N-LIFT® Facial sculpting Treatment South Africa
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At Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates we understand the importance of embracing the face as a whole.
No area of the face exists in isolation, all are connected and often corrected indirectly through facial reshaping. Treating areas in isolation leads to exaggerated and aesthetically unattractive features.
The goal is to achieve harmonious results using facial reshaping injectables and state-of-the-art skin rejuvenating treatments.
Dr. Nerina Wilkinson is renowned as one of Cape Town’s leading facial rejuvenation experts. Using her detailed knowledge and surgical experience of facial anatomy, she has researched and pioneered the natural, non-invasive and effective N-LIFT® or Natural-Lift.
What is the Natural-Lift (N-LIFT®)?
The same way make-up artists use the power of facial contouring and light reflection to create the illusion of a flawless complexion, the Natural-Lift combines sophisticated techniques to holistically microsculpt the proportions of the face.
N-LIFT® precisely places very small volumes of Hyaluronic Acid filler in multiple areas to build deep structural support and shift the balance between the elevator and depressor muscles of the face. This allows light to naturally reflect from the skin, refining the facial profile and restoring youth.
Learn more about N-LIFT®, or contact us to book a consultation.
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Frequently asked questions about Natural-Lift (N-LIFT® Micro-sculpting)
Our approach to Natural-Lift treatments
At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, our approach is bespoke and tailored to solve your specific concerns.
Before we schedule any procedures, patients are required to undergo a comprehensive examination which includes a VISIA Skin Analysis and Next Motion photographs which track their progress before and after the treatment. This allows us to create a personalised, results-driven, treatment plan and accurately track progress.
Dr Nerina Wilkinson has a set standard of individualised care and expertise which is reflected by the entire team. Our team of experts has a wealth of knowledge and continuously delivers outstanding results by using state-of-the-art medical devices and products, sparing no expense to create a safe and luxurious environment where all your skincare concerns can be addressed.
Each Natural-Lift treatment is completely bespoke and formulated around each individual’s concerns and desired results.
Start your N-LIFT® journey! Contact us to book a consultation with one of our Aesthetic Doctors.
Who is the ideal candidate for a Natural-Lift?
If you notice ageing due to volume loss or if you are simply interested in microsculpting your face to bring out your best features, Natural-Lift might be the best facial sculpting treatment for you.
It is important to remember that Dermal Fillers can never resolve severe wrinkles, sagging skin or deep hollows in the cheek area. If you need more extensive correction, you might benefit more from cosmetic surgery or more advanced medical aesthetic procedures. During your initial consultation, your aesthetic doctor will advise on the best treatment for your specific concerns.
What areas can be treated with the N-LIFT®?
N-LIFT® relies on Hyaluronic Acid-based facial fillers and focuses on micro facial sculpting.
By understanding how all areas of the face are interconnected and how treating one area communicates with another facial area, we are able to use much less product and produce constant and beautiful, natural results.
Holistically the areas treated include
- jawline tightening and definition
- defining and slimming the cheeks
- temple lifting
- chin augmentation
- midface reshaping
The overall stimulation of the lifting muscles of the face results in a holistic restoration of the ideal facial shape resulting in relaxation and natural rejuvenation of the face.
How is the Natural-Lift treatment performed?
During the Natural-Lift or N-LIFT® we precisely place very small volumes of hyaluronic acid filler in multiple areas of the face to build deep structural support to shift the balance between the elevator and depressor muscles of the face.
Dermal Fillers are performed in our consulting rooms. Your Doctor will disinfect the site where you’ll be injected, then apply an anaesthetic (such as Lidocaine to the area). The anaesthetic may be applied topically, injected or may be included in the syringe.
You’ll need to remain very still while your Doctor injects the filler material. The needles used are very fine, so most people experience only mild discomfort. Straight after your treatment, the Doctor will discuss the relevant aftercare with you and you will be provided with ice to soothe the areas. Your doctor may ask that you come in for follow-up appointments to evaluate your results and administer additional injections if needed.
What are the benefits of the Natural-Lift?
If you don’t want full-scale plastic surgery, but you want to look naturally refreshed and rejuvenated, Hyaluronic Acid-based fillers will give you instant and long-lasting results by lifting and contouring your face.
Facial Fillers are no longer about “restoring volume” they are about restoring:
- Your ideal facial shape
- Structural support
- Facial definition
Modern hyaluronic-based facial fillers are minimally invasive and due to the smooth quality of the product, it literally flows through the needle, enabling Doctors to inject with ease while minimising the pain and bruising associated with filers in the past. The additional local anaesthetic in the product further decreases any discomfort after the procedure.
The product used also allows a lower concentration of HA to be used than in the past, which results in less swelling, more lifting capacity and predictable results. The added benefit of the smooth injection is a more natural “feel” (no more palpable lumps) which results in natural, soft facial contouring.
In addition, the use of Hyaluronic acid presents the possibility for the procedure to be reversible if necessary. Facial fillers that aren’t composed of Hyaluronic Acid are not reversible, so if you are not entirely happy with your results, you’ll have to wait it out.
How long do results from an N-LIFT® last?
The full results of your treatment may take up to 14 days to take full effect and will last for an average of 6 – 18 months, depending on the condition of your skin, the area treated, the amount of product injected, injection technique and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking.
In our practice, we only use Hyaluronic Acid facial fillers as with this product you can instantly reverse the results (if need by). This type of filler can be dissolved with an injection of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that simply melts it away.
The goal is, however, to be 100% happy with your first treatment, so make sure to complete your due diligence beforehand to prevent the need for facial filler dissolving. For best results, choose a Doctor who is experienced in filler injections and in using the type of dermal filler you’re considering as well as a Doctor who comes highly recommended by your family and friends.
How many treatments do you need to complete a full Natural-Lift?
Only one treatment is needed to complete an N-LIFT®. It is important to remember, however, that no treatment can halt the ageing process completely. If you want to maintain the results of a Natural-Lift, you will require top-up treatments. Please ask your Doctor when she would recommend rescheduling another appointment.
How long does it take to perform a Natural-Lift treatment?
Treatment time can vary between 30 – 45 minutes, depending on the area(s) treated.
How long is the recovery period for Natural-Lift?
While you will be able to go home and continue with most normal activities almost straight after the procedure, you will need to follow the after-care recommendations to aid in achieving optimal results.
What does a Natural-Lift cost?
The cost of treatment depends on your face shape, concerns, personal goals, how much product is required, and the treatment(s) required. You will be provided with an estimate after your initial Doctors consultation.
We are unable to provide you with an exact cost / quotation pre-treatment as an in-depth consultation is our Aesthetic Couture way of determining the exact steps required to achieve the results you desire; we quote on the steps required to achieve this outcome, not simply on the amount of product required.
Are there alternative treatments to the Natural-Lift?
If you are looking for a more extensive correction, and more permanent results or if you are looking to treat more severe skin concerns, you might benefit more from cosmetic surgery or advanced medical aesthetics, such as a facelift, StemCell4DLift™ and/or CO2RE® Fractional Laser Resurfacing instead. If you are specifically concerned with sagging of the lower face, then a Hybrid Filler procedure, or a more invasive BELLA Lift surgical approach, might be ideal for you.
Book a consultation with one of our Aesthetic Doctors to discuss your specific concerns and we’ll provide you with a personalised assessment and treatment plan with honest feedback on how to achieve your desired results.
Is Natural-Lift safe?
Natural-Lift procedures are normally safe when performed by a qualified Aesthetic Doctor. It is imperative to consult with your Aesthetic Doctor in advance to confirm suitability for your skin type and concern and determine the extent and intensity of your treatment before procedure day.
What are the possible risks and complications associated with Natural-Lift?
N-LIFT® Side Effects, Risks & Complications
As Natural-Lift relies on dermal filler injections, there are some common side effects a patient can experience after the treatment.
- Bleeding and bruising: Its possible, though unusual, to have a bleeding episode from a filler injection or local anaesthesia used during the procedure. Bruising in soft tissues may occur. Bruising takes a week to settle down, but healing can be accelerated with the use of ice 3 times/day for 5 minutes.
- Swelling: Swelling (oedema) is a normal occurrence following the injections. It decreases after a few days.
- Pain: Discomfort associated with injections is normal and usually of short duration.
Other risks associated with dermal filler injections include
- Needle marks: Visible needle marks from the injections occur normally and resolve within a few days.
