Non Surgical Facelift UK

In the UK, a non surgical facelift can refer to an array of different procedures, but at the CREO Clinic, we specialise in an innovative laser treatment that can reduce signs of ageing without the need for invasive surgery.

This article will discuss the non surgical facelift treatment, especially when employing the Fotona 4D laser, as well as explore some of the other treatments used to address facial laxity, wrinkles, and textural issues.

The CREO Clinic’s specialists perform a non-surgical facelift to vastly improve the facial skin for a more youthful aesthetic. 

Contact the CREO Clinic today to book an initial consultation with our team and discover how a non-surgical facelift can benefit you and your sagging skin.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast)

What Is A Non Surgical Facelift?

A non surgical facelift describes a vast range of different non-invasive treatment methods that offer a viable alternative to surgery.

At CREO, we use the Fotona SP Dynamis laser, administering its popular Fotona 4D treatment. This laser treatment uses two lasers in four different treatment modes to provide comprehensive skin tightening and rejuvenation. As a result, patients see a dramatic improvement in skin laxity and a boost in the skin’s overall quality while avoiding more invasive treatment. 

Benefits Of Non Surgical Facelifts

• Comprehensive skin tightening – Fotona 4D stimulates collagen production, tightening loose skin and reducing laxity. 
• Stimulates skin rejuvenation – Provides a significant improvement to the complexion and tone of the skin, giving it a youthful glow. This also enhances any future surgical facelift results by improving skin quality.
• One procedure – Rejuvenates and firms up the skin in a single minimally invasive treatment
• Quick Recovery – Minimal downtime and side-effects
• Non-invasive – Requires no anaesthetic injections or surgery
• Long-lasting – Results that can last up to two years.

Non Surgical Facelift Treatment Areas

Cheeks

A common skin complaint as we age is that our cheeks become less voluminous – this can make them appear ‘sunken.’ Non surgical cosmetic procedures are able to help the cheeks look less deflated, adding definition and helping return a healthy, plump appearance.

Jowls

Jowls appear on the lower part of your cheeks when skin elasticity has begun to decline – they are pouches of skin that hang downwards from the face and can become an aesthetic concern. Restoring elasticity to the skin of the cheeks can help to give them greater structure and reduce the appearance of jowls.

Sagging Eyebrows, Eyelids

The naturally thin skin of the eyelids and the thicker skin of the eyebrows can start to become lax and sag as collagen levels diminish. Targeted application of lasers to these areas can help revive collagen production in the dermis and keep these delicate areas of skin firm and lifted.

Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet are wrinkles and fine lines that form a shape similar to a bird’s claw at the side of the eye. They begin as dynamic wrinkles – wrinkles caused by muscle movements – and, over time, can develop into permanent static wrinkles.

Unlike many non surgical facelift options, Fotona 4D’s SmoothLiftin’ protocol can smooth the skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This protocol is similar to the one used in Fotona’s standalone SmoothEye treatment.

Forehead Wrinkles

Another common facial area for dynamic wrinkles is on the forehead. Lines can form as a result of frowning, for example, and over time, these can become permanent. Working to increase levels of collagen and elastin production in this area can help restore a smoother forehead.

Mouth And Lip Lines

Sometimes known as smokers’ lines, the fine lines and wrinkles that appear on our lips and around our mouths are dynamic wrinkles that become permanent as a result of collagen and elastin loss – this means they tend to worsen as we age. Restoring volume to this area is key to making the lips appear plump and smooth. 

Chin

As the skin of our chins sag, they begin to lose definition and can droop, causing what is sometimes known as a ‘double’ chin. Laser treatment, anti-ageing injections, and Profhilo can all help firm up the skin in this area and restore contour and shape.

Non Surgical Facelift Treatments

Fotona 4D Laser Skin Resurfacing

The gold standard of nonsurgical facelift is the Fotona 4D treatment. This protocol uses two lasers – the Er:YAG and Nd:YAG – combining them synergistically to tighten up and lift the skin, giving the face a more youthful complexion and reducing any skin-level imperfections.

The Fotona 4D facelift is non-invasive, highly effective, and requires minimal downtime – meaning you can return to work the same day as the treatment. Its effects are visible for up to 2 years, after which an annual top-up session may be necessary to maintain your results.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is a micro needling treatment that harnesses the power of radiofrequency (RF) energy and applies it to the skin at different depths, creating controlled trauma that encourages collagen and elastin production in the skin. These increased levels of collagen and elastin can make long-lasting improvements to the tone, texture, and radiance of the skin on your face. 

Many patients explore Morpheus8 as a non surgical facelift option but find that when comparing Morpheus8 and Fotona 4D, Fotona 4D is more cost-effective, requires less downtime, and provides longer-lasting results.

Anti-Aging Injectables

To prevent dynamic wrinkles such as frown lines and crow’s feet, anti wrinkle injectables can be used to prevent muscle contraction and soften the expressions that create fine lines and wrinkles.

