FaceTite
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston and Katy, TX
FaceTite is a facial contouring procedure that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to promote skin tightening and eliminate facial and neck fat. With a minimally invasive tool that enters through tiny incisions in well-hidden areas of the face, FaceTite allows patients to reap dramatic results without the downtime associated with more invasive surgery.
To learn about how you can restore the more rejuvenated contours of your youth with this innovative procedure, get in touch with Dr. Bonnor M.D., F.A.C.S, a highly skilled double-board certified cosmetic surgeon who takes pride in providing patients with the well-rounded aesthetic care they deserve.
For the most natural-looking transformation with FaceTite, call Dr. Bonnor’s practice, Texas Surgical Arts, in Houston at (281) 579-5638 or inquire online.
Contents
What is FaceTite?
FaceTite is one of the most advanced contouring procedures designed for the delicate areas of the face and neck. With its radiofrequency technology, it improves skin laxity in a way that was only previously attainable with surgical intervention. Not only can the radiofrequency tighten existing collagen just under the skin, but it can also melt fat with this same type of electromagnetic-based thermal energy.
In the lower dermis/fat layer of the face, FaceTite emits temperatures between 140 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the surface of the skin only experiences temperatures between 100.4 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. (1) Since RF is non-chromophore dependent- meaning that it does not target pigment within the skin- patients of all skin types can enjoy the benefits of this treatment. (2) With this state-of-the-art technology, surgeons can restore tighter contours to only these areas without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Surgeons only need to make minor incisions below the chin and just below the ears to access the subcutaneous layer beneath the skin. In response to these thermal changes, the lower dermis responds by creating new collagen fibers, renewing more elastic skin over the following weeks after the procedure. Because of this, patients can expect to not only see immediate results but also gradual results that settle in naturally over the healing period.
What Areas Can FaceTite Enhance?
This device is designed to highlight the beauty of your natural features and skin, not change them. Using the RF-emitting probe of the device, your surgeon can reduce the prominence of a “double chin” within the submental area, create a more defined jawline, treat mildly lax skin of the lower cheeks, and improve the entirety of the neck.
Candidates for FaceTite
Patients seeking minimally invasive rejuvenation without the hassle of a facelift can benefit from the extensive benefits of FaceTite. Ideally, candidates are between 30 and 50 years old and have only exhibited mild or moderate skin laxity. Those with excess fat in the submental region- with or without lax skin- can also benefit from this minor procedure. Those with extremely thin skin may not be ideal candidates since their facial skin likely needs more support. For these patients, dermal fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane may be more appropriate as a means to conceal laxity and provide natural-looking volume within the face.
Though FaceTite has been proven to be an effective and useful technology for those who will not benefit from non-invasive treatment alone, it does not aim to replace the need for a facelift in the appropriate candidates. (3)
Treatment Steps
From beginning to end, the FaceTite procedure only takes about one hour to complete. Dr. Bonnor will begin by administering local anesthesia to the areas that will require an incision. He may provide you with an anti-anxiety or sedative medication to keep you calm and comfortable during this first portion of the procedure. After properly numbing the area, he will administer a small amount of tumescent fluid into the subcutaneous fat to make it much easier to move through. In addition to adding more anesthetization, this solution will also constrict blood vessels to prevent bleeding and post-procedure bruising. Tumescent fluid is the same component utilized in liposuction to ease the fat extraction process. After this preparation, you should be completely unable to perceive any pain.
Dr. Bonnor will then make three 5-millimeter incisions- one just under the chin and one under each ear, near the corner of the jawline. He will insert the slim metal probe of Facetite in one of these incisions, ensuring that it only slips just under the skin and avoids critical nerves. This non-aspirating probe is about 10 cm in length, long enough to reach the submental regions most affected by laxity and fat accumulation over time. The diameter of the probe is only 1.7 mm, so it is extremely thin and avoids creating damage to the fibroseptal network of collagen just under the skin. (4) The other part of the instrument- the electrode- will remain parallel to the metal probe, helping conduct an electromagnetic field from outside the skin. Once fully inserted, Dr. Bonnor will slowly administer the heat upon withdrawing the probe. He will make several “passes” within each incision to ensure all targeted areas of the submental region are treated.
To finish the procedure, Dr. Bonnor will repair the incisions with sutures and apply individual surgical bandages to each incision point. He will then wrap your face with a compression wrap to help the tissues retract to a more youthful positioning and reduce swelling.
