With a new wave of tech-led skincare devices entering the aesthetics industry, it’s no surprise that non-surgical facelift procedures are in-demand. Offering impressive results, these no-knife treatment options can create firmer, healthier-looking skin with minimal discomfort and downtime.
“Patients are increasingly seeking less invasive alternatives to traditional surgical procedures due to concerns around downtime, scarring, and risks associated with surgery,” points out Dr Joney De Souza, award-winning aesthetic doctor. “Non-surgical procedures offer a safer and more convenient option for individuals looking to rejuvenate their appearance without undergoing major surgery.”
Appealing to people with busy lifestyles who cannot afford both the surgery, and the lengthy recovery time, it’s easy to understand why these treatments are booming. What’s more, “advancements in technology have revolutionised the field of non-surgical aesthetics, leading to the development of innovative devices that deliver impressive results with greater precision and effectiveness,” says De Souza.
Skin boosting is in.
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As well as being convenient, aesthetic doctors have noticed a big move towards those treatments that offer subtle improvements without looking overly ‘done’. “These non-invasive devices using technologies such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, and laser systems can target specific layers of the skin and stimulate collagen production for more natural-looking results,” assures De Souza.
With several non-surgical facelift options available in-clinics, we ask the experts to round up the best in class – including how they work and what results you can expect to see.
Sofwave
New on the treatment scene, Sofwave is the latest ultrasound device promising to tighten and smooth skin. “It’s a clinically proven, non-invasive device that’s FDA-cleared for lifting the eyebrows, neck and submental region (the area under the chin) as well as reducing facial lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Sindhu Siddiqi, aesthetic doctor and founder of No Filter Clinic. A practically painless procedure that requires zero downtime, Sofwave is proving to be a popular treatment choice.
Working over the skin, “the handheld device heats the mid-dermal tissue at just the precise depth (1.5mm) and temperature (between 60 and 70 degrees celsius) to create a controlled damage that stimulates a healing response (called neo-collagenases),” explains Siddiqi. This healing response increases collagen and elastin production (the things that give skin its snap-back ability), making skin firmer and smoother. “It’s important to note that Sofwave has an integrated cooling mechanism that protects the uppermost skin layer from burning,” she adds.
Incredibly safe, “with Sofwave, the ultrasound beams will only penetrate the skin to a depth of 1.5mm,” says Siddiqi, meaning it specifically targets collagen. “It cannot penetrate the deeper levels where fat is found, so there’s no risk of fat loss.”
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What to expect:
“Ahead of a Sofwave treatment, we would apply a numbing cream to the area to ensure the patient is comfortable,” says Siddiqi. Without numbing cream, the procedure would be extremely painful. “The device is then placed on the face and moved in a grid-pattern.”
The treatment takes around 30-45 minutes in total. “Although patients may experience some initial redness, it is a quick procedure that requires zero downtime and can easily be fit around a busy lifestyle,” assures Siddiqi. You can have a treatment at lunchtime and be back at work in the afternoon.
Two treatments, six-to-eight weeks apart, are recommended for best results. “Most patients will start to see a tightening effect one week after treatment,” notes Siddiqi, “full results can be seen after three-to-six months.”
Prices start from £800 at No Filter Clinic.
Morpheus8
Popular among the celebrity circuit (Kim Kardashian and Eva Longoria are both fans), Morpheus8 is an FDA-approved device that unites two of the most effective skin-tightening treatments: radiofrequency (RF) and microneedling. As De Souza tells us, “The two work synergistically to enhance skin rejuvenation by targeting different layers of the skin and stimulating the body’s natural healing response.”
Microneedling involves the use of tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, triggering the body's wound-healing response. “These micro-injuries stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins for maintaining skin structure and elasticity,” notes De Souza.
Radiofrequency, on the other hand, can penetrate deeper into the dermis – reaching areas that may not be accessible with needles alone. “RF delivers thermal energy into the deeper layers of the skin,” seconds De Souza. “This energy heats the tissues, tightening the skin.” Better together, micro-needling essentially opens pathways for the RF waves to penetrate deeper.
“The combination of micro-injuries from the needles and thermal energy from RF maximises collagen and elastin production, leading to enhanced skin tightening, texture improvement, and overall rejuvenation,” continues De Souza.
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What to expect:
Firstly, skin is cleansed before a topical numbing cream is applied to minimise discomfort. The small stamp of 24 needles is then passed over the treatment area. “The microneedles penetrate the skin to the desired depth, usually ranging from 1.5mm to 4mm, depending on the treatment goals and the area being treated,” says De Souza. Deeper penetration can target more severe skin laxity and scarring, while shallower depths may be used for fine lines and texture improvement.
The full face takes around 20-minutes and downtime is minimal. “Patients may experience redness – which could last between two-to-three days,” notes De Souza. As for results, “improvement in skin tone and texture can be seen a few days after Morpheus8, but noticeable results will be seen by week two or three.” De Souza recommends three-to-six treatment sessions, spaced four-to-six weeks apart.
The cost of one treatment at Dr Joney De Souza Clinic is £850, for the face.
Opus Plasma by Alma
London-based facialist, Teresa Tarmey (whose client roster includes Kate Moss, Julianne Moore and Sienna Miller) is renowned for her skin-tightening treatments that use the latest technologies harnessing lasers, microneedling and radiofrequency energy (RF). Among her arsenal of devices is something called Opus Plasma. “Opus is a fractionated plasma device that focuses on skin resurfacing,” says Tarmey, “it’s perfect for treating skin laxity and textural issues.” American actress and Alma ambassador, Kate Hudson is a big fan and says, “For me, this is a great splurge for your skin. If you really want results, Alma treatments go just that bit deeper, and you can see the results instantly."
