As we age, our facial laxity worsens. For a patient aged from 30 to 50 years old, it is still worthwhile to consider a laser skin resurfacing treatment with mild lifting results, like High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatments. Multiple sessions of these will build up collagen in the tissues and slow down the effects of ageing. However, for clients 60 and above, a mild lifting treatment procedure may not yield visible outcomes and should be considered as an adjunct treatment procedure. For such clients, volumisation with fillers, or filler lift, should be considered for muscle tissue improvements and for a credible lifting outcome.

Most minimally invasive procedures, such as fillers and face threading, are safe procedures. Most of our clients find these procedures quite tolerable. However, not all of them are comfortable with the option of invasive procedures. In addition, clients with a low pain threshold have to decide on the option of oral sedation for a minimally invasive non-surgical facelift procedure.

For those who have volume loss (fat loss) on the face, mainly in their temples, cheeks, and forehead due to ageing or weight/muscle loss or those who already have such features since their youth, it will be advised to consider volumisation with fillers. Why so? This is because our skin is supported by our facial fats. Low volume and amount of facial fats make us look gaunt and older. The skin is also more lax due to poor skin tissue support, resulting in wrinkles. Restoring or creating this volume in the fat compartment has a rejuvenative result on the face and an effective face-lifting result.

It is important for both the aesthetic physician and the patient to determine the severity of skin laxity and facial sagging (fat pad sagging), and also the end results that are satisfactory to the patient. Does the patient wish to achieve a mild, medium or strong facelift?

While Ultherapy uses ultrasound to penetrate deeper layers of the skin for lifting, Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF) relies on RF energy to heat the surface layers, ideal for skin tightening and improving texture in cases of mild sagging and early signs of ageing. Ultherapy, on the other hand, is better suited for a lifting effect.

PDLLA Filler is a biostimulatory treatment that stimulates fibroblasts deep within the skin to produce collagen and elastin, resulting in a visible lift. As such, it is suitable for individuals experiencing skin sagging, deep wrinkles and advanced signs of ageing.

• Ultherapy Prime: Minimal downtime. In fact, most patients resume normal activities right after the procedure.
• Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF): Minimal downtime. However, you may experience slight redness or swelling, which subsides quickly.
• PDLLA Filler: Minimal downtime. However, you may experience mild swelling or redness, but you can usually return to daily activities within a few days.
• Amino Acid Replacement Treatment (AART): Minimal downtime with any redness or swelling is typically mild and resolves quickly.

• Ultherapy Prime: Results gradually improve over 2 – 3 months, with continued improvement for up to 6 months.
• Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF): Skin tightening is usually visible within a few weeks, with effective results visible after 3 – 6 months.
• PDLLA Filler: Results are usually visible after one session, with continuous improvement over the next 6 – 12 months.
• Amino Acid Replacement Treatment (AART): Results appear within 2 – 4 weeks, and the skin continues to improve as collagen production increases.

• Ultherapy can be paired with Jalupro for comprehensive face lifting and skin rejuvenation.
• Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF) and PDLLA Filler can be combined to target both superficial skin tightening and deeper volume loss for those seeking a non-invasive yet robust anti-ageing plan.

The frequency of treatments depends on the chosen face-lifting treatment:

• Ultherapy Prime: Typically, just one treatment, but maintenance sessions may be needed every 12 – 18 months.
• Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF): Treatments are often recommended every 6 – 12 months for effective results.
• PDLLA Filler: Most patients require one session, with touch-ups every 18 – 24 months.
• Amino Acid Replacement Treatment (AART): A series of treatments (usually 2 – 3 sessions) may be required initially, with maintenance treatments every 12 – 18 months.