FaceTite suits people with mild to moderate jowls and early neck laxity who want a subtle improvement with a short recovery, while a facelift suits people with more advanced sagging who want a more noticeable, longer-lasting change. The main differences are how much loose skin each can address, the scars, the recovery time and the cost.
How each treatment works
FaceTite is a minimally invasive radiofrequency treatment. A thin probe under the skin and an electrode on the surface deliver controlled heat, reducing small amounts of fat and encouraging the skin and supporting tissues to contract. No skin is removed.
A facelift is a surgical operation. Through incisions hidden around the ears and into the hairline, the deeper supporting layer of the face is lifted and repositioned, and excess skin is removed. A deep plane facelift releases and lifts the deeper tissues further to address the jowls and neck.
Side by side
- Best suited to: FaceTite: mild to moderate laxity and early jowls. Facelift: moderate to advanced sagging, deep jowls and loose neck skin.
- Anaesthetic: FaceTite: local, sometimes with sedation. Facelift: usually general anaesthetic, sometimes local with sedation for smaller lifts.
- Scars: FaceTite: a few tiny entry points. Facelift: fine scars around the ears and into the hairline, designed to be discreet.
- Downtime: FaceTite: typically five to seven days. Facelift: typically two to three weeks before feeling socially comfortable.
- How results appear: FaceTite: gradually over six to twelve months. Facelift: visible once swelling settles, refining over several months.
- Degree of change: FaceTite: subtle. Facelift: more noticeable repositioning of tissues.
- Cost: FaceTite from £7,500; mini facelift from £8,000; facelift from £14,500; deep plane face and neck lift from £18,500.
Where FaceTite fits well
FaceTite can be a good choice if you are noticing the first signs of a softening jawline, a little fullness under the chin or slight looseness of the neck, and your skin still has reasonable elasticity. It appeals to people who want to avoid longer scars and extended time off work, and who are comfortable with a more modest, gradual change. It can also be used to refine areas after facial surgery.
Where a facelift is the better option
When skin has lost significant elasticity, when the jowls hang below the jawline or when there are visible bands and folds in the neck, heating the tissues from beneath has limited effect. In these situations a facelift, often combined with a neck lift, addresses the underlying cause by lifting the deeper tissues and removing excess skin. Choosing FaceTite for advanced laxity can lead to disappointment and money spent on a treatment that was never likely to meet your goals.
Risks compared
Both approaches carry risks. With FaceTite, the specific concerns are burns, temporary irritation of the nerve controlling the lower lip, lumps and contour irregularities. A facelift carries the general risks of surgery, such as bleeding and haematoma, infection, blood clots and anaesthetic risks, along with facial nerve irritation, scarring and changes in sensation. The FaceTite risks guide covers the radiofrequency option in more depth.
Which is right for you?
The right choice depends on your anatomy, skin quality and priorities rather than a preference for one treatment over another. Consider:
- If recovery time is your main concern: and your laxity is mild, FaceTite may suit you.
- If you want a clearer change to jowls and neck: a facelift is more likely to achieve it.
- If you sit in between: a mini facelift, or FaceTite combined with surgery, may be discussed.
Mr Nassab will examine your face and neck and explain honestly which approach is most likely to meet your goals, including when he thinks neither is needed yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FaceTite replace a facelift?
Not for most people with moderate to advanced sagging. FaceTite is designed for milder laxity, while a facelift repositions deeper tissues and removes loose skin.
Which lasts longer?
A facelift generally has a longer-lasting effect because tissues are repositioned and skin is removed. Both are affected by ongoing ageing, sun exposure and weight change.
Is a facelift possible after FaceTite?
Yes. Having FaceTite does not rule out a facelift in future, although Mr Nassab will ask about any previous treatment when planning surgery.
Is a mini facelift a middle ground?
It can be. A mini facelift, from £8,000 addresses early jowling through shorter incisions and suits some people who fall between the two options.
Is there anything non-surgical to try first?
For very early changes, good skincare, sun protection and a stable weight all help. Some people consider dermal fillers to support the jawline, though these do not tighten loose skin. Mr Nassab can talk through whether waiting, a non-surgical option, FaceTite or surgery makes most sense at your stage.
Which has less downtime?
FaceTite, typically around five to seven days, compared with around two to three weeks after a facelift.
