Non-surgical facelift is a misnomer, to say the least. At best, a face with mild aging change may be rejuvenated slightly using a variety of non-surgical methods alone or in combination, but even the most aggressive application will not begin to replicate the improvement that can be obtained by skillful tissue repositioning and reinforcement that comes from real surgery.

Basic components of non-surgical facial rejuvenation can include:

• Procedures that cause controlled scarring...

A probe applied to the skin, for instance, can deliver radiofrequency RF energy (or other types of energy) into the dermis. In response to injury from focused heat, tissue tightening may occur as the evolving scar (often called "new collagen") begins to contract. Multiple such radiothermoplasty treatments are typically recommended to achieve the fullest result, although the majority of patients note little or even no noticeable lasting improvement.

• Procedures that restore tissue volume...

Liquid face lift refers to reshaping areas of the face by injecting commercial dermal fillers. A "lift" is achieved by restoring deeper volume that then plumps up sagging features that have become depleted of youthful fat. Depending on the amount and type of filler injected, the result will fade in anywhere from a few months to a few years.

• Procedures that decrease normal muscle function...

Injecting BOTOX or Dysport ® botulinum toxins, for instance, below the brow may allow the now unopposed tone of the forehead muscles to pull the tail of the brow slightly upward. Similarly, neurotoxins can be used in many other areas of the face and body to modulate tissue shape, but the result is subtle and short-lived.

None of these quick and easy approaches are unique to the Asian population. Designed to appeal mainly to young patients not ready for real facelift, such treatments may also attract older patients prone to wishful thinking.

The thread lift, another minimally-invasive alternative to facelift, is covered elsewhere. Dermal fillers and neurotoxins are covered in the Skin section.