Are there any nonsurgical options to a facelift?
Historically speaking, there is really no nonsurgical option that could accomplish what a facelift could accomplish or that could really even improve upon the areas that are treated by a facelift. Historically, Thermage, which is a radiofrequency device, was touted as the nonsurgical facelift but, unfortunately, had an extraordinarily high rate of nonresponders and dissatisfied patients. In fact, most studies performed showed the dissatisfaction rate to be in the high 70s as far as a percentage of patients who were not satisfied by the treatment. Fortunately, today, there is a brand new technology available called Ultherapy that uses ultrasound to not only visualize deeper layers of the tissue but also to then target these ultrasound waves to specific sites within the tissue. By focusing the ultrasound energy to a very precise spot, the tissue is heated to the point that the collagen denatures, which then starts the healing process and new collagen deposition. This new collagen in turn causes tightening and lifting of the tissue, and this new Ultherapy device has now been granted FDA approval for browlifting and is now being used in the mid- and lower face and neck regions to provide not only lifting of the jowls but also improvement in the laxity below the chin as well. We have seen dramatic improvements in the brow and crow’s feet area, and we have even seen very remarkable improvements in the lower eyelid region. This is extremely exciting technology as the response rate appears to be in the 90-plus percent range. We are just delighted to be able to have this device at Campbell Facial Plastic Surgery and Quintessa Medical Spa as, at the time of this blog, we were the ninth facility in the United States to obtain this technology, and we will be one of 25 for the phase I clinical release of Ultherapy. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in the nonsurgical facelift to schedule a consultation at Quintessa Medical Spa so that we can perform a thorough evaluation and determine if you are a good candidate for this exciting new technology. There certainly really is no other technology available that can provide lifting of the facial structures in a nonsurgical fashion.
