The Facelift Trend

• Facial wrinkles and sagging occur due to changes in the various layers of the skin, including at the subcutaneous level, the bone level, as well as in the muscular membrane beneath the subcutaneous layer, also known as the SMAS layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system). This is the layer operated on by cosmetic surgeons during face lift procedures.
• In some cases, when undergoing a facelift procedure, the patient may be left feeling unfulfilled. Moreover, some patients may feel that the results look unnatural. One of the reasons for this is that various other layers of skin have not yet received proper treatment.
• There are currently many forms of facelift procedures, including filler injections, sound wave laser treatment and radio wave laser treatment. The chosen method will differ from person to person, depending on their specific skin problem, age and the discretion of their doctor. The facelifting trend is therefore highly individualized in order to produce the most effective results for each unique face type.

Sagging skin in the area around the chin and neck, lack of facial definition, a reduction in cheekbone definition, bags under the eyes that appear deep and dark, a deepening of smile wrinkles, and a drooping in the sides of the mouth.

If you are suffering from any one of the aforementioned symptoms, it is a sign that your facial skin is beginning to sag, which could lead to a gradual loss of self-esteem.

Facial wrinkles and sagging occur due to changes in the various layers of the skin, including at the subcutaneous level, the bone level, as well as in the muscular membrane beneath the subcutaneous layer, also known as the SMAS layer. Usually, it is this SMAS layer that is operated on by cosmetic surgeons during facelift procedures. Nevertheless, some patients may feel that the results look unnatural. One of the reasons for this is that various other areas of skin have not yet received adequate treatment.

Nowadays, there are numerous techniques available for tightening and firming up facial skin. Selecting the right equipment or method is entirely dependent on the state of each individual’s facial skin. The following is a list of facelift procedures according to the layer of skin for which they provide rehabilitation:

Dermis: The firming up of this layer may be carried out using the following techniques:

• Laser treatment: Sagging and wrinkles occur as a result of a reduction in collagen levels or age-related skin deterioration. Laser treatments are capable of stimulating collagen production, leaving the layers of skin and face firm. Treatments include collagen laser, long pulse Nd:YAG laser and bipolar radio waves.
• Filling substance injection: Injecting filling substance to “lift” the skin is a method which involves injecting diluted concentrations of toxins into the skin to leave it looking firmer and more defined.
• Vital injector: The latest form of facial rejuvenation technology, vital injectors involve the use of numerous nutrients and fillers which are injected into the dermis layer. The results of this treatment not only leave the face looking firmer, but also regenerate and moisturize the skin to leave it looking radiant.

As our body ages, some parts of the subcutaneous layer of skin in our faces disappear, leaving us with wrinkles around our mouths and bags under our eyes. The movement of this layer also results in our chins losing definition. Treatment for this particular layer therefore focuses on compensating for this loss and restoring any damaged layers to full health.

• Hyaluronic acid molding injections, or injections of filler, can iron out any facial wrinkles. Furthermore, some forms of filler injections can help to firm up and regulate any fatty areas of the face.
• Pneulift: This technique utilizes the power of wind to transfer small particles of filler into facial skin to leave patients with a V-shaped, rejuvenated appearance. The technique is suited to those who are afraid of needles, but would still like to reap the benefits of filler injections. Moreover, this method can also fill in any scarring left by spots.

The SMAS layer is an extremely tough membrane layer of skin, making it the ideal layer for cosmetic surgeons to operate on during facelifting procedures. The following technologies produce clear results post-treatment:

• Ulthera®: An Ulthera device utilizes high energy soundwave technology, also called ultrasound waves, to enter the SMAS level, causing the muscles to contract and firm up the face. It is an extremely popular method abroad. The results of this treatment last for at least a year. Currently, there is also another similar procedure which causes less pain, known as HIFU. However, it is not as effective and the results do not last as long as Ulthera treatment.
• Thermage®: Monopolar radio waves are used for this treatment, which is nearly as popular as Ulthera treatment. However, it does not penetrate the skin as deeply as the Ulthera device, meaning that it only reaches the fatty layer above the SMAS layer, resulting in only some of said fat being eliminated. Thermage treatment is suited to those who would like to firm and tighten the face, and at the same time reduce facial fat and create a V-shaped appearance. With this in mind, Thermage treatment may be unsuitable to those with wider faces or large cheekbones.

For patients who are reaching old age, changes will also begin to affect the musculoskeletal system of the face. Therefore, any facelifting procedures carried out on this group may require deep level filler injections in order to provide support for the bones, instead of transforming the face at the skin level.

Aside from the various innovative techniques described here, it is recommended that you take steps to care for your health by eating a healthy, balanced diet and partaking in regular exercise. This will ensure that you look good on both the inside and out.

shape, these simple steps can provide with a safe procedure, resulting in the body they always desired.