritation. An obvious disadvantage is that the results are significantly understated compared to the other procedures described above.

How to choose the best non-surgical facelift technique?

In order to smooth out the signs of aging and perhaps completely eliminate them, it is necessary to determine the causes of their appearance. This unique diagnosis is one of the main tasks of a cosmetologist or plastic surgeon. It should be left to him to choose a particular method of rejuvenation or a combination of them. In the facial case, the question is usually:How "deeply" are age-related changes localized?

• If they mainly affect the skin – e. g. We are talking about small wrinkles, changes in relief, decrease in turgor - methods that affect the dermal layer are preferred (restoration, compression, strengthening of the elastin-collagen framework, polishing of existing defects). For this purpose, peeling, thermolifting, plasma therapy, and mesolifting are applied.
• For problems with the subcutaneous structures of the face (deep wrinkles, open nasolacrimal grooves, spoons, bags under the eyes, loss of clarity of the oval of the face, double chin), choose methods that affect the muscle frame and hypodermis. These include thread lifting, botulinum therapy, contouring, microcurrent and sculpting massage.
• In many cases, the changes affect both the skin and the internal structures, then a thoughtful combination of several rejuvenating techniques is needed to achieve a clear effect.

Expert opinion

Journalists asked leading cosmetologists to comment on the effectiveness of using some non-surgical facelift options, and also turned to plastic surgeons for a professional opinion:

1. "The question is much simpler than it seems. In order not to make a mistake in the choice of technique, not to perform an operation earlier than the required time, and also not to spend more time than expected in the offices of cosmetologists, you need to understand only three things:

   • Condition of soft tissues, degree of ptosis.If age-related changes have not gone too far, we can talk about non-surgical solutions. If we are talking about obvious folds and rather large excess skin, do not spend time and money on cosmetology, do not engage in self-deception. Excess skin will not disappear on its own, it can only be removed with a scalpel, and only a plastic surgeon will help you here.
   • Age. Up to the age of 40 (mostly) cosmetic procedures work quite well. After 40, their effect becomes less and less noticeable, and after 50, if you need not only care, but a real effect, you should seriously think about the operation.
   • The wishes of the patient.Only you decide who to go to and what you need. Not all women want to look 10-20 years younger, for many it is just important to look well-groomed and fresh for their age. This problem can be solved without surgery. Pale skin color, sagging, fine lines, age spots, etc. - cosmetologists cope well with all these problems. But if you are not satisfied with sagging facial contours, drooping eyelids, eyebrows, bags under the eyes, double chin or folds on the neck, just contact the surgeon.

   If you need a very small lift, focus on vector lifting with different threads or contour plastic surgery. By repeating these procedures 1-2 times a year, you can postpone the operation for several years. You will be able to understand yourself that the resulting effect no longer suits you and it is time to think about more radical methods. "

2. "Non-surgical methods, of course, will not replace plastic surgery, but they are a good preventive measure and can postpone a visit to the surgeon for a long time. It may be appropriate for women to apply for soft lifts (apparatus cosmetology) from the age of 25. The methods listed in the article are almost, each of which can help with certain subtle age-related changes. Our experts use some of these procedures individually, but often as part of a comprehensive program.

   Thus, stagnation can occur after a surgical facelift, which can be easily treated with the help of microcurrents. Contour plastic surgery with fillers allows you to correct minor age-related changes, but in this case, plasma fillers (analogues of hyaluronic acid fillers produced from the patient's own blood) have proven themselves better.

   Botulinum toxin A preparations, of course, give good results and cannot be replaced by analogues. RF lifting has a good effect both in the prevention of aging and in maintenance therapy after plastic surgery. But phenol peeling is not used in our clinic because it is traumatic.

   A significant advantage of non-surgical lifting procedures is that they can be recommended to patients at a fairly young age, with subtle age-related changes. For example, a gentle alternative to blepharoplasty can be plasma, laser or RF lifting, as well as mesothreads - what exactly to choose will depend on the "weight" of the skin, the depth of wrinkles, the patient's age and availability. has certain contraindications".

3. "I would like to note right away that, of course, none of the minimally invasive methods can compete with surgical operations 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 situation does not yet require surgical intervention. In some cases, minimally invasive cosmetology comes to our aid.

   Thread lifts, laser facelifts, and RF lifts can delay the need for surgery and temporarily replace surgical facelifts. Botulinum therapy and fillers can get rid of wrinkles. Plasmolifting improves skin turgor and its general condition. Peels are also responsible for skin turgor, color and quality. These procedures are effective in their fields of activity, but they are not a direct alternative to plastic surgery.

   The clinic performs almost all the procedures described in the article, but each of them has both indications and contraindications. In particular, I recommend plasma lifting before and after surgery to patients who come to us for facelift surgery, which allows to shorten the rehabilitation period. But before the operation, any device should not undergo a rejuvenating procedure. "

4. "Currently, there are many effective methods of non-surgical facial rejuvenation, but it is important to understand the difference between the capabilities of a plastic surgeon and a cosmetologist. The surgeon creates the contour of the face, the cosmetologist improves the quality of the skin. Aging is manifested by sagging skin and muscles, a decrease in skin tone, and a deterioration in its quality. In general, there are about 5 types of aging, depending on their manifestations, and a rejuvenation program is developed, including the use of non-surgical methods.

   Today, I consider hardware procedures (laser fractional photothermolysis, laser thermolifting), RF lifting, as well as contour plastic surgery and thread lifting to be the most effective. However, it should be honestly noted that with severe ptosis and a large amount of subcutaneous fat, all kinds of hardware lifting are ineffective, because they affect the deep layers of the skin without affecting the surface of the skin. Also, the so-called 3D facial modeling is very popular and effective, which uses a number of measures: contouring, thread lifting, botulinum therapy.

   In general, we have a fairly wide selection of minimally invasive facelift techniques in our arsenal, but an integrated approach is always required for the best results. No matter how good a single method is, it cannot solve all problems. "