Embrace™: Combining FaceTite™ and Morpheus8™
Dr. Stephens is highly regarded as a pioneer and innovator in utilizing minimally invasive procedures (see endoscopic brow lifts and “TEAM” procedures) as well as using advanced technologies for skin tightening in body contouring. We were among the first practices in the country to introduce proven and effective skin tightening radiofrequency (RF) technology utilizing the InMode™, FaceTite™, and Fractora™ RF Microneedling treatments in early 2018.
We now offer Embrace™, an advanced, minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatment that combines Morpheus8™ advanced RF Microneedling with FaceTite™ (a non-surgical, minimally invasive RF probe that is placed under the skin for tightening of the face and neck). This has been shown to take facial contouring to another level, exceeding other minimally and non-invasive procedures. We are the first practice to introduce Embrace™ to the Northwest.
The FaceTite™ component of Embrace™ effectively “lifts” the lower face and neck by contouring the jowls and the neck through subcutaneous tightening and a variable amount of fat removal. This unique skin-tightening ability of RF differentiates FaceTite™ from the other non-invasive or minimally invasive devices, such as CoolSculpting®, TruSculpting®, KYBELLA®, and even Ulthera®, that do not produce much (if any) skin tightening. FaceTite™ safely delivers instantaneous high-temperature radiofrequency (RF) energy to the subcutaneous tissue and skin. The RF energy shrinks and produces new collagen in the subcutaneous tissues and deep skin layer. It addresses skin sagging in the chin, jowls, cheeks, and neck.
The Morpheus8™ microneedling system directly produces new collagen within the dermis of the skin through variable depths of RF microneedling. When combined with FaceTite™, the Embrace™ treatment results in the correction of the superficial sagging tissue layers, by tightening and thickening the skin and tissue network matrix beneath the skin. Morpheus8™ can tighten and improve the skin quality throughout the face and neck (we often include the decolletage). This treatment is also effective for skin tightening on the body.
Why Should I Consider Embrace™ Facial Rejuvenation?
The Embrace™ treatment is an excellent alternative to facelift surgery for the individual who is not quite ready or a candidate for a surgical facelift.
- They may have reasonable skin quality while noticing the loss of skin tone and increasing sagging.
- They may have undergone a so-called “Liquid Facelift” or a “thread lift,” but now disappointed that these didn’t have the desired effect and frustrated about what to do next!
- They may have loose neck skin and a full neck.
- They may also see deeper facial lines throughout the face and neck and sagging in the cheeks and upper face.
There several benefits to FaceTite™, which include:
- Facelift-like results
- Minimally invasive treatment done under light sedation
- Stimulation of new collagen production in the skin and subcutaneous tissues
- Short downtime and minimal pain
- Results in as early as two weeks that continue to improve over six months to one year
- Neck fat reduction, tissue remodeling, and significant tightening
Your Embrace™ Face Contouring Procedure:
The treatment begins by numbing the face or neck with tumescent anesthetic injections under the skin. One of the FaceTite™ electrode probes is then inserted under the skin with the other electrode along the skin’s surface. The subcutaneous probe is activated, producing instantaneous high-temperature pulses below the skin surface through an RF current that gently and effectively heats and shrinks the tissue, producing unequaled skin tightening that continues to improve for months. Following this, the Morpheus8™ treatment is then directly applied to the skin to treat the whole face, neck, and decolletage areas. It typically takes one and a half to two hours to perform the treatment based on the complexity of the treatment.
Embrace™ Safety:
FaceTite™ and Morpheus8™ are combined in the Embrace™ treatment—an FDA-approved procedure. The temperature is precisely monitored under and on the skin’s surface, providing instantaneous temperature feedback to the surgeon. It has a built-in automatic treatment cut-off to ensure your safety. This dual-temperature probe technology offers better control and feedback than any other device on the market.
It is essential to undergo this procedure with a properly trained and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Stephens to ensure comfort and safety while providing effective treatment. The procedure requires artistic sensibility and good aesthetic judgment and technical expertise to ensure a superior result.
What Is the Recovery From Embrace™ Like?
Typically, the minimal downtime after an Embrace™ procedure is one to two weeks. Results can vary based on your skin type and skin aging, as well as healing factors. It is essential to follow the directions during your recovery for the best results.
You should expect some swelling and bruising in the treated areas for at least one to two weeks after the procedure. We will send you home with a compression garment to wear continuously over a few days, followed by several days at night to reduce swelling. The garment will also provide your skin with extra support while minimizing bruising and discomfort. You can also consider icing any swollen areas.
Most people return to normal activities within a few days of treatment. It is not advised to undergo any extreme physical activity for one to two weeks.
FAQs About FaceTite™/ Embrace™
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Although rare, some of the risks associated with FaceTite™ are small burns and temporary nerve issues, such as muscle weakness and contour irregularity. The more common side effects include swelling, bruising, and numbness. Swelling and bruising can last between 10 days and several weeks, while numbness may last for several weeks or months. Common side effects from the Morpheus8™ include rashes, itching, and redness. In darker skin types, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur, so we recommend a pre-treatment with hydroquinone and skin care in patients with more pigmented skin.
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Although there is minimal downtime, it is essential to schedule a couple of days off of work to recover from your procedure. Stay out of the sun for one month, and use a high-quality sunscreen and skincare. If you smoke, you should stop smoking for two months before undergoing the treatment to avoid any smoking-related complications. Also, schedule to have a designated driver after the surgery.
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You will notice the results as early as a few weeks that continue to improve over six months to a year following Embrace™. The results of FaceTite™/Embrace™ are long term, lasting five years or longer, depending on how your skin ages. The Morpheus8™ RF can also be applied yearly, twice a year, or even after several years, including after a facelift to maintain skin elasticity and tone. We recommend that you consider three treatments with Morpheus8™, when possible, to ensure the results’ integrity and longevity.
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The FaceTite™ part of the Embrace™ treatment removes unwanted fat while tightening loose skin in the neck and jowls to sculpt the face and neck.
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Embrace™ begins where Ultherapy® and other treatments leave off. Ultherapy® is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses ultrasound technology to provide a boost of collagen production—it has much less effectiveness in tightening when compared with the Embrace™. This is true of Thermage also as well as CoolSculpting® and KYBELLA®. This is because Embrace™ uses safe, high-temperature RF technology to provide more consistent and uniform tightening and lifting while also improving the skin texture and quality. Ultherapy®, Thermage, CoolSculpting®, other fat reduction treatments, and other technologies do not affect the skin.
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The ideal candidate has mild to moderate sagging skin and laxity in the jowls, neck, brow, and midface-cheek area. The best results are seen in those in that “in-between” group who are considering a facelift. Candidates must stop smoking for two months and be medically able to tolerate the procedure.
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An Embrace™ treatment can provide you with similar results of a facelift without undergoing surgery if you have mild to moderate skin laxity. It can even give impressive results in older patients with sagging skin but reasonable skin quality. The procedure can provide long-lasting results, lasting longer in younger patients or those with better skin quality. Of course, recovery is faster, simpler, and less extensive with Embrace™. Facelift surgery will provide more dramatic results for older patients or those with significant facial sagging and less skin collagen in thinner skin. The facelift requires incisions and is a longer procedure but is ideal for patients with poor skin quality and extensive skin laxity.
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We often perform eyelid procedures and fat graft facial shaping with Embrace™. We recommend that you avoid any superficial fillers until after the Embrace™ procedure has been performed.
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