An in-depth look: Fotona 4D Facelift

The Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic in Hampshire is one of a select few in the UK to offer the Fotona 4D Facelift. This innovative treatment really is the jewel in our crown, and it continues to grow in popularity.

We’ve had patients travel from as far as Manchester, London and even Wales to seek the expertise of Dr Tanja and to experience the cutting edge Fotona laser technology used for the 4D Facelift! Dr Tanja has further adapted this treatment to a 5D protocol which adds another layer of laser treatment to further enhance the results giving a greater lift to the lower face and jowl area.

Let’s delve a little deeper in to the how’s, what’s and why’s of this remarkable anti-ageing treatment by answering some of our patients frequently asked questions…

Who is the 4D Facelift suitable for?

Fotona 4D Facelift or the Fotona 5D Facelift treatment can be beneficial at many different stages of life, but is particularly effective as we begin to notice the first signs of skin ageing. Loss of skin laxity, the development of lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and skin redness can all be improved. From the age of 25, our body’s collagen production begins to decline, and we lose around 1% of collagen per year. Patients are offered a free skin analysis and consultation prior to treatment, which will ensure their treatment is tailored to their individual skin concerns and suitability is discussed.

How does the treatment work?

Each 90 minute session consists of 4 main treatment stages. The Fotona 4D Facelift works to stimulate collagen production whilst tightening existing collagen fibres, as well as breaking down background redness and pigmentation. The final stage is a deep exfoliating laser peel followed by the application of clinical grade ZO Skin Health products to enhance and smooth the skin.

What are the benefits?

Here’s a breakdown of the 4D  and 5D stages and their benefits in a bit more detail:

Stage 1 – SmoothLiftin™: An intraoral treatment that uses gentle bulk-heating to stimulate collagen, helping to improve nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Lines and wrinkles around the mouth are reduced and laxity in the cheeks/jowl area is improved.

Stage 2 – FRAC3® Rejuvenation: This is a fractional treatment to target deeper imperfections such as background redness and pigmentation, resulting in a calmer, more even looking complexion.

Stage 3 – PIANO® Skin Tightening: Bulk tissue heating is achieved safely and rapidly, helping to lift, firm and tighten the skin overall.

Stage 4: SupErficial™ Light Peel: Finally, the light peel removes dead skin cells, smooths skin texture and reduces imperfections. Fine lines will be reduced, pores will appear minimised and your skin will have a fresh and healthy glow.

Why is the inside of the mouth treated?

The mucosal tissue found on the inside of the mouth can tolerate much higher energy and heat levels. For example, many of us can enjoy a hot cup of tea straight from the pot, with little to no discomfort to the inside of our mouths. However, that same cup of tea if spilled on our hand or arm can result in pain or injury. So, by stimulating collagen production on the inside as well as the outside, we can achieve fantastic bulk tissue tightening comfortably and at a much higher level.

Are there additional treatment options?

Yes! Dr Tanja and her team can adapt the basic Fotona 4D Facelift structure in many ways to achieve the best results for patients. Often extra treatment stages are incorporated to enhance the treatment, such as additional skin tightening of the jawline and neck, collagen stimulation between the brows or of the eye area. We call these adapted treatments 5D and 6D Facelifts.

We also offer partial 4D treatments. These are ideal for patients who have completed their treatment course and want a more focused ‘top up’ from time to time. However, we like to recommend a full 4D treatment top up every 12-18 months to maintain optimal results.

How quickly are results achieved?

Patients will see some minor improvements within a week of treatment, but full results will begin to show after 4-6 weeks as the recommended treatment course progresses and new collagen and elastin growth is achieved. Overall skin will be fuller and firmer, wrinkles and lines will be reduced with a more even skin tone and healthy, youthful glow!

Why is Fotona laser technology different from other laser manufacturers?

“Enabled by the expanded capabilities of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG wavelengths, the Fotona laser provides up to four dimensions of treatment. Fotona’s complementary Er:YAG and Nd:YAG wavelengths are synergistically applied in 4 different modes: SMOOTH®, FRAC3®, PIANO® and SupErficial™ to work on deeper, medial and superficial connective structures of the skin, while simultaneously targeting different skin imperfections.”

“Fotona’s 4D Facelift laser treatment enables full-thickness contraction of collagen for persistent, low-downtime tightening and volumisation (wrinkle reduction) safely and without injectables.”

What side effects might I experience post-procedure?

Patients skin may feel warm and tingly after treatment and following the light laser peel, may look red for a few hours. Once the warming effects of the laser have settled down, there will be very little evidence of the procedure having been done. Unlike surgery or other ablative work on the skin, there is no bruising or scarring so day to day life can resume!

Any aftercare advice?

If your skin is feeling particularly warm, you can keep it cool by using thermal spring water spray and avoid washing your face with hot water or using harsh scrubs for a day or two, post treatment. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, and finally, sun protection is key; make sure skin is protected by using a SPF50 daily. We recommend Heliocare 360 sun protection which you can purchase from our shop.

If you’d like to experience the exceptional benefits of this treatment, then please do not hesitate to contact us and we can set up an initial consultation to start your exciting Fotona Facelift journey in our Hampshire clinic!