What is Endolift?
Endolift® is an innovative, minimally-invasive alternative to a surgical face lift, which uses laser energy to tighten the skin and contour facial fat – with minimal downtime. Created by Eufoton, the technology has been used in Italy for more than a decade and allows Dr Sabrina to target smaller areas – such as festoons, eye bags and the lower-face and neck – giving visible results without the cost, downtime or associated risks of surgery. Safe and effective, the procedure is suitable for all skin types and colours, and is performed under local anaesthesia.
What causes the face and neck to sag?
With time, the soft tissues of the face and neck become lax – as a result of age, sun exposure or simply genetics. Meanwhile, the bony scaffolding of the face starts to reabsorb, while the facial muscles become weaker – resulting in a lack of structural support for the skin and underlying fat. If left untreated, this can make the patient appear tired, sad or even angry – even when they are in good spirits. Dr Sabrina is highly regarded for her skin tightening techniques such as Endolift® and FaceTite™, which work to tighten the skin and remodel the face.
How does the procedure work?
Endolift® treatment utilises a 1470nm laser and works through single-use micro-optical fibres – as thin as hair – which are easily inserted under the skin into the superficial hypodermis. The laser energy selectively targets water and fat: effectively melting the fat while simultaneously stimulating collagen production. This causes immediate skin retraction and also reduces skin laxity. One treatment is usually recommended: this takes 1 to 2 hours and is performed under local anaesthesia. The results of Endolift® take 3 to 6 months to be fully appreciated; however, this is patient-dependent and some many see visible results sooner. Following Endolift® treatment, you will be given aftercare instructions and a date will be set for your initial review between 4 to 6 weeks. We recommend that you either have someone collect you from the clinic or that you take a taxi home.
- Less downtime – compared to surgical alternatives
- Long-lasting results – for up to 2 years
- Unrivalled expertise – performed by leading oculoplastic surgeon
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Patient Questions
Commonly Asked Questions about Endolift®
How does Endolift® for compare to a surgical facelift or neck lift?
Surgical face and neck lifts are highly effective for treating moderate to severe sagging and jowling, offering impressive visible results that last more than 10 years – though with more downtime and a higher cost. By comparison, Endolift® enables the tightening of mild to moderate soft tissue excess allowing us to reduce submental and jowl fat – making it an attractive alternative to people not wanting surgery, and allowing for a subtle omprovement. One session of Endolift® is required; however, some patients may need a second treatment that can be repeated at 6 to 12 months. While the tightening effects can last for 1 to 2 years, some patients and doctors report results lasting up to 5 years –compared to the 8 to 10 years of longevity you could expect from surgical facelift results. Endolift® is therefore the suitable procedure for patients who want a scar-less improvement, with reduced cost and downtime.
What is the recovery and downtime for Endolift®?
Endolift® is performed in an outpatient setting, so you can go home straight after treatment. There is no need for compression bandages or dressings. Following your procedure, redness and bruising may appear; however, this usually settles within 1 to 2 weeks, and most patients are able to return to social activities in 1 to 2 weeks. Patients may also experience soreness, tenderness and numbness for several weeks after treatment: these are not permanent and resolve in time. Rarely the motor nerve may be temporarily affected in a lower-face treatment, and this may require the use of oral anti-inflammatory tablets.
What side effects can I expect?
Following Endolift® you can expect swelling and bruising for up approx. 1 week after the procedure. As with any heating device, there is a risk of skin burns, discoloration or nerve bruising that may result in muscle weakness around the mouth for 3 to 6 months (though this is rare). Asymmetry and contour irregularities may also occur and can require further treatment.
Is Endolift® safe?
Endolift® offers a safe and effective solution to tighten loose skin and remodel fat in the mid- and lower-face and neck. Before the treatment, small laser eye shields are placed over the eyelids to protect the eyes. (If you wear contact lenses, it is advisable to remove these and refrain from wearing them for 24 hours post-treatment).
What are the advantages of Endolift®?
Endolift® is an outpatient procedure, performed in your doctor’s office under local anaesthesia – so you will be able to return home after treatment. The laser technology stimulates collagen production over 3-6 months; however, you should also see some tightening within the first week (sometimes even immediately). While Endolift® does not require stitches and there are usually no visible scars following the procedure.
Does Endolift® hurt?
Endolift® requires injections of local anaesthetic to numb the area, which may sting temporarily, while some patients feel occasional heat and discomfort. At the end of the treatment, there will be some redness and minor swelling in the treated area, which may be sore and numb for several weeks.
Am I suitable for Endolift®?
Endolift® is suitable for all skin types and colours; however, it is not advised for patients who are pregnant, those who have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator, those with an electronic implant, a permanent implant in the treatment area (such as metal plates and screws), silicone implants or an injected chemical substance. Those with a history of diseases stimulated by heat (such as recurrent Herpes Simplex), or any active condition in the treatment area (such as sores, psoriasis, eczema and rashes) are not advised to have this treatment.
About Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai MS, FRCS
Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai is a distinguished oculoplastic surgeon and one of London’s leading eye specialists. She has over two decades of surgical experience and is renowned for her ability to create a natural look.
Dr Sabrina has a deep anatomical knowledge of the periorbital area and an appreciation for the differences in treating both men and women. When raising the brows and eyelids in a male Upper-Lid Blepharoplasty, it is important to preserve the T-shaped brow – in order not to feminise their appearance.
Patient Reviews
“Dr.Sabrina and her team are the most professional and lovely people to deal with .The results are outstanding and natural . One emerges looking the best you can without serious surgical intervention.Dr.Sabrina is Magician in all she does.
18/12/2022”
“I have been seeing Dr Sabrina for over a year now and have absolute confidence in everything she says and does. Having had numerous filler and botox treatments in the past I was left with festoons which just wouldn't shift along with facial laxity in my lower face. Dr Sabrina listened carefully to my concerns and has ensured I followed a treatment plan that would ensure the best results for me whilst ensuring value for money. The latest treatment I had around 8 weeks ago was Endolift and I can honestly say that the results are already fantastic even though the maximum benefit isn't seen until 3 months or longer. My jawline is already visibly tighter and my festoons have all but disappeared. I cannot recommend Dr Sabrina highly enough.
02/02/2022”
