What is Face Lifting?

Facial aging is a gradual, biological process. It happens because the skin loses collagen and elastin, fat shifts from its original position, and bone structure changes. Over time, these internal changes show up as sagging skin, softer jawlines, and loss of firmness.

You don’t need to jump straight to surgery to address these signs. Today, non-surgical treatments offer a way to support the skin’s structure, stimulate collagen, and improve facial contours. They don’t stop aging, but they can help slow down some of its visible effects.

Read this blog to explore how facial sagging occurs, what non-surgical face lifting actually involves, and which options are best suited for different needs

Understanding Facial Sagging: Why Skin Loses Its Lift

Facial sagging is a layered process that involves several biological changes happening over time:

• Collagen and elastin decline: Starting around age 20, your body produces about 1% less collagen each year. Elastin, which helps skin bounce back, also degrades with age and sun exposure. Together, this causes skin to lose firmness and elasticity.
  
  
• Fat pad descent: In youth, fat pads in the face sit high, supporting smooth curves and volume. As we age, these pads shift downward, leading to hollowing under the eyes and heaviness around the lower face.
  
  
• Bone reabsorption: The facial skeleton slowly shrinks and resorbs with age. This removes structural support, worsening the appearance of sagging skin and flattening the overall facial profile.

What is Non-Surgical Face Lifting? A Modern Approach

Non-surgical face lifting refers to a variety of minimally invasive treatments that help tighten skin, restore volume, and redefine contours, without surgery or extended downtime.

These treatments include technologies like ultrasound (HIFU), radiofrequency (RF), dermal fillers, and neurotoxins (like Botox). They stimulate collagen production, support tissue structure, and relax specific muscles to subtly lift targeted areas.

Rather than creating a dramatic transformation overnight, these approaches aim to work with your features, offering natural-looking results that unfold gradually over weeks or months. For those who want visible improvements without the intensity of surgery, this modern approach offers flexibility, safety, and customizability.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Non-Surgical Face Lifting?

Non-surgical options are best for people with mild to moderate signs of aging, typically between the ages of 30 and 60. You may be a good candidate if :

• You’ve noticed sagging around the jawline, brow, or cheeks, but your skin still has some elasticity.
• You want results, but prefer a gradual improvement over drastic change.
• You want to avoid the risks, costs, and recovery time associated with surgery.
• You’re open to maintenance treatments to sustain long-term results.

The ideal patient isn’t chasing perfection, they’re looking to refresh and restore their appearance in a way that still looks like them.

Top Non-Surgical Face Lifting Options

1. Ultrasound Lifting (HIFU, Liftera)

Ultrasound-based face lifting uses focused sound energy to reach the deeper layers of your skin—stimulating collagen where it matters most. Unlike surface treatments, this works on the same structural layer that surgeons target during a traditional facelift.

• You'll feel a gentle warmth or mild tingling during the procedure.
• There's no downtime, and you can return to your day immediately.
• Results start appearing over 6–8 weeks, with the full effect showing in 2–3 months.
• Best suited for lifting the cheeks, neck, and brow.

If you’re looking for a deep, long-lasting lift without a single incision, this is a reliable starting point.

2. Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy (Exilis Ultra 360)

RF treatments are great for firming and tightening skin, especially in areas with mild sagging. The technology works by safely heating your dermis, causing collagen fibers to contract while prompting your body to build new ones.

• The treatment feels warm and soothing, some even find it relaxing.
• You may need a series of 3 to 4 sessions for the best outcome.
• Over time, you’ll notice firmer skin with better texture and subtle lift.
• It’s ideal for softening fine lines and firming the jawline, cheeks, and neck.

This method suits anyone who wants skin tightening without injections or downtime.

3. Dermal Fillers

As we age, our facial fat shifts downward and our bone structure changes. Fillers help replace lost volume and restore contour, giving your face a more lifted and youthful shape.

• Results are visible immediately after treatment.
• The procedure is quick, and most people return to work the same day.
• Effects typically last 12 to 18 months.
• Common areas include cheeks, temples, under-eyes, and jawline.

When done with precision, fillers can provide lift, structure, and symmetry, without changing your natural expression.

4. Botox-Based Lifts (e.g., Nefertiti Lift)

Botox isn’t just for wrinkles. When injected into specific muscles, it can subtly lift facial features.

• For example, relaxing downward-pulling muscles in the neck can improve jawline definition.
• A brow lift can make the eyes look more open and alert.
• You’ll see results in 3–5 days, with effects lasting about 3 to 6 months.
• Best for subtle lifting in the upper face and neck.

Botox lifts are great when used in combination with other treatments or on their own for gentle refinement.

5. Combination Treatments

Often, the most natural-looking results come from combining multiple techniques. Why? Because aging doesn’t affect just one part of the face. Here’s how a custom combo might look:

• Use HIFU for deep tightening
• Add fillers to restore volume
• Use a touch of Botox to lift brows or relax heavy muscles
• Include RF to improve texture and tone

This layered strategy tackles sagging, hollowness, and texture together—leading to a more youthful yet natural appearance.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Face Lifting

Choosing non-surgical lifting doesn’t mean compromising on results. In fact, many patients prefer this route because it offers noticeable improvements without the stress or downtime of surgery. Here’s what makes these treatments such a popular choice:

1. Minimal Downtime & Faster Recovery

If you prefer subtle changes without stepping away from your everyday routine, non-surgical treatments are designed with you in mind.

These procedures typically involve very little recovery, some redness or warmth that settles within a day or two. You’re not expected to take extended leave or alter your week. Whether you return to work or carry on with errands, you can do so with ease and confidence.

