What is a non-surgical face lift? Benefits, types and more

What is a non-surgical face lift?

A non-surgical face lift is a combination of minimally invasive treatments aimed at rejuvenating the face without the need for surgery. These treatments focus on tightening sagging skin, softening the appearance of wrinkles and restoring volume to areas that may have lost their youthful fullness over time. Unlike traditional facelifts, non-surgical options don’t involve incisions or general anaesthesia, making them a less invasive way to achieve a refreshed, more youthful look.

The purpose of a non-surgical face lift is to enhance your natural features and combat signs of ageing with treatments like dermal fillers, Botox, thread lifts and skin-tightening technologies. 

This approach is becoming more and more popular due to its many advantages, including minimal downtime, reduced risks and more affordable costs compared to surgical facelifts. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for noticeable results that feel natural, all while fitting into a busy lifestyle.

Types of non-surgical face lift

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Now you know what a non-surgical face lift is, let’s explore some of the different types. Here are some of the most common non-surgical face lift options, popular with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian.

Injectables (Botox and dermal fillers)

Botox and fillers work together to rejuvenate your face, with each targeting different aspects of ageing for a more youthful look.

Botox focuses on relaxing facial muscles that cause wrinkles. When injected into areas like the forehead, between your eyebrows or around the eyes, it temporarily smooths out lines caused by expressions like frowning or squinting. This gives your skin a smoother, more relaxed appearance.

Fillers, on the other hand, are all about adding volume and enhancing contours. They’re often used to plump up your cheeks, define your jawline and restore fullness to lips that may have thinned over time. 

Vitamin and Polynucleotide Injections

Vitamin and polynucleotide injections are innovative treatments included in some non-surgical facelifts, targeting specific areas to rejuvenate and repair the skin from within.

Vitamin injections deliver nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin C, and biotin directly into areas prone to dullness and fine lines, such as the cheeks, forehead, and under the eyes. These nutrients promote collagen production, boost hydration, and improve elasticity, helping to restore a radiant, youthful glow.

Polynucleotide injections work at a deeper level by introducing DNA-based molecules to repair damaged skin and stimulate cellular regeneration. Commonly injected into areas like the jawline, neck, and nasolabial folds, they improve elasticity, smooth out texture, and enhance overall skin health.

These treatments are ideal for clients seeking a natural, refreshed appearance, with results tailored to address their unique skin concerns.

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Ultrasound or radiofrequency treatments (e.g. Ultherapy)

Ultrasound and radiofrequency treatments, like Ultherapy, are advanced, non-invasive options for skin tightening and rejuvenation. The technologies use controlled heat to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, helping to restore elasticity and firmness. By targeting the foundational layers of your skin, they encourage natural lifting and tightening over time.

These treatments are particularly effective for areas like the neck, jawline and brow, where sagging or laxity is most noticeable. This paves the way for a smoother, more youthful appearance without the need for surgery, with minimal downtime.

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a popular treatment that works by gently removing the outer layers of damaged skin. This helps to smooth out fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone while boosting collagen to improve elasticity.

It’s great for tackling issues like acne scars or sun damage and leaves your skin looking fresher, smoother and more radiant. With different options available, it can be customised to suit your skin and give you a youthful, glowing complexion.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is a treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to achieve dramatic skin rejuvenation and tightening. By using tiny needles to deliver heat deep into the dermis, Morpheus8 stimulates collagen production and remodels tissue, targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

This minimally invasive procedure can be tailored to different areas, including the face, neck, and even the delicate skin around the eyes. Popular for its ability to improve skin texture, reduce pore size, and contour the jawline, Morpheus8 offers a comprehensive approach to non-surgical facelifts with minimal downtime.

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Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) combines two powerful techniques to rejuvenate your skin. The process involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing response and encourages collagen production.

At the same time, PRP – taken from your own blood – contains growth factors that help to repair and regenerate skin cells, giving your complexion a youthful glow.

This treatment is particularly effective for reducing fine lines, improving skin texture and addressing overall skin rejuvenation. It helps to tighten and smooth the skin, leaving it looking fresh, plump and revitalised.

Difference between surgical and non-surgical face lifts

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Do non-surgical face lifts work? Absolutely, but the procedure and results are likely to differ from that of a surgical face lift. So it’s worth doing your research before you make a decision.

Procedure

When it comes to face lifts, surgery is the more invasive option, involving incisions, general anesthesia and a longer recovery period. While effective for dramatic results, it’s a significant commitment that might not suit everyone.

Non-surgical face lift techniques, on the other hand, are either minimally invasive or completely non-invasive. Options like fillers, Botox, thread lifts or ultrasound treatments carry fewer risks. 

Recovery time

One of the biggest advantages of non-surgical face lift treatments is the minimal downtime. Most procedures, like fillers, Botox or thread lifts, let you get back to your routine the same day or within a few days.

By contrast, surgical face lifts often require weeks of recovery, with bruising, swelling and rest being a big part of the process.

Cost

Non-surgical treatments are usually more affordable upfront than surgical face lifts, making them a budget-friendly option for those seeking facial rejuvenation. 

But bear in mind that many of these treatments, like Botox or fillers, require regular maintenance as their effects naturally wear off over time, so the cost adds up.

While surgery offers longer-lasting results, it comes with a higher price tag upfront and a longer recovery period. 

Results

Non-surgical options are perfect if you’re looking for subtle, natural-looking enhancements. Treatments like fillers or skin tightening procedures gently refresh your appearance without altering your facial features drastically. 

On the other hand, surgery provides more dramatic and transformative results, often addressing more significant signs of aging. It’s ultimately about choosing the approach that aligns with your goals and comfort level.

Risks

You might not be surprised to learn that non-surgical treatments offer a safer, lower-risk alternative to invasive procedures. Botox, fillers and laser treatments involve minimal to no downtime, reducing the risk of infection and complications. 

Since there are no incisions or stitches, the risk of scarring is much lower, and anesthesia is rarely required, eliminating the potential risks associated with sedation.

While surgical procedures provide dramatic results, they come with higher risks, including longer recovery times, visible scars and complications from anesthesia. 

Who is a good candidate for a non-surgical face lift?

If you’re noticing mild to moderate signs of aging, like wrinkles, skin laxity or volume loss, then a non-surgical facelift might be the right choice for you. People who opt for non-surgical treatments are typically in their 30s to 60s, which is when the skin's elasticity begins to decrease but before significant sagging occurs.

It’s also important that you're in good general health for a facelift like this, as certain medical conditions may affect your suitability for treatment.

While non-surgical treatments can provide noticeable improvements, remember to have realistic expectations. These procedures offer subtle, natural-looking results – perfect for those seeking a refresh without going for dramatic changes. To give yourself the best chance of being happy with the results, consult with a professional who can guide you through the process and tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

If you’re a busy professional looking to fit beauty treatments and health plans seamlessly into your schedule, UNTIL’s health concierge service can help. From booking a non-surgical face lift to organising personal training sessions, we make it easy to plan and manage your health and wellness, all in one place. All of our practitioners have been rigorously vetted to ensure that they are leaders in their field, so you can trust you’ll be matched with a true professional. 

Let us know a bit about you and what you’re looking for so our concierge can better match you with the right practitioner.

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