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What is a Non-Surgical Facelift?

Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco

For those looking for an alternative to invasive plastic surgery, a non-surgical facelift might be a great solution. There are different techniques for non-surgical face lifting, most of which are better suited for younger people who are just beginning to show signs of aging. Some new methods are now targeting people in their 40s and 50s, especially those experiencing sagging skin and deeper wrinkles.

A non-surgical facelift has several advantages. For one, it is cheaper than surgery. While a traditional facelift can cost upwards of 10,000 US dollars (USD), a non-surgical one can cost as little as 2,000 USD. Another important advantage of choosing a non-surgical option is the shorter recovery period and lower risk of post-operatory infections and complications.

A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Various techniques can be used to help boost collagen production and make the skin smoother.
A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Various techniques can be used to help boost collagen production and make the skin smoother.

There are many options for people considering a non-surgical facelift. The newest and most popular method is called Thermage. Thermage is performed with a machine that heats the upper layer of the skin through radio waves. This action accelerates cellular repair and leads to firmer skin. Thermage requires no anesthesia, and patients can go home the day of the procedure.

A dermatologist can recommend the appropriate dermal treatment for deep wrinkles.
A dermatologist can recommend the appropriate dermal treatment for deep wrinkles.

Another popular type of non-surgical facelift is microcurrent therapy (MT), which uses electricity to speed up the production of collagen. MT improves blood circulation and stimulates the facial muscles, acting like a workout for the skin. This is the preferred method for people looking to lift sagging skin or reduce a double chin.

Doctors consider ThreadLift a type of non-surgical face lifting procedure, even though a needle is used. Thin, tiny pieces of thread are inserted under skin tissues to lift the brows and sagging skin in the face and neck. ThreadLift leaves no scars and has no downtime for patients.

Most anti-wrinkle creams can help to reduce fine lines with frequent use.
Most anti-wrinkle creams can help to reduce fine lines with frequent use.

For people looking for a more affordable solution, some face masks available in the market can produce a temporary effect of tightness and lifting. This includes creams and masks containing acetycholine, a natural chemical that transmits nerve impulses to the muscles. Most anti-wrinkle creams also help to reduce fine lines with frequent and steady use. If you're considering a non-surgical facelift, consult a dermatologist first. A professional will be able to evaluate your skin and recommend the best available treatment.

Discussion Comments

anon67821

Thermage sounds good, but a few years ago an article in one of the top women's magazines interviewed top female plastic surgeons in NY and none of them thought that thermage had yet demonstrated sufficient effectiveness to warrant its cost. I think they said it had about a 30 percent effectiveness rate, which they all thought was too low to recommend to patients.

anon35400

I had Thermage treatment done on my neck and it did not do a thing for my neck! Instead the extreme heat inflamed my lymph nodes in my neck, I could not leave the house for about a month because the swelling of my neck. I went to the the place where I had the treatment done after 3 months and it had closed shop. I reported them to BBB, the health department, to no avail. They would not return my calls or reply to the BBB in essence it is totally worthless and dangerous treatment. They just plain robbed me of $6,000.

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    • A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Various techniques can be used to help boost collagen production and make the skin smoother.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Various techniques can be used to help boost collagen production and make the skin smoother.
    • A dermatologist can recommend the appropriate dermal treatment for deep wrinkles.
      By: michaeljung
      A dermatologist can recommend the appropriate dermal treatment for deep wrinkles.
    • Most anti-wrinkle creams can help to reduce fine lines with frequent use.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Most anti-wrinkle creams can help to reduce fine lines with frequent use.
    • Some face masks may temporarily tighten and lift facial skin.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Some face masks may temporarily tighten and lift facial skin.
    • If you're considering a non-surgical facelift, consult a dermatologist first.
      By: Edyta Pawlowska
      If you're considering a non-surgical facelift, consult a dermatologist first.
    • Anti-aging creams that contain collagen may not be effective in preventing wrinkled skin.
      By: Alliance
      Anti-aging creams that contain collagen may not be effective in preventing wrinkled skin.