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FaceTite
FaceTite is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and contour the face and neck. It is a non-surgical alternative to traditional facelift surgery, and it can be used to treat sagging skin, wrinkles and excess fat in the lower face and neck areas. At Bespoke Skin MD in Kingston, Dr. Kim Meathrel offers FaceTite for patients who want skin tightening without the recovery of surgery.
What Is FaceTite?
FaceTite is a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency to tighten facial tissues. During this treatment, the radiofrequency energy passes through an internal cannula (inserted through a tiny opening in the skin) and an external electrode. The heat is delivered evenly through the fat and skin, contracting existing collagen immediately and triggering new collagen production.
Compared to traditional facelift surgery, FaceTite is less invasive, has fewer risks and complications, and can produce natural-looking results.
What Are the Benefits of FaceTite?
FaceTite delivers results that fall between injectables and surgery, with advantages for the right patient, including:
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Skin Tightening: Radiofrequency heat contracts loose skin on the lower face, jowls and neck without removing tissue.
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Fat Reduction: The same heat melts small pockets of unwanted fat.
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Collagen Stimulation: New collagen continues forming for months, so firmness improves gradually after the session.
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Minimal Scarring: The treatment works through openings only a few millimetres wide, leaving little visible mark.
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Faster Recovery: Most patients return to work within a few days rather than weeks.
The Bespoke Approach to FaceTite
Radiofrequency works well for skin tightening and rejuvenation when it is paired with the right patient. Dr. Meathrel has practiced in Kingston since 2006 and was among the first in the region to adopt advanced energy-based devices such as FaceTite. She has a long track record of knowing which patients are suited to FaceTite and which may be better served by surgery or other nonsurgical treatments.
Honesty matters in aesthetics, where there is often not enough emphasis on patient education and readiness. At Bespoke Skin MD, Dr. Meathrel will only recommend treatments when there is good clinical indication for it and when the results will also be good in the long-term.
Meet Dr. Meathrel
Dr. Kim Meathrel has served Kingston since 2006. She combines world-class expertise with a sophisticated aesthetic eye, integrity, restraint, and respect for each patient’s unique identity.
“I aim to ensure that every intervention enhances who you already are, and supports how you live. Your face, body, and confidence are not replaceable.”
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Certified Plastic Surgeon by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
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Undergraduate — BSc (Biology), Queen’s University, Kingston
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Medical School — MD, Queen’s University, Kingston
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Residency — Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton
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Burn Trauma Fellowship — Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto
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Cosmetic Plastic Surgery — Mentorship under Dr. Lloyd Carlsen, Toronto
Who Is a Good Candidate for FaceTite?
FaceTite is generally recommended for individuals who have mild to moderate skin laxity in the face and neck and who wish to achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance without undergoing more invasive surgery. Good candidates for FaceTite typically have good overall health and skin quality, and are not excessively overweight.
It is important to note that FaceTite may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions or those who have unrealistic expectations about the results of the procedure.
Specific Concerns
FaceTite is best for mild to moderate skin laxity along the jowls, lower cheeks and neck where tissue has begun to loosen. Patients with more advanced sagging may have better results from a surgical lift.
Age
Patients in their late 30s to 50s are often good candidates for FaceTite because their skin still retains enough natural elasticity to retract and firm once the underlying tissue is heated. At this stage, laxity is usually more moderate. Younger or older candidates can still benefit if their skin quality and elasticity are right for the treatment.
Physical Health
Those who are good candidates are in stable health and maintaining a consistent weight at the time of treatment. Major weight fluctuations after the treatment can stretch the skin again and cause an increase in fat, undoing the improvements made with FaceTite.
Expectations
FaceTite tightens and contours the jawline and neck, but its results are more subtle and gradual than a surgical facelift. If you understand this distinction up front, you will be more likely to be satisfied with the outcome, since your goal will be natural-looking improvements.
Mental and Emotional Health
Candidates for FaceTite are those who are seeking aesthetic treatments for themselves rather than to meet someone else’s standards or to try and meet an unrealistic ideal. If you have patience with your results and a healthy mindset, you will be happier with your results.
What to Expect From FaceTite With Dr. Meathrel
Consultation
Dr. Meathrel will take the time to look at the skin laxity and fat distribution of your lower face and neck and ask you about what bothers you most. She will explain in detail what FaceTite can be expected to do in your situation and compare it to all of your other options. You will leave with a clear treatment plan and all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Preparation
Preparation will be simpler for this procedure than for surgery. You will pause any medications that may thin your blood and cause bruising, along with alcohol, for several days beforehand. If you use nicotine products, stop them well ahead of time to improve healing and skin retraction. Come into the office with a clean face. When you arrive, Dr. Meathrel will review aftercare with you so you know what to expect.
Procedure
During a FaceTite procedure, a small cannula (thin tube) is inserted under the skin through tiny incisions. The cannula delivers radiofrequency energy to the treatment area, heating and tightening the skin and underlying tissues. The energy also helps to stimulate collagen production, which can further improve skin elasticity and firmness.
FaceTite is performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation, and it typically takes about an hour to complete. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a few days, and there is minimal scarring and downtime associated with the procedure.
