The double-lift facelift: Subtle, sculpted, and scalpel-free

Overcorrection has left the chat. Pillow pouts, dissolved. Filled-in cheeks, retired. The perpetually surprised expression that once defined the era of ‘Instagram face’ is  slowly disappearing. We’ve now entered an era of subtlety, where tweakments gently sculpt and define silently, without leaving a trace. Think low-key, but high-impact.And that’s what the double-lift facelift, also known as the HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) facelift, is all about. Coined by London- based aesthetic physician Dr George Roman— nicknamed “the artist”—the double-lift facelift promises a snatched and sculpted look without having to go under the knife.

FACE OFF

“It is a non-surgical, dual-depth skin tightening procedure that uses HIFU to stimulate collagen and elastin at two key layers of the face—the superficial dermis and the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), the same deep muscle layer traditionally addressed in surgical facelifts,” explains Dr Nidhi Singh Tandon, dermatologist and founder, Skin Art Clinic.

Traditional surgical facelifts are the time-tested veterans of cosmetic surgery—long hailed as the gold standard for restoring facial harmony, symmetry, and a noticeable lift. Think of them as the OG ‘glow up’, but with a side of scalpels, anaesthesia, and long recoveries (not to mention the fear of a botched result). Double-lift facelift, however, is entirely non-invasive.

“Think of it as a deep, internal ‘push’ to lift the skin, minus the scalpel,” Dr Singh Tandon explains. “It’s performed in-clinic without any cutting or downtime, making it a more natural-looking, gradual lift.” No incisions, no downtime—just subtle lift and definition with a refined, natural finish.

DIVING DEEP

This lunchtime procedure uses HIFU, a non-invasive energy-based device that particularly targets the SMAS layer. “Controlled energy is given to this layer, which in turn, contracts it and gives it a lifting and tightening effect,” says DrVarshini Reddy, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Medical Director,The Glow Clinic.

The focused ultrasound energy is delivered beneath the skin at two depths: Between 1.5mm and 3mm to stimulate the dermis and at 4.5mm to target the SMAS layer. “You’ll feel warm, tingling pulses beneath the skin,” reveals Dr Singh Tandon. “Sensitive areas like the jawline or forehead may feel mildly uncomfortable, but can be tolerated without any anaesthesia.”

The goal is to target the muscle layer beneath the skin, creating a lift from within.According to Dr Yash Mehta, founder & principal surgeon, ACSC, traditional surgical facelifts operate at a deeper level by manipulating the SMAS layer and repositioning facial fat pads.Targeting the same area, HIFU instead uses ultrasound energy that converts to heat to penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, stimulating the body’s natural process of collagen and elastin production, resulting in skin that looks naturally tighter and more lifted.

“There are no incisions, no scars, no downtime,” he says. “The treatment uses short bursts of ultrasound energy delivered precisely to the skin’s deeper layers over a span of 60 to 90 minutes.” Other than slight redness or mild swelling immediately after the procedure, there isn’t any downtime or post-procedural effects.

Think: A sharper jawline, fewer jowls, lifted cheeks, firmer neck, softened nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and an overall boost in skin tone and structure. No added volume, just improved collagen and elasticity doing most of the heavy lifting.

“Since it boosts collagen, the skin is tighter and firmer over time and gives a more youthful appearance,” adds Dr Reddy.“It works great for the lower half of the face and the neck, and can be done once a year for most people as a maintenance protocol.”

According to Dr Singh Tandon, results begin to appear anywhere within four weeks, peak around three to six months, and can last 12 to 18 months, depending on the individual, skin type, and lifestyle.

IT’S A MATCH

The double-lift facelift is ideal for those looking to address the first signs of ageing—think mild sagging, reduced elasticity, and early fine lines. It’s also a non- invasive option for individuals experiencing skin laxity after weight loss or pregnancy.“It’s best considered from your 30s, when the earliest signs of ageing begin to appear,” advises Dr Reddy.

While it makes for an effective procedure to tackle early concerns, Dr Reddy is clear that it’s not a replacement for surgery. “Surgical facelifts are more permanent and offer long-lasting results, especially in cases of significant sagging or volume loss,” she says.

Additionally, Dr Mehta advises that individuals with facial paralysis, vitiligo, eczema, epilepsy, pacemakers, or active skin infections should avoid this treatment unless cleared by a medical professional. Those with dermal fillers should also wait for a cooling-off period of at least six months. “It’s not recommended for anyone with extremely sensitive skin or certain autoimmune conditions without prior consultation,” he adds.

Operating on the concept of well-ageing rather than anti-ageing, the double-lift facelift offers a glimpse into the future of tweakments. Subtle, not loud. Natural, not noticeable—this quick, fuss-free procedure delivers a rejuvenated, youthful glow, without leaving a mark.

Lead image: Getty Images

This article originally appeared in the August-September print issue of Harper's Bazaar India 

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