“I really want a face lift but I don’t want any surgery.”
Sometimes what a patient wants and what we can do are just not compatible. However there is usually room for a compromise position.
Why don’t patients want surgery? Is it cost? Is it pain? Is it down time? Is it risk?
Or is it all of the above?
Whilst it is true that surgery is a very much safer option now than it used to be, for some patients the risk is just not acceptable. There is undoubtedly a significant degree of risk in any procedure that requires a general anaesthetic or utilises a scalpel. No matter how much we reduce this risk we cannot negate it.
Recovery times have improved a little but there is still significant swelling and bruising and a certain amount of necessary discomfort.
There is also the matter of discretion. Many of my patients don’t want anyone to know that they have had anything done. Following surgery you may be bruised and swollen for a few weeks and then when all the swelling has gone you may be so substantially different that people ask “when did you have your face lift done?” This can sometimes spoil the point.
Certain celebrities are adamant that they ‘haven’t had surgery’ but is it possible they have had something else done? Something with less risk and less discomfort but most importantly something with more discretion. Something that almost unnoticeably enhances the features and returns the face to a more youthful vigour. Perhaps more importantly something which takes place almost imperceptibly slowly and thus ‘under the radar’ of even those who know us well.
Thermage is the best of these systems. Using high intensity radio-frequency to heat up your own internal collagen to cause tightening and stimulate ‘neocollagenisis’ or new collagen to grow. This replaces the lost elasticity in the skin and makes it look and feel younger and fresher. It also has ‘anti-gravitational’ effects, lifting the jowls, raising cheekbones and lifting eyebrows with the subtlety of a master surgeon. Best of all it does this slowly over a period of 4 to 6 months so, as you continue your normal activities and meet all your friends, you are slowly and subtly transformed in front of their eyes. They may not know why you look better but they certainly know you do.
There is some discomfort involved but this is only brief and during the treatment. Immediately afterwards there may be a little reddening of the skin but many of my patients go home looking completely normal. There is no residual pain or swelling and no visible bruising occurs. Sounds pretty ideal doesn’t it?
Unfortunately this technology isn’t cheap but my patients think the cost is worth it and it does remain a cheaper option than surgery.
Whilst it cannot offer the degree of change of surgery it can offer a significant proportion of the change at less cost and a lot less risk or downtime.
So you can go on the Jonathan Ross show and say that you have never had surgery, because after all, you haven’t have you?
If you would like to talk personally to me about any of the treatments or procedures we offer then call the girls on 01625 598 000 and book your FREE consultation now!
I look forward to meeting you in person.