Recovery and Results
After your treatment with FaceTite, you will likely only need about 4 or 5 days of downtime. You will have to wear your compression wrap for the first few days to control swelling, which will be at its peak during this time. Within the first week, the swelling will slowly begin to subside as the body heals. You can expect bruising to settle in and last a bit longer, but this is a completely normal reaction to the treatment. After this initial period, Dr. Bonnor will instruct you to wear your head wrap part-time to continue to offer support for the submental tissues.
For the first two days, you should avoid showering and only use a gentle cleanser to wash the face in order to not irritate the incisions. Dr. Bonnor will give you advice on using an ice pack and over-the-counter medications to ease any discomfort you may experience due to the swelling. After about a week, you will feel well enough to return to all your daily activities, including working out. Some other side effects include areas of firmness and numbness, but these will resolve over the following weeks.
FaceTite is a type of RF technology that can provide dramatic results if you would not benefit from non-invasive modalities but do not have severe enough signs of aging to require a facelift surgery. As the skin and fibroseptal network settle into their final positioning, you can expect to see tighter, smoother skin in the upper neck region and a more defined jawline. The slimming effects can help you feel more comfortable about the contours of your facial side profile.
How to Make FaceTite More Effective
Since FaceTite cannot aspirate, or remove, fat from the submental area, Dr. Bonnor may recommend chin/ jawline liposuction if he thinks that you require more fat debulking. For liposuction, he will administer tumescent fluid and make the same incisions required for FaceTite. He will insert a thin cannula instrument, a hollow, tubular device that will suction the fat from the chin and neck area. After re-contouring, he may perform a FaceTite procedure to resolve any lax skin from this fat removal. Using this technique of applying radiofrequency-assisted liposuction can help the skin adhere and heal to the newly shaped area. Applying FaceTite after liposuction can be optimal for those with early jowling and moderate neck bands who also have some fat bulging. Those with more elastic, youthful skin may only require liposuction to reap the best results. Dr. Bonnor will assess these aspects of your facial/neck features before discussing your specific treatment plan.
Cost of FaceTite in Houston
The cost of your FaceTite procedure will depend on certain surgical factors and fees, whether or not Dr. Bonnor performs liposuction as well, and any follow-up appointments you may need to attend. After evaluating your candidacy, Dr. Bonnor will give you a total cost estimate at the time of your consultation, helping you to make an educated decision. If you are still interested but are unsure due to the price of the procedure, feel free to ask Dr. Bonnor about his available financing options with CareCredit. If you would still like more time to decide and inform yourself of other cosmetic options, browse through our blog.
If you are ready to take the next step towards feeling more confident and attractive with FaceTite, call Texas Surgical Arts at (281) 579-5638 or request a consultation online today. We cannot wait to show you just how effective FaceTite can be at highlighting your natural beauty.
Commonly Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will I notice the final results with FaceTite?
As mentioned before, FaceTite results settle in gradually. Within 6 to 8 weeks, you will be able to enjoy most of the effects, but improved collagen production may continue for longer. After just one FaceTite procedure, these improvements will last up to 1 year.
How can I make FaceTite results last longer?
Even though the most dramatic improvements will last about 1 year, this does not mean that the skin will suddenly begin to sag. Practicing a good skincare routine suitable for your unique skin needs, applying daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and avoiding smoking can all help prevent the effects of aging going forward.
Will I have noticeable scars after FaceTite?
For FaceTite procedures, surgeons will only need to make tiny incisions under the chin and beneath the ears. These are relatively superficial incisions that give them access to the layer of tissue just under the skin. They are also so small that they tend to heal incredibly well and quickly. Since surgeons place these in highly discreet spots, many patients do not mind having a small mark in the area. Within a few months, the scars will fade almost completely.
Are there any risks to FaceTite?
Some risks to FaceTite include numbness, firmness, and contour irregularities, but with the expertise of a qualified board-certified surgeon, these can easily be avoided. Numbness is a common problem that almost always resolves on its own, while contour irregularities can be corrected with a filler treatment.
References
- Yen S, Wang J, Gao X, Zhu Q, Song C, Zhu F. Bipolar Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction for Cervical Contouring in Eastern Asians. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2023;5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad035
- Chawvavanich P, Singthong S, Intarachaieua K. Effectiveness and side effects of bipolar radiofrequency to treat submental laxity. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022;21(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14898
- Dayan E, Rovatti P, Aston S, Chia CT, Rohrich R, Theodorou S. Multimodal Radiofrequency Application for Lower Face and Neck Laxity. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;Latest Articles(8). doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002862
- Keramidas E, Rodopoulou S. Radiofrequency-assisted Liposuction for Neck and Lower Face Adipodermal Remodeling and Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2016;4(8):e850. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000000809