Non-Surgical Facelift

As all faces are different, non-surgical facelifts are uniquely tailored for the individual to give the greatest benefit and we offer free consultations to discuss what can be achieved.

By looking at the anatomy and physiology of ageing, we understand that various changes occur in the face. The youthful fat pads that are responsible for our well-defined cheeks start to shrink and descend with gravity, leading to loss of volume in the tear trough region (beneath the eyes) and nose-to-mouth lines (nasolabial folds) appear. The skin becomes thinner and starts to sag, jowls start to appear at the jaw-line and lines develop at the corner of the mouth. Years of making facial expressions starts to have a permanent impact on the skin leading to feathery lines.

Only by understanding the ageing process can these problems be truly addressed and at Cosmedic Skin Clinic, our practitioners are experts in the whole range of aesthetic treatments and will be able to best advise you on how to achieve the desired results after a full consultation.

The treatment often combines Botox and dermal fillers which both involve injections into or just below the skin using tiny needles or cannula. Fillers plump up the layers of skin immediately beneath the area and the result is an instant filling-out effect so that the skin is smoother, less wrinkled and more youthful although with Botox it does take a few days to see the results.

We only use fillers with a proven track record for safety and so you can be assured that they are perfectly safe. Similarly, millions of people worldwide have been treated with Botox and it has an excellent safety profile when in professional hands. Treatment is not recommended in pregnant or breast-feeding women or those with active skin infections such as cold sores.

The injections usually sting and can be slightly painful but many people experience only mild discomfort. Anaesthetic creams or injections are often used. Our usual practice is to combine the filler material with local anaesthetic so just the area that needs to be treated is numbed and discomfort is kept to an absolute minimum.

Since the products are hypoallergenic gels, allergic reactions are extremely rare. Side effects are uncommon but can occur, and include bruising, tenderness, reddening, and occasionally itching. There is usually a little swelling immediately after treatment but in most cases it is very mild. If any of these do occur they usually settle within a few days. Bruising can sometimes be significant and last more than a week, it is best to avoid anti-inflammatories (aspirin, ibuprofen) for at least 7 days before treatment, unless these have been prescribed for a medical indication. Alcohol within the previous 24 hours can also increase the risk of bruising.

Many people worry about having a ‘frozen’ face after Botox; this is almost always due to poor injection technique. At Cosmedic, all practitioners are extremely experienced so you can be assured you do not need to worry about being left with a frozen face!

Each treatment session will usually take about 30 minutes to perform and you can carry on with your normal life immediately after treatment. Dermal fillers are broken down slowly by the body and so the results typically last between 6 months and a year, depending on the particular filler used with some fillers lasting considerably longer. Following Botox treatment, wrinkles normally begin to disappear after two or three days, and full results are usually seen within ten days. On average the effects last three to four months, but with repeated treatments the results may last longer.

You should avoid touching the treated area for 6 hours after injection, and avoid applying make-up for the same period. You should expect the area to be a little swollen after treatment but this usually settles within a day or two. Bruising may occur and sometimes takes a couple of days to develop and a week or so to resolve. We recommend ice packs if there is some swelling or inflammation post-treatment and painkillers if required. We also recommend for six hours after treatment that you avoid exercise, hot baths or alcohol as these can increase blood flow and dilute the effect of Botox.

After having a non-surgical facelift, the effects can remain by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments.

Immediately after treatment there may be some swelling, redness, itching and tenderness. This is a normal result of the injection and will settle. The swelling may remain for up to a few days, the other symptoms usually settle more quickly.

There can be bruising after the procedure and the risk of this is higher if you have used aspirin or anti- inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen within the last two weeks. Bruising can be quite marked in some instances and the application of ice following treatment may reduce this.

During the procedure the practitioner will have massaged the filler material and the area injected. After Ellansé and Radiesse injections, it is possible to continue massaging for the next 24 hours – this is not recommended unless specifically instructed to do so. This is because the area will have been massaged to the best result at the time of treatment and should not need any more manipulation. Massage also makes any swelling last longer. Fillers are broken down through the body’s natural processes and there are no permanent effects.

For 6 hours after the injections you should avoid heavy exercise and alcohol and you should also avoid rubbing the area or applying pressure and do not use make-up for the same period of time.

If you have had cold-sores in the past there is a risk that the needle punctures can cause another eruption – you may need some tablets or cream from the practitioner who treated you to prevent this.

“I was contemplating going under the knife but am so glad that I found Cosmedic before I did, I’m really pleased with my results and look and feel so much younger.” Jenny, Worcester.