The non-surgical ‘lunchtime’ facelift is becoming more and more popular, apparently favoured by many celebrities including Judy Murray – click here to see the amazing before and after photos. Many of our clients have been asking us about this new trend and questioning how it works and is it safe. We’ve invested a lot of time over the last year researching this topic and training in what we feel is the best non-surgical facelift in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to offer our clients from the comfort of our beauty clinic.
So, as non-surgical alternatives become more popular, here is what you need to know about the current methods available.
Surgical vs non-surgical facelifts
In recent years, the number of surgical facelifts declined by 44 per cent, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), with non-surgical alternatives becoming ever-more advanced. This reflects the desire for more ‘natural’ and gentle alternatives to the surgical process which involves ‘going under the knife’ and includes the risks surrounding anaesthetics and have long recovery times often with extremely visible bruising and swelling for 2 – 4 weeks.
Alternative less invasive non-surgical technologies now available include harnessing laser wavelengths, ultrasound, microneedling and radiofrequency energy, which stimulate collagen and elastin production. These treatments can be undertaken as a course, usually with immediate visible results after just one treatment and minimal side effects that generally last no longer than 48 hours.
What is the Focus Dual non-surgical facelift and is it safe?
Focus Dual is a leading non-surgical facelift treatment carefully selected by us at The Beauty Spot after much thorough research. It is the new gold standard in non-invasive skin tightening and lifting and we feel it is the safest and best non-surgical facelift option we have come across. It uses HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) technology, which has been utilised diagnostically in the medical field for more than 5 decades and has a proven safety track record whilst being extremely effective.
The Focus Dual device uses HIFU ultrasound and radiofrequency microneedling technology to lift, firm and tighten your skin with virtually no downtime, hence the nickname the ‘lunchtime facelift’. These technologies can be used individually or combined into a highly effective treatment plan.
How does it work?
The combined use of HIFU and radiofrequency microneedle technology kickstarts your body’s own natural production of collagen and elastin for fantastic looking results. The technology can also be used to target specific areas such as ‘brow lift’, ‘eye lift’, ‘cheekbone sculpting’ or ‘jawline sculpting.’
Radiofrequency microneedling and HIFU combined give maximum results for tightening, lifting, and firming the skin. With these spectacular technologies we can treat ALL of the skin layers in ONE treatment, not just the skins surface layer.
Focus Dual harnesses the aesthetic technology to boost collagen production in both the skin and the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer – the layer of fibrous tissues that surrounds facial muscles. The SMAS layer is only usually touched in a surgical face lift – until now.
Focus Dual’s HIFU energy lifts, firms, and tightens the skin. HIFU treatments deliver defined heat zones into the skin’s collagen structures. When compared to other technologies, stronger clinical outcomes for skin lifting, firming, and tightening are present, through the ability to target deeper than the skin’s surface layer. For many it is a one-off ‘lunchtime’ treatment with minimal recovery time – yes, the results are really that effective (subject to the degree of concern).
Is this the right treatment for you?
Both HIFU and radiofrequency microneedling treatments are best suited for patients displaying common signs of ageing including skin sagging or skin laxity. Examples include fine lines and wrinkles, loose skin on the neck, sagging under the chin and jawline.
For younger patients, these treatments can also be utilised for both prevention and early intervention as a form of collagen induction therapy.
Is it painful?
During HIFU treatment you may experience a small amount of mild heating, or a slight tingling sensation, but the sensation only lasts while the HIFU energy is being delivered. Patients generally describe this as moderate and acceptable.
With radiofrequency microneedling you will feel ultrafine needles penetrate the skin at different depths and release radiofrequency energy to heat the skin in a controlled manner. As with HIFU you can experience some mild heating, or a slight tingling sensation, whilst the treatment is in progress. Afterwards you may experience slight swelling and redness post-treatment however, this should subside quickly.
What is the recovery time?
With the Dual Focus treatment there is virtually no downtime, however some patients may experience puffiness and redness in the treated area for a few days after the treatment. These effects are temporary and will subside quickly, you will still be able to go about your daily tasks.
How quickly will you see the results?
After a HIFU procedure results can sometimes be seen immediately, but generally start to be seen over the 12 weeks post treatment as your collagen starts to renew. We expect results to last 1 – 2 years, however this can be dependent on lifestyle and maintenance. Top up treatments may be required.
With radiofrequency microneedling most patients see an improvement in the appearance, texture, and tightness of the skin 2 to 3 weeks after the first treatment, and again continue to improve up to 12 weeks post the final treatment. After treatment you will see a smoothing of visible fine lines and a reduction in the appearance of pores for fresher, brighter and tighter skin.
Both HIFU and radiofrequency microneedling treatments hold a number of benefits for your skin. The main aim of these treatments is to generate strong, fresh collagen, so your skin feels tight, firm, lifted, smooth and soft…giving your skin back its snap!
