Peter has been answereing a question in Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetics Magazine about non-surgical facelift.  The reader asked:

"I keep reading about a non-surgical facelift. What is this? Is it a combination of treatments or just one specific treatments?"

And Peter answered:

"A non-surgical facelift is a term used to describe tightening of the skin tissue without any surgical intervention. There are quite a few varieties but the two most common techniques involve either heating the skin tissue using either infra-red or radio frequencies or muscle stimulation using micro-currents.

In the first instance skin tissue is heated to between 55^o to 60^o when significant shrinkage of collagen occurs producing an immediate skin tightening effect. The heat will also stimulate a healing response which increases the production of collagen for several months after the procedure and this thickens the skin further to enhance the tightening effect.

The heating is achieved by exposing the skin to radio or infra-red radiation that penetrates the dermal layer and is absorbed either directly by collagen or the surrounding moisture. The procedure is quick and relatively painless with little recovery time. The results can be good but will not be as pronounced or as enduring as a surgical facelift.

The term can also refer to toning the facial muscles by stimulation with micro-currents. Although some increase in collagen production is also achieved, the results can be subtle and this technique is best suited to people who are not looking for a dramatic change to their appearance."