Face tightening - The Skin Tight procedure

The key differences between this procedure and a traditional facelift include the minimally invasive nature of the face tightening treatment, which uses local anaesthesia and results in less downtime compared to the surgical approach of a traditional facelift. Additionally, this procedure not only removes superficial fat and tightens the skin but also stimulates collagen production with PLLA and Hyaluronic Acid injections, providing a more natural and long-lasting rejuvenation.

Treatment is performed under local anaesthetic and is often tolerated, but discomfort can occur during anaesthetic administration and during or after tissue heating. Swelling, bruising, tenderness, redness and altered sensation may last longer than a few days in some patients.

You will start to see the initial effects of the face tightening procedure shortly after the treatment, with noticeable improvements in skin tightness and contour. However, the full results are after 6 months, and a potential touch-up might be required based on each case as collagen production continues and the skin fully heals.

The effects of the face tightening procedure can last between 7-15 years however, the duration of results is not fixed and depends on the exact device and products used, the extent of treatment, healing, ageing, lifestyle and individual anatomy.

As with any minimally invasive facial procedure, risks include pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, burns, skin necrosis, contour irregularity, asymmetry, scarring, prolonged firmness, altered sensation or nerve injury, pigment change, delayed healing, unwanted fat loss, nodules or granulomas, vascular complications from injectable products, poor cosmetic outcome and the need for further treatment. Risks may increase when several procedures are combined. Rare or unforeseen complications may require medical, surgical or hospital treatment.

Activity restrictions should follow the clinician’s written aftercare plan and may extend beyond 48 hours depending on the treatments combined, swelling, bruising and healing. Patients should seek urgent review for increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, blistering, skin colour change, marked asymmetry, visual symptoms or other concerning symptoms.

Treatment may be unsuitable or require specialist assessment in patients with active infection or inflammation, impaired wound healing, bleeding disorders, uncontrolled medical conditions, relevant allergies, implanted electronic or metallic devices, previous facial surgery or fillers, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or medicines that affect bleeding or healing. Contraindications depend on every device and injectable product used and must be assessed individually.

The frequency of face tightening procedures depends on individual goals and the specific treatment plan we will tailor for you. Generally, we recommend maintaining the results by treating the laxity of the skin with periodical treatment such as Profilo or Morpheus8 every 6 to 12 months to maintain optimal results and address ongoing skin laxity and ageing concerns. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent treatments, especially in the initial stages, while others might only require occasional touch-ups.

Some procedures may be combined in selected patients, but combination treatment can increase risk, swelling, recovery time and complexity. Each component requires a clear indication, discussion of alternatives and separate informed consent. The clinician will discuss suitable options with you in order to work towards the best outcome.