Bespoke
bi-ˈspōk
Specially made for a particular person
"Bespoke means built around you. Your anatomy, your concerns, your goals, your timeline, your life. We don't work from a menu, cookie-cutter packages or rigid protocols, and we don't recommend the same plan twice. Your treatment plan is shaped by what we see and hear during your consultation, backed by the sound judgment and long-term thinking that only come from years of experience. That is the standard we hold ourselves to for every patient, every time."
— Dr. Kim Meathrel, Plastic Surgeon & Medical Director
What Is Recovery Like After FaceTite?
One of the advantages of FaceTite is that it typically involves minimal downtime compared to more invasive surgical procedures. Most patients can resume their normal daily activities within a few days after the procedure.
Immediately
Expect swelling along with redness and a warm, tender feeling in the treated areas. You will have a compression garment to help support the tissue and control swelling, and discomfort is often manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Days 1 to 3
Depending on the extent of the treatment, patients may need to wear a compression garment for a few days to help minimize swelling and promote healing. Patients should also avoid strenuous exercise and activities that may increase blood flow to the treated area for several days after the procedure.
One Week and Beyond
Bruising fades, and most swelling settles within one to two weeks, though mild firmness can be present longer. Light exercise can usually resume after a week, and you can add more vigorous activity once Dr. Meathrel clears you. The contour you see at two weeks keeps refining for several months.
What Results Can You Expect From FaceTite?
FaceTite procedures provide a tighter, smoother lower face and a more refined jawline and neck. You can expect early improvement once the swelling resolves, but most of your results will come later, at around three to six months, once the new collagen matures and the skin continues to retract. With FaceTite, your results will look natural because the tightening comes from within. A single treatment is usually enough, and the firmer contour can last for up to five years with stable weight and good skin care.
Are There Alternatives to FaceTite?
There are several alternative treatments that can be used to address skin laxity and other signs of aging in the face and neck. These include:
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Surgical Facelift: A surgical facelift is a more invasive procedure that involves removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissue and muscles to create a more youthful appearance. Recovery time is longer, but the results can be more dramatic and longer-lasting than with non-surgical options.
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Dermal Fillers: Injectable dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can be used to restore volume to areas of the face that have lost elasticity, helping to smooth wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
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Botox®: Botox is a neuromodulator that is used to relax the muscles responsible for wrinkles and fine lines, particularly in the forehead and around the eyes.
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Fotona 4D: Fotona 4D facelift is a non-invasive, four-dimensional facelift procedure that uses laser technology to address the signs of aging in the face and neck. The procedure combines four different laser treatments to provide a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.
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Sculptra®: Sculptra is a type of injectable dermal filler that is used to stimulate collagen production and restore volume to the face. The filler is composed of a biocompatible and biodegradable substance called poly-L-lactic acid, which is gradually absorbed by the body and stimulates collagen production in the skin.
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Face Fat Grafting: Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer or autologous fat transplantation, is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and injecting it into the face to restore volume, improve contour, and rejuvenate the appearance.
Can FaceTite Be Combined With Other Procedures?
FaceTite can be paired with other treatments or procedures to address multiple areas or concerns at the same time. FaceTite is often combined with AccuTite to treat both the lower face and more delicate areas like the eyes or mouth. Sometimes FaceTite may pair well with skin resurfacing treatments that focus more on the tone and texture of the skin on the surface, including Morpheus8 or laser resurfacing.
Volume can be restored in specific areas with the use of dermal fillers and can also help emphasize the results of FaceTite. Dr. Meathrel will discuss these options with you and create a timeline that helps you get the most out of every treatment.
Book Your FaceTite Consultation in Kingston
FaceTite can be a good option for those who want a bridge between less invasive treatments and extensive surgery for mild facial sagging and laxity. To learn whether FaceTite fits your anatomy and goals, request a consultation with Dr. Kim Meathrel. You can book online or call Bespoke Skin MD at 613-549-7546.
Frequently Asked Questions About FaceTite
How long do FaceTite results last?
FaceTite results typically last around five years, often longer. The collagen your body builds after treatment is long-lasting, but your face keeps aging from that improved baseline. Maintaining a stable weight, protecting your skin from the sun and using quality skincare willl help you keep the tightening results for longer. Some patients choose a touch-up treatment years later.
How much does FaceTite cost?
Cost depends on the areas treated, whether sedation is used and whether FaceTite is combined with other treatments. Because each plan is unique, Bespoke Skin MD provides a personalized quote at consultation. FaceTite is a cosmetic treatment, so it is not covered by OHIP, though it costs less than a surgical facelift.
What is the difference between FaceTite, BodyTite and AccuTite?
All three use the same radiofrequency technology, but they differ in the size of the area they treat. FaceTite is sized for the face and neck. BodyTite uses a larger probe for bigger zones like the abdomen or thighs. AccuTite is the smallest, and is made for delicate spots like the brows, under-eyes, nasolabial folds and jowls. Dr. Meathrel may use them together.
How many FaceTite treatments will I need?
Most patients need only one FaceTite treatment to see lasting tightening. Occasionally, patients with more advanced laxity benefit from additional treatments or a combination approach, which Dr. Meathrel will discuss at the consultation.