2. Natural-Looking Results with Gradual Improvement

You won’t be asked to explain a sudden change.

These treatments work in harmony with your skin’s natural processes, helping you gradually regain firmness and definition. Results appear over a few weeks, allowing people around you to notice a fresh, well-rested version of you, without ever questioning what changed.

3. Reduced Risks Compared to Surgery

Understandably, many people wish to avoid the risks that come with surgical procedures.

Non-surgical lifting techniques significantly reduce that concern. There are no incisions or general anesthesia involved, and the treatments are well tolerated with minimal side effects. When handled by skilled practitioners, the focus remains on safety, precision, and long-term skin health.

4. Customizable and Adaptable Treatments

Every face is different, and that is fully respected in non-surgical care.

Treatment plans are adjusted as per to your specific skin concerns, whether that’s early signs of sagging, volume loss, or subtle changes you’ve recently noticed. Over time, your plan can evolve with your needs, ensuring that your results continue to feel authentic and in tune with your natural features.

Post-Treatment Care & Recovery Time

Your skin has just begun a gentle journey of renewal. Taking care of it during this phase is not just a routine but a way of supporting the results you’ve chosen for yourself. Here’s how you can nurture it, calmly and kindly.

Keep Your Skin Clean and Comforted
Your skin has just been through a meaningful shift. It does not need scrubs or steam, just your fingertips and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Wash with lukewarm water and press your skin dry with a soft towel. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer that soothes without overwhelming. If your provider recommended a healing cream, treat it like medicine, consistently and gently applied.

Protect It from the Sun
Your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight after the treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, regardless of whether you’re indoors or stepping out briefly. If you plan to go outside, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and seeking shade whenever possible.

Let Your Skin Rest Fully
Try to avoid any intense workouts, heavy lifting, or activities that cause excessive sweating for at least 48 hours. These can increase inflammation or prolong mild swelling. Your skin will thank you for the rest.

Ease Swelling with Care
It’s common to experience slight puffiness or redness after your treatment. A clean, cool compress can help ease these symptoms. Apply it gently to the treated area for short intervals, and keep your head elevated while sleeping to encourage proper circulation and reduce fluid retention.

Be Gentle with Makeup
Give your skin at least a day or two before reaching for concealer or foundation. When you do, choose gentle, non-comedogenic products and avoid applying pressure to your skin. When it’s time to remove it, use a soft cleanser and avoid rubbing or tugging.

Nourish from Within
Every glass of water helps rebuild what your skin has released. Pair hydration with nourishing meals that support tissue repair, think leafy greens, bright fruits, and simple proteins. What you skip is just as important: say no to salty snacks, alcohol, and cigarettes for now.

Stay in Touch with Your Provider
If something feels off or you’re unsure about any symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your treatment provider. They know your case and can give you the reassurance or adjustments you may need.

How Long Do Non-Surgical Face Lifting Results Last?

One of the most common questions about non-surgical face lifting is how long the results actually last. While these treatments are not permanent, they offer noticeable improvements that can be maintained with consistency and care.

A Realistic Timeline
In most cases, you can expect results to last anywhere from a few months to two years. This depends on the type of procedure you choose and how your skin responds. These treatments don’t stop time, but they do gently turn back the clock in a way that looks natural and feels reassuring.

Treatment Durations at a Glance

• Botox: Results typically last between 3 to 4 months.
• Dermal Fillers: Depending on the product and treatment area, results can remain for 6 months to 2 years.
• Thread Lifts: Often hold their lifting effect for 1 to 2 years.
• Ultrasound or Radiofrequency-Based Treatments: Treatments like HIFU or RF microneedling can maintain results for 12 to 24 months as they stimulate deep collagen production.

What Affects How Long Results Last
Each person’s skin is different. Factors such as age, skin type, lifestyle habits, and even your metabolism play a role. Someone who follows a good skincare routine, protects their skin from the sun, and stays hydrated may enjoy longer-lasting results than someone who doesn't.

Why Maintenance Matters
Touch-up sessions help prolong and even enhance your results over time. Many people find that a gentle, regular maintenance plan keeps their skin looking consistently refreshed. 

Modern face lifting is no longer an all‑or‑nothing decision between living with sagging skin or undergoing major surgery. A carefully planned, non‑surgical program can rebuild collagen, restore youthful curves, and keep downtime to a long weekend at most. 

The next step is a personalised consultation at Leor Clinics, where our qualified practitioner maps your aging pattern and designs a lift strategy as unique as your face.
Book an appointment and feel the difference subtle, expert care can make.

FAQs

Q1: Do face lifting treatments work?
Ans. Absolutely. Both research and patient experience consistently show that face lifting treatments can visibly tighten skin, enhance texture, and bring back natural definition, especially when treating early to moderate signs of sagging.

Q2: What is a good age to get a facelift?
Ans. For surgical facelifts, many consider it around the mid-forties and beyond. But if you're in your thirties and noticing early signs of aging, non-surgical treatments can offer a preventative, subtle lift without going under the knife.

Q3: Can I lift my face naturally?
Ans. While facial exercises may help with muscle tone, they can’t rebuild lost collagen. When paired with healthy habits and collagen-stimulating treatments, you’re more likely to see lasting and noticeable lift.

Q4: What is face lifting treatment?
Ans. It refers to any method, surgical or non-surgical, that helps lift, tighten, and reshape the face. From ultrasound and radiofrequency to fillers and traditional surgery, each option works toward restoring youthful facial contours.