What is FaceTite?

FaceTite is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that helps with reducing stubborn sagging skin on the face and neck and loss of definition by enhancing the natural contours of the face. As skin ages, it loses elastin and collagen and the muscles beneath the surface stretch resulting in a droopy appearance. This treatment uses a revolutionary new radiofrequency device called EmbraceRF to eliminate fat, tighten loose skin, stimulate collagen production and enhance the natural contours of the face. Because there are no inorganic substances injected into the skin to replace fat loss, this treatment is often referred to as the “most natural facelift.” The procedure is completed in a fraction of the time of other surgical options and comes with a much shorter recovery period with natural results. Some patients are able to return to work in as little as 3-5 days.

How does the FaceTite procedure work?

First, the patient is placed under local anesthetic to ensure pain-free comfort. A small access point is then made in the skin of the desired area with a medium-size needle, into which a slender probe is inserted, gliding below the skin in the subcutaneous tissue where the fat and collagen reside. In a process called Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipolysis (RFAL), radiofrequency energy is then delivered between the internal probe and the external electrode, safely heating the fat and soft tissue of the skin. The heat created by this process stimulates collagen and induces fat cell death, resulting in a tighter, younger-looking appearance. This is all done in the comfort of our office and the entire procedure usually takes about one to two hours to complete.

What areas can FaceTite treat?

Periorbital region of the face (around the eyes; brows, eyelids)
Nasolabial folds (lines around the nose and mouth; laugh lines)
Submental region (under chin)
Cheeks
Jowls
Neck

Who makes a good candidate?

Patients who are looking for a solution for some of the common signs of facial aging, but who do not wish (or need) to undergo surgery, usually make the best candidates for the procedure. However, though FaceTite works on almost all skin types, keep in mind that this treatment is not right for everyone, and so a consultation is required to determine candidacy.

Suitable candidates are usually late-30’s to early-50’s, who are beginning to see mild to moderate signs of facial aging such as sagging skin of the face and neck, unwanted fat deposits in the jowls and underneath the chin, and loss of jawline and neck definition. Patients of this age have not usually experienced the type of severe facial laxity of more advanced aging that usually requires more invasive surgical procedures. FaceTite also has the capability of treating hard-to-reach areas, such as nasolabial folds and malar bags that other methods are unable to address.

Another category of patients that may be good candidates for FaceTite are patients who have already undergone a face and neck lift, but are again developing face and neck laxity as the years have ticked on. These patients may be a bit older and not interested in repeating a major surgery with general anesthetic at an advanced age.

Finally, some patients may never feel comfortable with invasive surgical procedures that require extensive incisions and general anesthesia, even though they may be excellent candidates. For these patients, FaceTite provides a minimally invasive treatment option that can provide significant improvement to turn back the clock five or more years, under local anesthesia and with minimal downtime.

How long until FaceTite results are visible and how long do they last?

Due to its minimally invasive nature, recovery is much shorter than other cosmetic surgeries. Patients can often go back to work 3-4 days after the procedure as the swelling quickly recedes. Since the treatment stimulates collagen growth and fat cell death, results will continue to improve as collagen regenerates and skin naturally tightens; you will begin to see the results 6 to 8 weeks after your treatment and improvements will continue up to 9 months after the procedure.

Patients often ask how long the improvements last. A better way to explain the results is that the treatment turns back the clock about 5 years, sometimes more. Once the final results are achieved, the aging process restarts. The results can be maintained for longer duration with proper skin care, including a daily high-SPF sunscreen, and further enhanced with botox and fillers.

FaceTite recovery:

There is significant swelling right after the procedure due to fluid injection with the local anesthetic. Though rare, you may also experience minimal bruising in the days following your treatment. The majority of the swelling recedes in 3-4 days, and the residual edema should subside within a week. The procedure and recovery are essentially pain-free, so many patients are able to resume normal day-to-day activities almost immediately, and are back to work within a few days. Although there are no long incisions, no stitches are required and scarring is almost never encountered. Though recovery time is much shorter than those of other cosmetics surgeries, it is still recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity for two weeks post-treatment.

Risks and complications:

FaceTite is FDA certified and is considered one of the safest methods of facial rejuvenation and contouring. The radiofrequency used in the treatment is the same that has been safely used in operating rooms and other medical procedures for decades. Since heat is generated via radiofrequency energy during the treatment, there is a small risk of skin burns but the device is equipped with a dual temperature sensor to help prevent this from occurring. Other unlikely complications include asymmetrical contouring, temporary numbness and nerve injury however, these side effects are very rare and almost always temporary