What are the non-surgical options to improve the jawline and neck?
Non-surgical options to tighten the jawline and upper neck primarily use an energy source, such as radiofrequency, to melt excess fat and tighten the skin. This can be done with a small probe under the skin, such as FaceTite, or externally, through microscopic pins that penetrate the skin and deliver a pulse of tightening energy, such as Fractora and Morpheus 8. Often FaceTite and Morpheus 8 are combined in one treatment.
What is radio frequency energy?
Radio frequency (RF) is a form of electromagnetic energy commonly used in medicine. More recently it has been used in cosmetic treatments because it gently and safely applies controlled heat to skin, inducing collagen and elastin. Both are important in giving skin a youthful tone. Radiofrequency is the energy that powers Fractora, Morpheus 8 and Face and Neck Tite.
Can treatments be done in combination?
Treatments are commonly done in combination to make use of their unique benefits. In combination, the overall effect is synergistic- better than the sum of its parts. For example, Fraxel and Morpheus are often performed on the facial and neck skin after a MiniLift. Fraxel smoothes out uneven pigment while Morpheus tightens skin further while stimulating collagen, something that surgery alone cannot do. The combination results in not only a tighter jawline but smoother looking skin and an overall better aesthetic result.
How long is the typical recovery after non-surgical lift options?
After a “liquid lift” there is typically no recovery. At most there might be a very small bruise at the injection site that can be easily covered with makeup. Recovery after Fraxel, Fractora and Morpheus typically lasts the length of a long weekend with some redness, swelling and mild peeling. There is no pain during the recovery. If you have a treatment on a Friday, you are certainly presentable on Monday. After Face and Neck Tite, you can expect about 5-7 days of swelling with no pain and minimal bruising. Unlike with surgical recovery, you can perform normal activities around the house with little restriction.
How long do the non-surgical treatments last?
Typically, a “liquid lift” using fillers such as Restylane and Juvéderm will last 1 – 1 ½ years. Fraxel, Fractora and Morpheus treatments stimulate your own collagen, which is subject to the natural aging process. Many patients will have annual maintenance treatments. Face and Neck Tite will last several years.
Is surgery the only solution?
Surgery is not the only solution. For those who are not ready for surgery or may never be interested, there are a number of non-surgical treatments that are very effective and have minimal to no recovery. The ultimate treatment plan is best mapped out during a consultation with Dr. Ahn and will be based on your areas of concern and his recommendations.
Who is a candidate for a Mini Lift?
The ideal candidate for a Mini Lift has fullness along the jawline, also known as jowls, that are sagging with loose skin and wrinkles. The Deep Plane MiniLift, a signature procedure performed by Dr. Ahn, will correct those problems.
What areas of the face does a Mini Lift target?
The Mini Lift targets sagging, loose skin and jowls that hang over the jawline.
What areas of the neck does a Neck Lift target?
The Neck Lift will improve a double chin, loose skin and vertical “turkey” bands the run down the front of the neck. All of these are signs of an aging neck and are corrected with a neck lift.
How long is the typical recovery after surgery?
Social downtime after surgery is approximately 2 weeks. At that point, most patients are comfortable returning to their normal daily activities, including work and socializing.
Is the recovery painful?
Recovery is typically not painful. Many patients don’t need pain medication or stop taking them after a few days. Patients are swollen and tired and do feel the need to rest during that first week after surgery.
How long does surgery last?
A Deep Plane Mini Lift will typically last approximately 8-10 years. What happens in 8-10 years? Well everything does not just drop. But we are all subject to the natural aging process so skin starts to loosen, and wrinkles will develop. In 8-10 years, you can repeat surgery or there will likely be the latest device that tightens and lifts better than the current options. Also, if the surgery makes you look 10 years younger, then even if you don’t do anything in 8-10 years, you will always look 10 years younger than if you had not done surgery.
