From the earliest techniques developed more than 100 years ago to the technological developments we enjoy today, facial rejuvenation has known numerous stages of improvement. Today, facial rejuvenation is met with a less-invasive perspective concerning plastic surgery: society’s focus on speed asks for fewer incisions and a speedy recovery. Because of this trend, today’s blog post focuses on the shift from the traditional facelift to a minimally-invasive procedure, more adapted to our times: FACEtite!

History of The Facelift

Although facelift surgery might sound recent to our ears, the medical science dates its appearance to 1901, when the first facelift-type procedure was performed in Europe. Since then, numerous scientists have sought to improve this procedure and back it with scientific testing.

While the facial muscle positioning was the most valuable facelift aspect for many decades, the beginning of the 1990s marked the shift towards restoring lost volume and minimizing the appearance of scars. From that point onwards, facelift surgery became a more versatile treatment, capable of satisfying the needs and goals of individual patients.

The natural tendency of plastic surgeons and scientists alike, starting from a highly-invasive approach to facial rejuvenation, was to look for less-invasive alternatives, with a substantially reduced recovery and longer-lasting results from the original.

How Are Traditional Facelifts Performed?

During the early stages of the procedure, the plastic surgeon will administer an anesthetic for the patient’s comfort. Depending on the patient’s personal needs, the plastic surgeon can choose between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia.

Once the patient is sedated, the plastic surgeon will perform an incision from the temples, around the ears, to the lower scalp. Through this incision, the plastic surgeon will redistribute uneven fat deposits and reposition underlying tissue, leading to the uplifting of the deeper layers of the face and the muscles.

In the end, the plastic surgeon will cover the uplifted contours, trim away excess skin, and close the incisions with sutures or skin glues. The facial contour and hairline do well to conceal the incision lines.

Is There a Facelift with Lasers?

When it comes to technological improvements, laser techniques are the most sought-after. However, are laser techniques superior? Although today’s laser-based technology has reached higher standards of efficiency, invasive procedures are still delivering longer-lasting results.

What happens when we leave the surgical camp of facial rejuvenation? Potential patients are now able to experience the benefits of a minimally-invasive approach, based not on lasers but on radiofrequency (RF) energy: FACEtite! Let’s take a moment to understand this procedure from all angles.

Understanding the FACEtite Procedure: Minimally-Invasive Radiofrequency Tightening

FACEtite falls into the category of minimally invasive alternatives to the traditional facelift. It harnesses the benefits of radiofrequency (RF) energy to restore volume and recreate the perfect facial contour.

FACEtite is considered one of the most technologically advanced minimally-invasive treatments available on the market. Being safe and gentle, many plastic surgeons have added FACEtite to their aesthetic arsenal. Moreover, the recovery time involved in this procedure is less than traditional facelift procedures, so you can enjoy your daily activities fairly quickly after your procedure!

Expectations for Your FACEtite Treatment

The radiofrequency energy delivered beneath the dermal tissue’s surface stimulates collagen and elastin production, two proteins responsible for the skin’s elasticity. After a FACEtite procedure, the patient will notice tightened skin on the lower half of the face including jowls, cheeks, chin, and neck.

For superior results, plastic surgeons often propose a combination of procedures. In this case, FACEtite can be paired with liposuction, especially on the neck and jowls area, for enhanced contouring results and a more defined jawline. To better stimulate collagen and elastin production, some plastic surgeons, including Dr. William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS, pair FACEtite with Morpheus8, a fractional skin resurfacing device that combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling.

Here at our medical facility in Port St. Lucie, FL, our medical team, led by Dr. William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS, can combine FACEtite with Eluminate, a series of four laser-based treatments that deal with texture, tone, pigmentation, and vascular issues, such as red capillaries. This combination of treatments utilize the most advanced laser and radiofrequency devices to create facial rejuvenation through minimally invasive techniques.

How Much Does FACEtite Cost?

Potential patients who do their research on the internet will find prices averaging around $5000. However, it is hard to calculate a final price based only on personal research. Many details influence the final price, such as the number of procedures the patient would like to pair FACEtite with, the practitioner’s experience, or even the location.

Because of this, our recommendation for patients is to take their questions to Dr. Vinyard’s office. During the complimentary consultation, they will discuss all the details related to the financial aspects, including our advantageous payment plan options, which can bring the patient closer to their desired cosmetic procedure!

Your Consultation with The Doctor

Aside from the financial aspects, the plastic surgeon will take the time to carefully examine the patient and discuss their personalized treatment plan. At the end of the consultation, the patient will thoroughly know what to expect during and after the procedure. Moreover, before-and-after photos will be taken, making it easier for the patient to observe and enjoy their results.

What Happens during The FACEtite Treatment?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, significantly reducing the levels of discomfort felt by the patient. Small puncture holes are created on behind each earlobe and under the chin, through which the plastic surgeon inserts the FACEtite probe. Through this probe, FACEtite delivers a safe amount of energy and heating, melting down unwanted fat deposits. The plastic surgeon then removes unwanted fat through a minimal liposuction technique and closes puncture sites with small sutures or skin closure strips.

Recovering from FACEtite

When the patient finally leaves the procedure room, the plastic surgeon will dress the patient in a compression garment to wear for the next three to seven days. This step is crucial since this garment significantly reduces postprocedural swelling.
During the following days, the patient will use the compression garment less and less, as the swelling gradually disappears. Aside from that, your plastic surgeon will prescribe you some antibiotics to reduce the risks of infection.

As you consider your skin rejuvenation goals, Dr. Vinyard and his team of experts wield many options for improving the aesthetic of your skin. A Morpheus8 treatment can be an incredible addition to your treatment plan, and Dr. Vinyard and his team of experts are ready to support you in achieving your aesthetic goals. Contact us to schedule a personal consultation, or call  (772) 362-3357 to find out the next steps in your skin rejuvenation journey! Our office at 291 NW Peacock Blvd, Suite 103, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986, proudly serves the South Florida area! We also invite you to check out our blog page, Facebook, and Instagram to learn more about the treatment options available at our office!