The restoration face lift combines two advanced technologies to provide patients with a non surgical alternative to the Refresher Lift. First, the skin and underlying tissues of the face are tightened with the use of bipolar radio frequency energy. This modality, very recently approved by the FDA, has demonstrated an effect on collagen remodeling. Secondly, fat micro grafting is also employed and has two benefits-- the first is restorative to the aging skin because of the action of “stem” or “repair” cells (abundant in fatty tissue) that are injected just below the skin surface and --the second is reversing the damage of deflated and sunken facial tissues by providing a beautiful and natural volume restoration to the aging face. This entire process takes about 8-10 weeks and although the final results are not as radical a change as what can be obtained with a surgical procedure, there are no scars, no anesthesia, and virtually no down time. Finally, because of the gradual progression of the results over 8-10 weeks, this truly can be a well kept secret.

 

WHO IS A CANDIDATE?

  1.   The 35-50 something man or woman with limited sagging of the facial skin who has lost facial volume as well as an overall freshness of the face.

2.   The patient who has had a face lift and wants to maintain maximal results (see our refresher face lift maintenance program).

3.   The patient who has had a previous lift and is not ready for a second one and wishes a noninvasive technique.

4.   The patient who cannot afford the longer recovery time of a traditional face lift and has reasonable expectations.

5.   The patient who is not a surgical candidate for medical reasons.

6.   The patient who is apprehensive of surgery.

THE STEPS PRIOR TO YOUR RESTORATION LIFT

1.   During your first personal consultation with our surgeon, your degree of facial aging, skin laxity, skin quality, and general medical condition will be evaluated to determine if you are a candidate.

2.   Your personal needs and the surgeon’s assessment will be carefully matched to arrive at a mutually acceptable list of recommendations or procedures best suited to attain your aesthetic objectives.

3.   These medical procedures or recommendations will also be tailored to fit your demands, time availability, and budget.

4.   Computer imaging will be employed to illustrate the potential result of the planned procedure.

5.   SCHEDULING YOUR PREOP VISIT AND TREATMENT : Once you have made a commitment to a restoration lift, we will determine a schedule and final procedure date that suits your time frame.

THE RESTORATION LIFT TREATMENT:

Initially, you will receive 4-6 Accent (Bi polar radio frequency) treatments. These treatments are designed to tighten your skin and remodel the underlying collagen and last anywhere from 30-60 minutes each. The process is well tolerated. At the most, expect some mild temporary swelling and redness. These treatments are repeated every two weeks in order to leave enough time between treatments for the skin tightening process to work.

The Fat Micrografting (may be performed right after your last Accent session) portion of the Restoration Face Lift will be performed under mild intramuscular or intravenous (twilight sedation). After numbing the donor area (preferably lower belly, hips, etc.), the fat is extracted and subsequently centrifuged and reinjected in minute quantities with a blunt tip needle in very small increments (micrografting). These injections are also done in such a manner to enhance or uplift the pre-marked deflated supporting area of the face. This also helps to rejuvenate the skin and uplift the mildly saggy facial structures. Once plumped up, these areas are covered with a clear adhesive tape to be left on your face for up to three days.

RECOVERY:

Discomfort of the procedure is usually very mild and easily controlled with prescribed pain medication. Swelling will subside for the most part in a few days. However, the final result will not be observable until 4-5 weeks following the micro grafting procedure. Note also that the natural skin rejuvenation effects will continue for 6 more months following your last visit.

CAN THE RESTORATION LIFT PROCESS BE COMBINED WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?

Yes, often other procedures such as eyebrow lifts, eyelid lifts, lip enhancements, peels, and laser treatments are performed simultaneously without any problem.

CAUTION: