FOR THE TREATMENT OF SAGGING FACE?
The treatment of the sagging face needs to be viewed from a 3-dimensional perspective. Facial sculpting and volume restoration are as important as, if not more important than, skin tightening. It’s no use tightening skin when the skin eventually has nowhere to drape and ends up still hanging loosely. Similarly, there is no point in tightening skin when the bulges like the jowls continue to weigh down on the face.
Our approach of combining either volume-replacement OR facial-sculpting with skin-tightening achieves optimal outcomes in Non-surgical Facelifts.
WHAT IS A FACELIFT
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to address signs of aging in the face and neck. The primary goal of a facelift is to tighten and lift sagging facial tissues, including the skin and muscles, to create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and underlying tissues may be repositioned to reduce wrinkles and restore a firmer contour to the face. Facelifts can target various areas, such as the jowls, cheeks, and neck.
These days there are non-surgical versions of a facelift with results that are albeit milder.
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN
CHOOSING A SURGICAL OR NON-SURGICAL FACELIFT
HOLLOW FACE
As one ages (past the 30’s), fat compartments begin to atrophy (shrink). Where once the skin was supported, it now has nowhere to drape. Skin hangs loosely as the jowls, the naso-labial folds and the naso-jugal groove. Hence restoring deep supports to the face, by using dermal fillers or fat grafting, should be an important first step before, if not in conjunction, with non-surgical facelifts. This is so that the tightened skin drapes better over the face, in slightly simplified terms.
HEAVIER SET FACE
I n fatter faces, the fats tend to drag the cheeks down as one loses elasticity in the skin. Jowls and the double chin feature strongly, and one loses the V-shape youthful face. The treatment objective for such patients may additionally involve removal of the double chin and cheek fats through liposuction. Facetite and Renuvion are slightly invasive procedures that not tightens skin but also removes unwanted fats in the jowls and the double chin.
NON-SURGICAL FACIAL TREATMENTS
Non-surgical facelift treatments refer to cosmetic procedures that aim to improve the appearance of the face without the need for surgery. These treatments are often sought as alternatives to traditional surgical facelifts, which involve incisions, tissue manipulation, and recovery time. Non-surgical facelift options are generally less invasive, with quicker recovery periods. Some common non-surgical facelift treatments are explored below.
TYPE OF TREATMENTS
THE DL LIFT USING HA FILLERS
The DL lift is a filler injection technique which Dr David Loh described in an industry journal in 2018. It uses high elasticity hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers to selectively re-inflate fat compartments that have begun to atrophy, hence restoring tension within the SMAS. This provides a mild face-lifting type effect. Autologous fat grafting can also be used to substitute HA fillers in the DL Lift.
FAT GRAFTING
Autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or lipofilling, is a cosmetic procedure that involves harvesting fat from one part of the body and injecting it into another area to enhance volume and improve contours. When applied to the face, we would be using the autologous fat as a natural filler material. As such fat grafting can be used as a natural and long-lasting method for facial rejuvenation, commonly referred to as a “fat transfer facelift.”
ULTHERAPY AND SIMILAR ENERGY DEVICES
There are a number of energy devices, including Ultherapy which are non-invasive cosmetic procedures that use ultrasound technology to lift and tighten the skin on the face and neck. Unlike traditional facelift surgery, the energy-based-devices do not involve any incisions or downtime, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking a less invasive option for facial rejuvenation. Expect the results to be mild, but because it involves no-downtime, it can be repeated over the years for cumulative results.
FACETITE AND RENUVION
Facetite and Renuvion are slightly invasive procedures that tighten skin and the underlying fat compartments, from internally. Energy from the internal probes causes contraction of the fibrous septae between the fat compartments under the skin. This causes a contraction of the skin and its deeper layers to give a face lifting type effect. Imagine a liposuction combined with skin tightening from under the skin. Areas that these treatments are particularly effective include the double chin and the lower face.
RECOVERY TIME
Here’s a general guideline on the recovery time for the different procedures. It should be noted, however, that recovery times can vary based on the treatment area and individual health conditions.
| Facelift Treatment | Recovery Period |
| HA Filler | Most of the time there is no recovery time other than a few small puncture holes where the cannula is introduced. Occasionally (10%), there may be small bruises here and there. Especially when the treatment areas are extensive. |
| Autologous Fat Transfer | 1 to 2 weeks of downtime, with swelling and bruising. It may take a few months for final results as the transferred fat settles. |
| Ultherapy | Minimal to no downtime. Some individuals may experience temporary redness or swelling immediately after the procedure, but they can usually resume normal activities immediately. Results develop gradually over several months. |
| Facetite | 1-2 weeks of downtime, with swelling and bruises in the treated areas. The skin tightening and facial sculpting results appear gradually over several months. . |
COST OF FACELIFT
The cost of a facelift can vary depending on factors such as the treatment area, the surgeon’s experience, the extent of the procedure, and the facilities where the surgery is performed. For a breakdown of the costs at David Loh, you can refer to our price list. It should be noted, though, that you should schedule a consultation for the most accurate quote.
DR DAVID LOH
Dr David Loh
Founder
Dr David Loh founded David Loh Surgery back in 2002 when Aesthetic Medicine as a field was still in its infancy. He obtained his basic medical and surgical degree from the National University of Singapore. He has 30 years of working experience, 18 years of which were in aesthetics. He is MOH-accredited to perform office -based Liposuction. He is perhaps best known for being a trainer for B*tox and Fillers in the region. He is the President of The Society of Aesthetic Medicine in Singapore.