We know that botulinum toxin and facial fillers, techniques already widely disseminated and with excellent results, have a limited and short-term effect – after six months, and up to 18 months, respectively. Plastic surgeries, on the other hand, have more lasting results, however, surgery is usually more invasive and has a longer post-operative period.

But advances in the field of Plastic Surgery are changing this scenario, and it is now possible to combine prolonged results with minimally invasive face surgeries.

Below, I answer some questions and explain what is already available in the facial plastic surgery segment.

Besides traditional surgery and rejuvenating procedures, does the Plastic Surgery field offer any novelties?

Yes, the field of Plastic Surgery goes hand in hand with technology, and new developments emerge all the time. Currently, we can also count on much less invasive techniques that have more lasting results and can be performed on an outpatient basis, that is, in the office.

And what are these procedures like?

We have radiofrequency as a promising technology, which has a bipolar modality, with internal and external temperature control, such as bodytite, facetite and accutite, and fractional radiofrequency, such as morpheus for body and face, which are microneedles that can treat different depths of the skin, reaching even the fat.

Bodytite: Indicated for treating skin laxity and usually associated with liposuction. Widely used on the abdomen, back, thighs, knees, and arms. It is generally performed with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia, but for small areas, it can even be done with local anesthesia.

Facetite: Indicated for treating laxity in the face and neck area, and for some more delicate body regions such as around the knee. It can be done with local anesthesia.

Accutite: Indicated for small areas and regions with thinner skin such as lower eyelids and eyebrows, and even small and large labia. It can be done with local anesthesia.

Morpheus Facial and Body: Indicated for treating the skin at different depths, stimulating collagen, reducing laxity, treating scars and stretch marks, and improving skin texture. The difference between the two tips is that the facial one has 24 needles and reaches up to 4mm, and the body one has 40 needles, can reach up to 7mm, and has a “burst” modality, which can work at 3 different depths in one application.

What are the results?

Fat retraction, collagen stimulation, reduction of laxity, reduction of wrinkles, improved skin texture, improved skin elasticity and quality, that is, rejuvenated skin with a minimally invasive procedure, which generally allows the patient to be discharged on the same day.

How is the post-operative period?

Morpheus: Erythema (redness) lasting no more than 24 hours and edema for one to three weeks is considered a typical skin reaction to the treatment.

Bodytite: Ecchymosis (bruises) may appear for seven to 10 days and edema for one to three weeks.

How long do these new procedures last compared to traditional facial plastic surgery?

They present an initial effect due to the edema caused by the procedure and a gradual improvement that can last from three to 12 months.

Are there any contraindications?

Bodytite is not indicated for patients with electronic implants, such as cardiac pacemakers or internal defibrillators. A history of skin cancer, or the current condition of any other type of cancer or pre-malignant spots is also not indicated for use.

Morpheus should not be used in patients who have used Botox®, hyaluronic acid, among other biological materials. The procedure should not be performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.