The purified protein used in the injections is a neuromodulator that interrupts the signal between the nerves and muscle, relaxing the facial muscles and smoothing out the skin.

Chemical Skin Peels

Chemical skin peels are solutions that can be applied to the face in different strengths to remove dead skin cells and help new, fresh cells to grow. This controlled damage initiates a repair response that can help ease the appearance of wrinkles.

It should be noted that chemical peels can have some side effects, such as skin darkening or lightening, reactivation of cold sores, or scarring. The CREO Clinic does not use chemical peels as a face lift treatment as the Er:YAG ablative laser is more effective and more well-tolerated by patients.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler – usually hyaluronic acid (HA) can be applied through targeted injections to add volume to the face. This can help restore lost volume and prevent your face from looking deflated.

Profhilo

In general, the most commonly used dermal filler for the face is hyaluronic acid, which provides volume, moisture, and promotes the production of collagen to improve the overall quality of your skin. Our team of skin experts prefers Profhilo – a hyaluronic acid gel that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face – it is non-invasive and can improve the firmness and quality of the skin with no downtime.

Ultherapy

By administering focused ultrasound energy, Ultherapy can help to firm up the skin of the face and help lift multiple areas such as the neck, eyebrows, and chin. Its effect is to stimulate the production of fresh collagen and help rejuvenate the skin. It was once a very popular non-invasive procedure with little to no downtime, but it often requires repeat treatments to achieve the desired results, and unlike Fotona 4D, it cannot treat all areas of the face.

Non Surgical Facelift vs. Surgical Facelift

Who’s A Good Candidate For A Non Surgical Facelift?

Any man or woman over the age of 18 who is experiencing issues with mild to moderate skin laxity and prefers a painless alternative with little to no downtime can be a good candidate for a non surgical facelift.

Who’s Not A Good Candidate?

There are some people for whom a Fotona 4D facelift may not be suitable, such as people who:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are currently taking photosensitive medication such as doxycycline or isotretinoin
• Have uncontrolled epilepsy or have previously been triggered by flashing lights
• Have used products that contain active ingredients such as BHA/AHA or retinol over the previous two weeks
• Have permanent makeup on the face
• Have had long exposure to the sun in the three weeks preceding the procedure
• Have long-term infections such as cold sores or impetigo

If, for any of the reasons above, you feel Fotona 4D may not be suitable for you, speak with a plastic surgeon during your initial consultation, and she will make a clinical assessment of your suitability.

How Much Does A Non Surgical Facelift Cost?

The price of a non-surgical facelift can vary depending on the combination of treatments chosen as well as the size and number of treatment areas. At the CREO Clinic, the price of a Fotona 4D facelift begins from £795 for one treatment. Injectable treatments may also be used, with dermal fillers costing from £350 and anti-wrinkle injections beginning from £295. 

The experience and skill of our team of Aesthetic practitioners means they are able to ensure patient safety while always delivering the highest quality results. This is why the CREO Clinic’s pricing may be slightly higher than other clinics where the procedures are conducted by aestheticians with fewer qualifications or proven medical expertise.

Non Surgical Facelift Process

Initial Consultation

Your initial consultation with our specialists will consist of a conversation about your desired outcomes and a thorough explanation of what you can expect from the treatment. Dr. Sabina will consult with you regarding your medical history and make a clinical assessment of your suitability for the procedure.

Non Surgical Facelift Procedure

The procedure of the Fotona 4D non surgical facelift is divided into four steps:

1. SmoothLiftin™ – This begins with the non-ablative Er:YAG laser being administered to the roof of your mouth – this is to apply controlled heating that will stimulate collagen contraction and create an improvement in the elasticity of the skin and will help to firm up the nasolabial folds.

2. FRAC3® – Here, the Nd:YAG laser creates a fractional effect that targets deeper imperfections in key areas around the face, helping to rejuvenate the skin.

3. PIANO® – This third step of the Fotona 4D facelift uses the ultra-long Nd:YAG pulse mode – which creates bulk tissue heating from the outside. Here, the PIANO® pulse mode is used with a brushing technique that helps create a synergistic tightening of the skin.

4. SupErficial™ – The final stage of the Fotona 4D facelift uses cold Er:YAG ablation to add the finishing touches to the skin. SupErficialTM mode uses Variable Square Pulse (VSP) technology, which allows a controlled and precise skin peel.

In total, the entire procedure should last between 60-90 minutes.

Recovery And Results Timeline

The Fotona 4D facelift requires almost no downtime, and you should be able to return to your daily routine straightaway post-procedure. You may experience some redness after the procedure, but this should dissipate after 1-2 days.

Your results should become gradually visible over the first 4-6 weeks after the procedure, improving with each additional treatment.

Non Surgical Facelift FAQs