So, how does the device work exactly? “Opus emits radiofrequency energy from tiny metal studs on the handpiece that react with air to create plasma (a potent energy source),” explains Tarmey. The plasma creates tiny micro-channels (or micro-injuries) in your skin which stimulates a healing response. “This produces healthy collagen, meaning you will see less laxity, increased smoothness and clear, healthier-looking skin,” says Tarmey. “Think of it like the popular RF Microneedling, but minus the needles.”
As well as firming and smoothing skin, Opus can be used to treat acne scarring and stretch marks. It also works well to minimise fine lines and superficial wrinkles. “It’s popular with our clients who don’t want to have injectables yet, but need a bit more than a facial,” Tarmey tells us. “Since it doesn’t use any needles but rejuvenates the skin in a similar way to needling, it is ideal for clients who want a less invasive treatment or may be needle phobic.”
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What to expect:
“First, we double cleanse the skin. The Opus hand-piece is then applied to targeted areas of concern. You will feel a slight warmth on the skin which can increase, depending on the settings used and what concern you are treating,” says Tarmey. In terms of downtime, it really depends on the area being treated and the setting used. For instance, when treating stretch marks or scarring, a higher setting may be used and thus, there will be more downtime. “Skin is usually a little red for one-to-two days after, but there’s no peeling,” assures Tarmey.
Best results are seen around the one-month mark. However, Tarmey tells us that once the skin has healed, “you will have an immediate brightening and smoothing effect.” At Tarmey’s clinic, she recommends a course of three treatments, spaced out four-to-six weeks apart.
The cost of one treatment at Teresa Tarmey's clinic is £520.
NeoGen Plasma
Another energy-based treatment, NeoGen Plasma works in a similar way to laser and radiofrequency treatments – in that the skin is ‘injured’ to stimulate a healing response, leading to a healthier-looking complexion.
“NeoGen technology converts nitrogen gas into nitrogen plasma, by passing it through radiofrequency energy,” says Dr Vicky Dondos, cosmetic aesthetics doctor and founder of Firm London. The nitrogen plasma (a source of heat energy) is then directed at the face via a handheld device. “Every zap transfers heat to the targeted area, which immediately causes the tissue to contract and tighten. The heat also creates controlled damage to the collagen, stimulating a wound-healing response that promotes collagen and elastin production.” The results? Firmer, stronger skin that looks more youthful.
Unlike ablative laser treatments (that burn through the top layer of skin), NeoGen stimulates cell renewal without removing the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). “The heated layer of epidermis becomes dried out and acts as a natural barrier to protect the treated area from infection,” explains Dondos. “After treatment, the skin will gradually heal over the next week – leading to some shedding to reveal clearer skin below.”
Touted as a miracle cure-all, NeoGen can be used to address a whole host of skin concerns including wrinkles, loose skin, pores, sun damage, stretch marks, acne scarring and dark circles. It’s important to note however, that while “lighter skin can be treated with high or low energy – darker skin is generally treated at lower levels to avoid discolouration of post-inflammatory pigmentation,” flags Dondos.
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What to expect:
First things first, a strong numbing cream is applied. Next, the handheld device is moved over the area being treated to direct energy into the skin. Discomfort and downtime will vary depending on the intensity of the treatment. “During a low energy treatment, you may feel a slight discomfort,” says Dondos, “and afterwards, skin may feel warm and tight – not dissimilar to the feeling of sunburn.”
For high energy treatments, clients can expect a little more discomfort as well as more downtime. “For four-to-five days after treatment, your skin may look red and swollen before the skin starts to peel off,” says Dondos. So, if you’re considering a mid or high intensity treatment, it’s worth factoring in the downtime around your social calendar.
As for results, you’ll notice a difference in a matter of weeks in terms of texture and pigmentation. For the skin tightening benefits, you’ll have to wait a few months (around three). Dondos adds that the number of treatments needed will vary depending on skin type and condition.
Prices start from £500, to find your nearest practitioner check NeoGen.
Fotona 4D
Expert facialist, Debbie Thomas is a huge fan of lasers and assures that, “they can be helpful for nearly all skin concerns.” Her most-used machine in her London clinic is the Fotona SP Dynamis that offers the Fotona 4D treatment, “which will tackle 80-90% of skin concerns in a combined session.” Impressive, huh?
Dubbed a ‘non-surgical facelift’, Fotona 4D is a non-invasive laser treatment combining two wavelengths of light (Nd:YAG and Er:YAG, to be specific) that are applied in four stages. The first step is the “SmoothLiftin” laser that heats the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, tackling fine lines and wrinkles.
The second step is the “FRAC3” laser, which targets age spots and sunspots as well as redness to improve overall skin tone. Next, the “PIANO” laser is used to target deeper layers of the skin to help lift, firm and tighten. The final laser used is “SupErficial”, a gentle laser that works on the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells and smooth uneven texture for smoother skin and a healthy glow.
A great all-rounder, the Fotona 4D treatment “is a brilliant choice for anyone who wants to improve texture, increase elasticity and address skin laxity,” says Thomas, who adds that the results are natural, and the downtime is minimal.
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What to expect:
According to Thomas, this laser treatment is generally well-tolerated by the skin. “The most common description of a laser zap is an elastic band flicking on the skin, with some mild redness and tingling as an after-effect,” she tells us. Patients may experience mild redness, swelling or sensitivity – but these side-effects are often short-lived.
“Most commonly, you will need three-to-six treatments to see full results. Some mild boosting and glow-type improvements can be seen after just one session but ultimately these types of treatments are working deep and need time for the results to work their way up,” says Thomas. “My clients normally see the full benefits of treatment 12-18 months after the initial session.”
Prices start from £160 at D Thomas Clinic.
