According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 131,106 facelifts performed in the U.S. in 2016—that’s a zero percent change from 2000. Why the plateau? While our collective quest to unlock all the secrets to anti-aging is still very much on, exciting and effective non-surgical facelift options are now available for those hesitant to go under the knife.
We spoke with NYC-based esthetician Nichelle Temple, owner of Inderma Studio, who specializes in micro-current facials. She took us through some in-office treatments to help achieve a facelift without surgery.
A facelift, Temple explains, is “a surgical procedure where the surgeon makes small incisions throughout the hairline, behind the ears, chin and mouth to then pull the skin back to decrease the appearance of aging.” While the results of this procedure can be dramatic, they are not permanent. Over time, she warns, sagging and wrinkles will return—hence the decision for many to seek non-surgical options. Let’s explore some of these alternatives.In-Office Treatments
1. Injections
Also known as dermal fillers, injections help to fill in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. They can also plump up the skin, giving a more youthful look and reducing any sagging or hollowness. As Temple explains, “Fillers such a Juvéderm are packed with hyaluronic acid, which adds volume to desired areas of the face in order to lift cheeks, smooth parentheses lines or plump the lips.” The results, she notes, are both subtle and long-lasting.
2. Ultherapy
Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology and is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that lifts, tones, and tightens the skin. As a practitioner, Temple appreciates the precision of the method, that it allows her “to see the layers of tissue targeted during the treatment to ensure the energy is deposited where it will be most beneficial.” The treatment can be highly effective, she says, “jump-starting a natural process to produce fresh, new collagen.”3. Micro-Current Toning
Commonly described as “facial toning,” micro-current is Temple’s specialty at Inderma Studio. It is her preferred procedure for non-surgical facelifts, she says, “due to the dramatic lifting effect that micro-current has on facial muscles and facial contours.” Microcurrent instantly plumps out deep lines and wrinkles, promoting skin healing as well as collagen and elastin production. During the procedure, all 32 facial muscles are “physically manipulated using soft cotton tipped wands (probes) that transmit the mild electrical impulses.” The treatment is pain-free, she adds, and offers instant gratification.4. Cryolift
This procedure is brand-new and Temple is already a fan. Cryolift, she explains, “delivers hyaluronic acid and CO2 to the skin directly, lowering the skin’s temperature, causing surface blood to rush (true oxygenation) and wrapping the contracting and expanding pores around the hyaluronic acid.” It treats dehydration and reduces inflammation, giving an overall glow. Ideal for all skin types, she notes, there is zero downtime and instant results.5. Lasers
Collagen-producing lasers penetrate the skin deeply, at the layer of restructuring. They work, Temple explains, by gently heating the collagen under the surface of the skin. This expands the collagen, tightens the skin and shrinks broken capillaries. In her experience, this method has less of an impact than other treatments.At-Home Options
