Would You Try a Facelift Without Surgery? The Treatments Creating Buzz
Main image – Guillefaingold/Stocksy
You may have seen on social media the rise of interest in non-surgical facelifts. But if you’re not familiar with the term it is basically what it sounds like – a facelift without actual surgery (and, crucially, scarring, pain and a long recovery time). A no brainer – right?
Here, we bring you expert advice from Dr Sabika Karim, Mr Hasaneen Al Janabi and Miss Sherina Balaratnum and discover how non-surgical facelifts work, what results you can expect (and how soon) and what your options actually are.
Because whilst ‘facelift’ can instantly sound like a scary word, ‘non-surgical’ could be game-changing.
AT A GLANCE
- Non-surgical facelifts can lift, firm and contour the face without surgery, scarring or lengthy downtime.
- The best approach depends on your concerns, with options ranging from fillers and threads to LED, radiofrequency and laser tightening treatments.
What is a non-surgical facelift?
In short, it’s an age-defying treatment that offers the benefits of a facelift without the scars or downtime. “At Dr Hass Clinic, non-surgical facelifts have become one of our most popular treatments,” explains Mr Al Janabi.
“We believe that a well-executed non-surgical facelift is not about making someone look different, but rather about restoring structure, balance and definition in a way that still looks completely natural.”
Who is a good candidate?
Whilst many view the facelift as something a person would get when they’re in their sixties or seventies, the average age of those now wanting one has dropped to 55. But a surgical facelift involves a lengthy recovery time, not to mention pain and scarring so it’s unsurprising that non-surgical options are now more in demand.
Image – Annatabakova
“Many patients are now seeking treatments that offer visible lifting and contouring without the downtime, scars or commitment associated with surgery,” Mr Al Janabi continues. “Modern non-surgical facelift techniques allow us to address volume loss, skin laxity and facial proportions with remarkable precision.” So anyone wanting to improve any of the above could be the ideal candidate.
The non-surgical facelift options
The Multi-Layer Lift with Dr Hass
“What makes our approach different is that we take a layered, personalised approach,” Mr Al Janabi explains. “Firstly, we would add temple filler to restore volume and subtly lift the outer face and brows. Then add cheek filler to add structure and lift to the midface to enhance cheekbones and reduce sagging. Filler is then added to the chin and jaw to improve balance in the lower face and sharpen the area.
“Alongside filler, we add Radiesse Biostimulator to boost collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother, and more radiant skin, and Endolift Laser Tightening to firm and tighten the skin from within to enhance and prolong your lifted results.”
Sounds good doesn’t it? But when do you see results? “Taking this multi-layered approach ensures that not only do you see immediate results with the filler, but also prolonged results with the added benefits of Endolift and Radiesse,” he adds.
“Collagen stimulation has become an increasingly important part of facial rejuvenation and treatments such as Radiesse bio stimulation and Endolift help improve skin firmness and elasticity over time, allowing us to achieve longer-lasting and more natural-looking lift.”
The LED Facelift with Celluma
As we age, we gradually lose the elements that keep our skin looking young and ‘bouncy’. “We know from skin science that we’re losing one percent of collagen, one percent elastin, and one percent hyaluronic acid every year from around age 25,” explains Balaratnam. “And now we understand that the mitochondria, these powerhouses found in eukaryotic cells, are also losing their function.”
And this is where this LED facelift comes in. “Red and near-infrared wavelengths, such as those used with the Celluma devices, are used to support collagen production and improve overall skin quality,” she adds. “It’s not about creating an instant ‘tightening’ effect, but about gradually strengthening the skin at a cellular level.”
Image – Guillefaingold/Stocksy
The results for this one are more gradual. “I often describe light therapy-led devices and treatments as a ‘skin investment’ treatment,” she says. “The results build over time, improving tone, texture, and resilience rather than delivering a one-off change. Devices like Celluma allow us to deliver this in a very controlled, consistent way, which is why it’s such a valuable part of long-term skin health protocols.”
And don’t forget to continue applying your regular skincare regime. “In my experience, the best results come when LED therapy is incorporated into a comprehensive skin rejuvenation programme,” Balaratnam advises. “It works particularly well alongside good skincare, collagen-supportive treatments, and post-procedure recovery protocols.”
Liquid lift with Sabika Karim
This treatment helps to enhance facial contours, lift the skin and restore volumes using a combination of anti-wrinkle injectables and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. “The Liquid Lift is perfect for people who are wishing to address the signs of ageing without going under the knife,” explains Dr Karim. “It offers instant results and bespoke treatment which is tailored to your unique facial structure and goals. Moreover, by using injectable fillers rather than surgery, the results will appear more natural looking and subtle.”
Image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
How long does it take? “The procedure time is typically 30-60 minutes but as this is a bespoke treatment it varies from one person to another. Results are immediate and will last from 12-24 months depending on the types of fillers used and individual factors such as skin type and metabolism,” she explains.
Emface at Dr Leah Clinics
Combining radiofrequency heating and HIFES facial muscle stimulation, this non-invasive 20 minute treatment at Dr Leah Clinics promises to boost collagen and elastin production whilst toning and lifting facial muscles in four sessions. There is no downtime involved and it’s pain-free – you could even call it relaxing!
So how does it work? Well, the electromagnetic currents contract the forehead and cheek muscles, lifting and toning facial tissue, while the radiofrequency’s heat energy stimulates a healing response in the skin. As well as toning and lifting facial muscles, it helps reduce the look of heavy eyelids and wrinkles and improve skin quality.
The Happy Face Lift at Dr Leah Clinics
If you experience down-turned mouth corners, jowls and ‘turkey neck’, this micro-frequency and microneedling treatment is the one for you. It uses Morpheus8 – a collagen and elastin stimulating device that improves skin quality and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
And collagen-stimulating threads (dissolvable stitches) are strategically placed beneath the skin’s surface by expert doctors to reposition facial tissues to mechanically lift the face upwards and backwards in an L-shape. This is a course of three treatments, 3-4 weeks apart.
The takeaway
Balaratnum makes a genius analogy when it comes to ageing skin and non-surgical facelifts. “Think about the analogy of the electric car,” she says. “You charge it overnight, you drive off, you have a certain amount of mileage, then you drive back home and recharge it. When I look at our human physiology, I think we’re pretty much the same: we need to plug ourselves in every now and again to recharge.”
There is no shame in booking in for one of these treatments if it means giving your skin a top up every now and again and getting your confidence back. Just like an electric car, your skin needs (and deserves) a boost.
Meet the experts
Mr. Hasaneen Al Janabi is a Harley-street renowned doctor, founder and lead injector at the Dr Hass Clinic.
Dr Sabika Karim is an award-winning aesthetic doctor, global educator and founder of Skin Medical.
Miss Sherina Balaratnam from S-Thetics, Beaconsfield is a surgeon and cosmetic doctor.
Get Glowing!
