Tired of saggy skin but don’t want to go under the knife? Healthista put a non surgical facelift to the test at the D.Thomas Clinic in Chelsea, London
Lynton Focus Dual radio-frequency micro-needling offers the the next generation of Morpheus 8, using ultra fine needles, that create less trauma, discomfort and bleeding, but are equally as powerful to noticeably regenerate skin texture.
In a nutshell this is a scientifically proven combination technology for non-surgical skin lifting, firming, tightening and retexturing for your face, eyes, neck and body.
recovery is quicker with better results
In fact, it’s one of the most powerful anti-aging skin procedures on the market.
A more comfortable treatment than its older generation counter part, Focus Dual has a vacuum, giving perfect delivery and depth every time, meaning the depth of needle is professionally controlled regardless of the skill of the practitioner’s hand.
This treatment can replace laser resurfacing, as recovery is quicker with better results.
What does it help with?
To anyone who is suffering with skin damage, pigmentation, scarring, acne, pores or just needs that anti-aging maintenance for sagging skin – this is the procedure for you.
- Non-surgical facelift, skin tightening and lifting
- Lifting the eyebrows
- Ageing skin (wrinkles, fine lines including smoker lines and pigmentation)
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Acne & Surgical Scars
- Large pores
- Double chin reduction
- Jawline Sculpting
- Reduction of under-eye bags
It is fantastic for all ages and stages of life and one of the most brilliant treatments out there if you are looking for a visible difference.
If you do suffer from pigmentation or melasma, as this procedure uses light, you will need to use pigment suppressant skincare during your treatment.
READ MORE: Adult Acne: expert reveals what causes it plus 7 important skincare tips
How does Focus Dual work as a non surgical facelift?
The radio-frequency heat causes natural collagen stimulation beneath the skin, and the micro-needling penetrates the superficial depth of the skin to help refine texture and tone.
The combination targets the skin at different layers, to achieve the overall benefits of skin lifting, tightening, refining, softening lines and wrinkles as well as helping with acne scarring and smoothing of the skin.
The needles penetrate the skin at a precise and controlled depth due to a unique vacuum system, causing micro-injuries, which trigger the body’s natural healing process and subsequently stimulate collagen production and repair.
For example, the needles go to a depth of 1.5mm max and depending on what the patient is trying to achieve, so the more scarring you have the deeper the needle needs to go.
- 0.5 mm depth, is for everyone, for general anti-aging maintenance and superficial fine lines.
- 0.8-1 mm depth, is for deeper anti-aging needs
- 1.5 mm depth, is used for deep scarring and thick skin
Around the eyes, lips ands chin, the needle depth decreases, as these areas are more sensitive compared to the forehead and jowls where more lifting is required, and so needle depth is increased.
Around the eyes, lips ands chin, the needle depth decreases
The needle device also pulses the radio-frequency heat, creating thermal trauma in the deeper underlying areas of the skin. The needles are active along their entire length, causing high volumetric heating. This makes the treatment time shorter, less dramatic and reduces downtime.
For the cherry on top you also have the benefits of HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound), to help give that extra tightening to your jowls, if you wish to have that as an add on. The levels of penetration can vary depending on client needs.
The HIFU part goes as deep as 4.5 mm to the layer that connects the skin to the muscle, without downtime, with results showing in approximately 6 to 9 months.
The combining of these clinically proven technologies work synergistically, to tighten, plump and refine skin texture, resulting in new collagen production, boosting circulation and increasing cellular renewal; giving the most dramatic results.
READ MORE: E4’s Body Fixer Dr Nina Bal reveals results of her miracle non-surgical face lift
My experience…
At the beginning of your procedure your skin will be cleansed and your concerns will be discussed, which will determine the depth of treatment. The standard procedure requires two passes over the neck and face, with three passes for more mature/problem skin.
We started off with HIFU, and personally for me it was a little intense. The intensity can be varied, so I was able to ease myself into it and work up to its greatest potential.
HIFU uses ultrasound to heat the skin 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, speeding the collagen induction process, with the ability to reach SMAS layers for maximum results.
For the micro-needling/radio-frequency part of the procedure I strongly recommend buying a big tube of anaesthetic cream, applied 40 min before your treatment. This is also recommended by therapists.
The suction sensation helps to reduce the discomfort of the heat
I myself applied a super thick layer over the treatment areas in order for the treatment to feel more comfortable and to allow for deeper penetration and therefore better results.
The suction sensation helps to reduce the discomfort of the heat and helps the needles to penetrate the skin deeper.
In terms of the heat I didn’t really feel much, until after the procedure, but this was not an issue at all and subsided very quickly.
The needle part definitely can’t be described as comfortable, even with the anaesthetic cream. And of course, some areas more sensitive than others (lips and nose).
Epidermal growth factors get applied on the skin after the treatment, which consist of a soothing serum that calms inflammation and rehydrates, followed by a strong application of high performing SPF.
There was no bleeding during the process on any occasion and my skin recovered from the redness within 12 hours following the procedure, so hardly no down time.
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After the treatment…
Just make sure that for 5 to 7 days before and after your treatment you don’t use any active ingredients such as, acids or retinols on your skin.
Also avoid steam rooms, saunas, work-outs and make-up for 24 hours after the treatment – and of course don’t forget your SPF!
Despite the discomfort, I honestly couldn’t recommend it more, it truly works, your whole face feels lifted and your jaw looks super chiselled even after one procedure.
I had a course of four treatments and my appearance was visibly younger, with clearer, firmer skin. This was also noticed by my friends and work colleagues commenting on my youthful glow and sculpted jawline.