Patient satisfaction with FaceTite® is high: one of the largest studies on the treatment found that 93% of patients were pleased with their results and would undergo the procedure again, while a separate study of neck-focused treatment reported 85% satisfaction. At SVIA® Plastic Surgery, home of Liu Plastic Surgery in Los Gatos, Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu offer FaceTite as part of a broader menu of minimally invasive face and neck treatments, and in this blog, we'll walk through what the research actually shows, what FaceTite treats, and how to know if it's right for you.
How Does FaceTite Work Beneath the Skin?
FaceTite is a minimally invasive radiofrequency (RF) device that delivers controlled thermal energy beneath the skin through a small cannula, without the incisions of a traditional facelift. The RF energy coagulates a thin layer of subdermal fat while heating the deep dermis, which triggers collagen contraction and prompts new collagen production over the following months. Because it works beneath the surface rather than resurfacing the skin, FaceTite is often paired with Morpheus8 or buccal fat pad removal for a more comprehensive lower-face result. FaceTite is manufactured by InMode, whose IgniteRF workstation integrates FaceTite alongside BodyTite and Morpheus8 on a single platform.
What Does the Research Say About FaceTite Satisfaction?
Two peer-reviewed studies give a clear picture of how patients feel about their results:
- A 2020 multicenter study of 247 patients treated with combined FaceTite and Morpheus8 RF technology found that 93% of patients were pleased with their results and would undergo the procedure again, with an average follow-up of just over two years. (Source: Dayan et al., 2020, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open)
- A separate study of 55 patients who underwent RF-assisted liposuction of the neck and lower face found that 85% were satisfied with their contouring result and degree of skin tightening. (Source: Keramidas & Rodopoulou, 2016, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open)
Both studies also tracked objective improvement, not just subjective satisfaction; the 2020 study documented a statistically significant average improvement of 1.4 points on the Baker Face/Neck Classification scale, a standardized measure clinicians use to grade facial and neck laxity.
What Areas Does FaceTite Treat?
FaceTite is most commonly used to address:
- Jowls and early jawline laxity
- Submental (under-chin) fullness and skin laxity
- Neck banding and loose skin
- Mild to moderate skin laxity that doesn't yet require a surgical lift
Because it's a skin-tightening treatment rather than a skin-resection procedure, FaceTite works best on patients with mild to moderate laxity rather than significant excess skin.
Choosing FaceTite or a Surgical Facelift
Good candidates for FaceTite typically have early-to-moderate facial or neck laxity, are not ready for (or don't yet need) a surgical facelift, and are looking to avoid the incisions and downtime of open surgery. Patients with more advanced skin laxity may see better, longer-lasting results from a traditional facelift or a combination approach. During a consultation at SVIA®, Dr. Jerome Liu or Dr. Tom Liu will use our TouchMD interactive displays to walk you through your specific anatomy and help you understand which option, or combination of options, fits your goals.
How Quickly Can You Return to Your Routine After FaceTite?
FaceTite is performed under local anesthesia in the majority of cases and typically takes under an hour. Most patients experience swelling and mild bruising for one to two weeks, with the majority of visible improvement developing over the following two to three months as new collagen forms. Because there are no external incisions beyond small entry points, downtime is meaningfully shorter than with a surgical facelift.
The Expertise Behind Your FaceTite Treatment
FaceTite sits at the intersection of technology and judgment: the device does the heating, but the surgeon's assessment of who is (and isn't) a good candidate is what determines whether the result actually looks natural. Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu bring that judgment from years of surgical facial rejuvenation experience, not just device operation.
- Both surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and fellowship-trained in aesthetic surgery
- Dr. Jerome Liu completed his aesthetic subspecialty fellowship at UT Southwestern Dallas and the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, and has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and chapters
- Dr. Tom Liu completed a fellowship in aesthetics and microsurgery at CPMC-Davies Aesthetic Surgery Institute and the Buncke Clinic, and co-directs the Plastic and Breast Program at El Camino Hospital
- SVIA® holds a 4.7-star rating across 718 reviews, with financing available through Alphaeon™ and CareCredit®
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FaceTite the same as a facelift? No. FaceTite is a minimally invasive, radiofrequency-based skin-tightening treatment performed through small entry points, while a facelift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and repositions underlying tissue. FaceTite works well for mild to moderate laxity; more advanced laxity typically responds better to a surgical facelift.
What are the risks of FaceTite? As with any energy-based treatment, temporary swelling, bruising, and areas of firmness are the most common side effects, and these generally resolve within a few weeks to a few months. Your surgeon will review your specific risk profile during your consultation.
How long do FaceTite results last? Because FaceTite stimulates your body's own collagen production, results continue to improve for several months after treatment and can last for years, though natural aging continues in the background as with any cosmetic treatment.
Curious If FaceTite Is Right for You? Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu Can Help
FaceTite's patient satisfaction data is genuinely strong, but the number that matters most is how it applies to your specific face and goals. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerome Liu or Dr. Tom Liu at SVIA® Plastic Surgery in Los Gatos to find out whether FaceTite, a surgical facelift, or a combined approach is the right fit for you.
Sources
- Dayan, E., et al. (2020). Multimodal Radiofrequency Application for Lower Face and Neck Laxity. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7489644/
- Keramidas, E., & Rodopoulou, S. (2016). Radiofrequency-assisted Liposuction for Neck and Lower Face Adipodermal Remodeling and Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open.https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2016/08000/radiofrequency_assisted_liposuction_for_neck_and.6.aspx
- InMode. IgniteRF Workstation.https://www.inmodemd.com/workstation/igniterf/
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
