Lifting Without Cutting #1: The Biology of Non-surgical Lifting

Lifting the face and neck without surgery is the holy grail of aesthetic medicine. While there's no meaningful substitute currently available that can give the degree of laxity correction in the face, neck and jawline as the facelift, there are good non-surgical skin lifting and tightening treatments for mild to moderate signs of aging. Non-surgical skin treatments started with various smoothing treatments such as chemical peels. As doctors noticed the more aggressive use of these treatments created some tightening as well, the idea of developing a standalone skin tightening treatment in and of itself piqued their interest. In the 1990's, there were attempts to use lasers and other infrared light sources to tighten skin, but it wasn't until the early 2000's with the introduction of Thermage and fractional laser treatments that the modern era of non-invasive skin treatments emerged. Through trial and error, doctors discovered that it's safer and more effective to treat with these energy devices over time rather than do one really aggressive treatment. More recently, the FDA has cleared ultrasound treatments Ultherapy and Sofwave for lifting and tightening the skin. Today, energy can be applied beneath the skin, too, with treatments like FaceTite, which delivers radiofrequency energy. About Dr. Lawrence Bass Innovator. Industry veteran. In-demand Park Avenue board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lawrence Bass is a true master of his craft, not only in the OR but as an industry pioneer in the development and evaluation of new aesthetic technologies. With locations in both Manhattan (on Park Avenue between 62nd and 63rd Streets) and in Great Neck, Long Island, Dr. Bass has earned his reputation as the plastic surgeon for the most discerning patients in NYC and beyond. To learn more, visit the Bass Plastic Surgery website or follow the team on Instagram @drbassnyc Subscribe to the Park Avenue Plastic Surgery Class newsletter to be notified of new episodes & receive exclusive invitations, offers, and information from Dr. Bass.