With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Kevin R. Hanz is at the forefront of modern aesthetic procedures regarding facial rejuvenation. While many patients considering facial procedures including facelifts and neck lifts with increasing age, Dr. Hanz has treated these concerns with a minimally invasive procedure, FaceTite. Dr. Hanz sat down with Haute Beauty to discuss the new alternative to facelifts and how long results last.

FaceTite is a revolutionary technology that represents an alternative to a traditional facelift.  In the past, patients have often asked about minimally invasive approaches to tighten skin.  Quite honestly, there was very little to offer that truly worked.  The FaceTite treatment was FDA approved in January 2017.  Having said that, the same technology, the same platform, and the same company have existed in Europe and Canada for approximately 11 years.  We have greatly benefited from the expertise and experience of our European and Canadian colleagues.  The treatment uses radiofrequency (RF) to achieve skin tightening.  At the end of the day, RF is an energy.  As such, it heats the tissue.  By generating heat just below the skin, we are able to affect the fibrous septa and fascial connection network.  This results in a very controlled thermal injury that remodels over time.  The device involves both an internal cannula as well as an external component that work in unison.  The internal cannula is 1.8 mm.  I tell patients that the size of the cannula is similar to an IV.  We do not worry about scars associated with IV catheters and patients need not worry about scars with this treatment. The procedure is minimally invasive and requires very little downtime.  Patients may see some minor swelling for 2-3 days.  I typically see very little bruising,  Patients are able to resume normal activity in as little as 2-3 days.

The ideal candidate is typically between 40 and 65 years of age.  The patient will have minimal to moderate laxity (loose skin) around the jawline and just below the chin.  It should be noted that I have performed the procedure on patients younger than 40 who are bothered by these same issues as well as patients over the age of 65.  FaceTite may be used on those patients that have had previous plastic surgery and are now experiencing some relaxation of the skin in the lower face and neck.

It would be difficult to say.  The treatment is gaining popularity across the country with every passing day.  For a celebrity, the ability to define the jawline and tighten the lower face without any significant downtime has to be very appealing.  There is no question that this will quickly become a Hollywood staple!

FaceTite typically lasts approximately 5-7 years.  A well done, a traditional facelift should last 15 years.  I would never discourage a patient from traditional surgery, but some many patients fit the profile of a “gap patient.”  The gap patient is someone who either refuses to go under the knife or simply does not have the degree of aging that may require a bigger surgery.  I see these patients every day in my Dallas practice.