FaceTite by InMode is an FDA-cleared facial rejuvenation procedure that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to reduce excess fat and tighten skin. “FaceTite allows me to gently but effectively sculpt and contour the face and neck, to achieve significant results without invasive surgery,” remarks Dr. Vu Ho, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Plano, Texas.
“FaceTite works by heating the lower dermis layer of the skin, which is primarily composed of collagen,” explains Dr. Richard Westreich, a board-certified plastic surgeonin New York City. In addition to tightening the existing collagen fibers, the heat liquifies or breaks down fat, while also stimulating a natural healing response that triggers new collagen production. Over the coming weeks and months, the new collagen firms skin and improves its elasticity.
The treatment also contracts existing collagen fibers, so some patients see an immediate improvement, in addition to more lasting benefits.
FaceTite is commonly used:Â
It also has two sister treatments, designed to target other areas:
Research shows that FaceTite can be an effective facial rejuvenation treatment for the right candidate. A 2022 study of FaceTite and AccuTite results determined that ideal candidates have early jowling, mild to moderate skin laxity, and submental fullness (a double chin).Â
The study also claimed that the treatments can offer this group of patients a less invasive and expensive alternative to face and neck lifts, but it’s still important to keep your expectations realistic: while it can visibly tighten lax skin, FaceTite results will never be as long-lasting or dramatic as a surgical facelift.
To achieve a more dramatic fat removal and contouring, doctors often combine this skin tightening procedure with liposuction to remove the liquified fat—a pairing known as radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL).Â
“The advantage of liposuction with FaceTite, over traditional liposuction alone, is that the RF energy helps to break down or melt the pockets of fat under the skin, making the liposuction more effective,” explains Dr. Ho.
A study published in the journal Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Global Open in 2016 showed that 85% percent of patients were satisfied with their contouring and skin-tightening results from RFAL.Â
A 2023 study in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery comparing RFAL to traditional facial lipo found RFAL results to be superior, describing it as “a safe and effective treatment that can achieve significant improvement of the fat accumulation and skin laxity of the lower face and neck under local anesthesia.”
FaceTite results can also be enhanced by pairing it with RF microneedling procedures like Morpheus8, which punctures tiny holes in the surface of skin and deliver RF energy into the dermis (the deeper layer of skin), to further stimulate collagen remodeling. “One of my favorite treatment combinations is to utilize FaceTite with Morpheus8, to maximize results without adding a lot more cost and downtime for my patients,” says Dr. Ho.
A retrospective study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open in 2020 paired FaceTite with Morpheus8 and found the combination filled a “treatment gap” for patients with moderate laxity who weren’t yet ready for surgery. “Ninety-three percent of patients indicated that they were pleased with their results and would undergo the procedure again,” according to the study’s authors.
Pros
Cons
Your FaceTite cost will depend on your provider’s level of experience, their practice location, the number of areas you have treated, whether or not it’s combined with other procedures, and a few other key factors.
Insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures like this one, but most providers accept third-party financing options, such as CareCredit.
The FaceTite photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
Ideal candidates are in their 30s to 50s, with mild to moderate skin laxity but good elasticity.Â
Patients who have excess fat along the jawline and under the chin can also benefit from a combination of FaceTite and liposuction.
“I tell my patients that I can consistently produce a 30–40% improvement in neck and jawline tightness,” says Dr. Jason Bloom, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. This level of improvement may not be enough for a 60-year-old with significant sagging, but it's a solid option for younger patients who aren't ready yet for a more aggressive procedure.
Another factor is the quality of your skin. “Patients with very thin skin can potentially have more complications with this type of procedure and need to proceed cautiously,” warns Dr. Ho.
Good bone structure to provide support for the tightened skin is also vital. If the face needs more support, facial implants or injectable dermal fillers are sometimes recommended, says Dr. Westreich.
Related: The Best Skin-Tightening Procedures for Every Trouble Spot
A FaceTite procedure takes about an hour, from start to finish. Here’s what to expect.
If you’ve taken an oral sedation medication (such as Valium or Ativan) or narcotic pain pills, you'll need to have a trustworthy adult drive you home post-treatment.
Most patients need about four to five days of downtime for their initial recovery, but each person heals differently, so you may want more time if you can take it. Swelling tends to peak about three days into your recovery, but you can expect bruising and swelling for at least a week—and possibly even longer.Â
“Sometimes people can be swollen to some degree for up to two weeks, depending on the extent or aggressiveness of the treatment, as well as the patient's personal factors,” says Dr. Ho.
Each provider has different post-procedure instructions, so it’s best to follow their specific recommendations, but doctors on RealSelf recommend a few ways to shorten your recovery timeline and reduce swelling after FaceTite:
The treatment area may continue to feel numb for several weeks, so most patients don't feel a lot of pain during FaceTite recovery. If you do feel discomfort, ask your provider for recommendations on over-the-counter pain medications.
Some patients see a subtle improvement in skin laxity in one week, but it takes longer for new collagen to form and optimal results to develop.Â
See FaceTite before and after photos
The skin tightening effects of a FaceTite procedure last for at least a year, but some patients and doctors say results can last up to five years.
“This doesn’t mean that in five years, you’ll suddenly go back to your pre-procedure look,” says Dr. Ho. “But you may begin to see a gradual reduction in overall tightness, similar to what happens during the natural aging process,” he says.Â
You can help extend your results by using a good skin care regimen, wearing a high-SPF sunscreen daily, and not smoking.
Doctors on RealSelf say FaceTite procedures are generally safe. Dr. Michael Somenek, a facial plastic surgeon in Washington, DC, explains that the device “uses the same kind of radiofrequency technology used in MRIs, Thermage, and other medical treatments that have been safely performed for years. FaceTite was developed to treat delicate areas of skin without causing cellular damage to tissues.”
The most common side effects include:Â
Swelling can take up to two weeks to fully resolve, and numbness can also linger for a few weeks.Â
There’s also a possibility of experiencing these FaceTite complications.Â
“Risks are always minimized by having a skilled and experienced surgeon perform the procedure,” says Dr. Westreich. To give yourself the best chance of an effective result while avoiding problems, make sure your FaceTite procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic or dermatologic surgeon who has performed the treatment dozens of times. “Furthermore, experienced providers should be able to manage potential complications,” notes Dr. Ho.
Updated April 20, 2023