What the name means
Facial ageing rarely affects one layer. Treating only one may leave the others unaddressed. This protocol maps each side of the face and treats three depths in order. There are no incisions and no general anaesthesia. No skin is removed, and bone is not changed.
Terms such as 3D facelift and 4D HIFU facelift refer to multi-depth ultrasound. Its main lifting step, VF Lift, uses monopolar radiofrequency, not ultrasound.
The three depths of a 3D facial reconstruction facelift
| Depth | Aim | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Foundation | Descent and laxity | VF Lift, Time Freeze Laser LCLR, or thread lifts |
| 2. Volume | Hollows at temples, cheeks, tear troughs and chin | Filler or biostimulator injections |
| 3. Surface | Pigment, texture, pores and dermal density | Laser resurfacing, energy tightening or injectable skin-quality treatments |
The order of treatment
Who it suits and who is referred on
Adults with laxity, volume loss and skin changes together, or soft-tissue asymmetry such as uneven descent or a one-sided masseter bulk. BTX may be considered for that bulk.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Active infection, inflammation or cold sore in the area. A known allergy to an injectable component. Pacemakers, implanted devices or nearby metal implants, for energy treatments. Blood thinners and bleeding disorders are reviewed individually.
Skeletal asymmetry needs a surgical opinion. Marked sagging or skin excess goes to a plastic surgery specialist. Sudden or unexplained asymmetry needs medical assessment first.
Before you book
Tell your doctor about blood thinners, aspirin, fish oil and any supplements that increase bruising. Mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, cold sores, autoimmune conditions, pacemakers, implants, threads and any earlier filler or facial treatment. Avoid sunburn, and pause strong actives if you are advised to. Bring earlier photos, including straight-on shots, as these help with mapping. The fee depends on which depths need treatment, the method for each layer, the areas and how the elements are combined. The consultation also decides whether treatment is advised at all, and having no treatment is always an option.
What it cannot do
It cannot change bone. It cannot reposition deep tissue or take away skin as surgery does, and marked excess skin is beyond its reach. Filler alone does not lift tissue that has moved down. BTX does not change fat, skin laxity or bone. A mirror-image face is not a realistic goal, so the aim is soft-tissue balance. Collagen and biostimulator responses develop over months and vary. No duration can be promised. Timing of any maintenance is set at consultation.
Risks and aftercare
Redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness can follow energy treatments. Swelling, tenderness and bruising can follow injectables or threads. Less often, asymmetry, lumps, pigment change or an inflammatory reaction may need review. Accidental filler placement into a blood vessel is serious but uncommon. In the first day, avoid pressing or massaging treated areas unless instructed, and avoid heat, saunas and strenuous exercise. White, blue, grey or mottled skin, or severe or increasing pain after filler: urgent assessment by the injector or A&E now. Change in vision or eye pain after filler: call 995. Contact the clinic the same day for blistering, oozing, or spreading redness with fever. Sudden drooping or weakness on one side of the face needs urgent care, so call 995. Results vary.