FaceTite® Procedure
(Non-Surgical Facelift)
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What is FaceTite®?
FaceTite® uses a radio frequency energy source delivered through a small probe which is placed under the skin through tiny punctures made in the skin. The hand piece has one arm with the electode which goes under the skin and a second arm with the receiver which goes on top of the skin. Once activated the energy flows between the probe and receiver precisely heating the skin and surrounding tissue from the inside out. The temperature is very accurately controlled by predetermined limits both under the skin and on the surface of the skin to avoid overheating. The probe is passed back and forth under the skin until the entire area is heated to the desired temperature.
The FaceTite® Procedure
The procedure is performed with only local anesthesia to numb the areas where tiny incisions are created for the insertion of the cannula. The cannula itself is very thin, about the size of a knitting needle. The treatment areas are injected with a tumescent solution common to modern liposuction. The solution consists of saline, epinephrine, and Lidocaine. This numbs the area, makes the fat easier to remove, and constricts the blood vessels for less bleeding and subsequent bruising. Then the FaceTite® handpiece cannula is inserted. On the tip of the cannula is an internal electrode that delivers the radiofrequency energy below the skin to liquefy the fat. Above the skin on the surface rests the other portion of the handpiece, a metal wand that serves as the external electrode. This is important because it gives the RF energy a pathway upward through the skin from the internal electrode to the external electrode. This provides the skin tightening typical to RF treatments.
While the thin cannula is delivering the RF energy below the skin to liquefy and then suction out unwanted fat, the RF energy is also pulsing upward through the skin. This is the dual benefit of FaceTite®.
Who is a good candidate for Facetite®?
As we age, the skin on the lower portion of our face loosens and begins to sag. This is a universal problem with aging, especially in the jowls. FaceTite is a good option for anyone with this loose skin who would like to tighten up their profile but doesn’t want to have surgery to do so. In reality, that’s pretty much anyone over age 45.
The one exception is if you’ve had any dermal fillers injected recently. If you have, you’ll need to wait at least two months before you should have FaceTite at Azul Cosmetic Surgery at Medical Spa.
What Does FaceTite® Treat?
We are presently using FaceTite® to treat patients who have mild laxity of the lower face and neck but are not quite ready for a surgical face and neck lift or patients who have already had a face lift and are noting recurrent laxity of the lower face and neck. In addition we are also using FaceTite® to enhance the results of face and neck lift procedures by improving the tightening in the anterior neck region. FaceTite® also works great combined with neck liposuction in allowing both the sculpting and tightening of the neck without skin removal.
Almost all patients with mild to significant skin laxity, or sagging, can benefit from FaceTite™. This procedure is often performed for four types of patients:
- Pre-Facelift – those with mild to moderate sagging of the neck and jowl, but not yet experiencing facial sagging or significant neck sagging
- Heavy Neck – those with good skin tone, perhaps younger patients, who need neck lipo along with skin-tightening
- Post-Facelift – those who had a face and neck lift sometime in the past and are pleased with the way it has lasted except in the neck and jowl area
- Face and Neck Lift – patients scheduling Face and Neck Lift surgery who add FaceTite™ to improve the tightness of the area just under the chin and the front of the neck – areas that are usually the first to loose tone and begin sagging.
Does FaceTite® create any lasting scarring?
Because the entry points for the thin cannula are so small, they don’t create visible scarring.
What are the risks involved with FaceTite®?
Because FaceTite® delivers many of the same results as a surgical facelift, it’s considered to be very safe because it doesn’t involve any of the possible side effects involved with surgical facelifts. The only invasive aspect of FaceTite® is the insertion of the very thin cannula. Both the cannula and the external electrode are equipped with thermal controls to ensure patient safety and comfort.
Plus, the energy used, radiofrequency energy, has been used for decades with imaging such as MRIs and is safe and effective. RF energy is also used for many skin-tightening aesthetic treatments.
What is the aftercare for Facetite®?
You will have some mild swelling and tenderness, but it’s not dramatic at all. Really the only aftercare will be the chin strap that we have you wear for 2 to 3 days after your treatment at Azul. From there, you just watch your results get better and better.
How long will it before I can see results from FaceTite®?
Our patients from Fort Myers, Naples, and the surrounding areas love FaceTite® because it provides, basically, two levels of results. It delivers both instant results and results that continue to build. The instant results are due to the liposuction portion of the procedure, as fat is removed. Also, the RF energy causes an immediate remodeling of the collagen across the treatment area, which tightens the skin. This is fleeting, however. The real collagen results of firming, thickening skin come over the next three months as the body initiates new collagen and elastin production to “heal” the perceived wounds in the dermis.
Are my results with FaceTite® permanent?
When it comes to procedures that deal with aging facial skin and support structures, nothing can create results that are permanent and will, in effect, freeze the person’s aging. Still, FaceTite® delivers impressive lasting results. The skin tightening and contouring that occur with FaceTite® will begin to be seen after about one week and they can continue for nine months. From there FaceTite® results can last up to five years. The results of FaceTite® are similar to those delivered by a mini facelift.
FaceTite® Before and Afters
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re interested in learning more about FaceTite® treatment, please contact us for a consultation at 239.415.7576, or fill out a contact form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