- Acne-like skin eruptions: This can occur following the injection of tissue fillers and generally resolves within a few days.
- Skin sensitivity and erythema, skin rashes, itching, tenderness and swelling may occur following injections.
- Infection: Although unusual, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can occur. Herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth can occur following a tissue filler treatment. You should advise your doctor if you suffer from cold sores and receive the necessary prophylaxis. Should any type of skin infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics may be necessary.
- Damage to deeper structures: Deeper structures such as nerves and blood vessels may be damaged during injection. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.
- Skin lumpiness: This tends to smooth out over time.
- Visible tissue filler material: It may be possible to see some type of tissue filler material which was injected in areas where the skin is very thin. Granulomas: Painful masses in the skin and deeper tissues after a filler injection are extremely rare but can occur.
- Migration of filler: The filler substance may migrate from its original injection site and produce visible fullness in adjacent tissue or other unintended effects. Allergic reactions and hypersensitivity: Fillers should not be used in patients with a history of multiple severe allergies, severe allergies manifested by a history of anaphylaxis, or allergies to gram-positive bacterial proteins. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.
- Drug and local anaesthetic reactions: There is the possibility that a systemic reaction could occur from either the local anaesthetic or epinephrine used for sensory nerve block anaesthesia when tissue filler injections are performed. This would include the possibility of light-headedness, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and fainting. Medical treatment of these conditions may be necessary.
- Accidental intra-arterial injection: Although extremely, while injecting, fillers could be accidentally injected into arterial structures and produce a blockage of blood flow. This may produce skin necrosis in facial structures or damage blood flow to the eye, resulting in loss of vision.
- Scarring: Fillers should not be used in patients with known susceptibility to keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring.
Our team of Aesthetic Doctors can provide more insight into any additional side effects, and address any concerns you may have. Contact us to find out more.
Natural-Lift Contraindications
It is advised that you do not receive dermal filler injections should you be affected by any of these medical conditions:
- Allergy / hyper-sensitivity to fillers or Lidocaine
- An open wound with infection
- localized/systemic infection (bacterial or viral)
- A low platelet count
- Pregnancy and / or nursing mothers
- Auto-immune disease
- Diabetes
- Poor wound healing or Keloidosis
- Patients on anti-coagulants
- Active skin cancer
N-LIFT®: Before and After
The initial consultation with an Aesthetic Doctor is very important. We will need your complete medical history so check your own records ahead of time and be ready to provide this information. After your initial consultation, your doctor will decide if the Natural-Lift treatment is suitable for you.
You will have a comprehensive examination that includes a VISIA Skin Analysis and Next Motion photographs which track your before and after progress. Based on the results your doctor will be able to determine the best course of treatment.
It’s important to discuss your expectations frankly with your doctor and listen to their opinion. Your doctor will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure: such as your age, medical illnesses and social habits. You’ll need to discuss whether any additional procedures are appropriate. Your Doctor will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations.
Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results. When you make the decision to proceed with surgery you will receive comprehensive documentation from her assistant to help prepare you for your procedure both pre-operatively and post-operatively.
What to do before N-LIFT® treatment
We are passionate about educating our clients on safe, results-driven treatments and therefore we design each client’s Aesthetic Couture Treatment Plan individually to deliver optimal results.
Before your Natural-Lift treatment, we strongly advise that you avoid:
- Alcohol
- Garlic
- Lidocaine
- Fish oil supplements
- Aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, swelling and/or fever, such as medicine containing Diclofenac, Mefenamic acid, Indomethacin or Ibuprofen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medication includes any of these ingredients. This will reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding at the point of injection.
Because bruising and swelling are the most common side effects, especially in sensitive areas like the lips, schedule appointments at least 48 hours before any major event.
Please let us know if you have been to the dentist / oral hygienist or if you are planning to go to the dentist/ hygienist in the next 4 weeks. Why? When your teeth are cleaned, bacteria are released into your mouth and travel into the bloodstream. Fillers are considered an implant, a foreign substance in the body, and these excess bacteria increase the risk of infection and the formation of Biofilm (bacterial infection).
If this is your first visit you will need to provide us with information regarding your medical history and any medical concerns, as well as details of any allergies you have or medications you are taking. There is no need for an allergy test unless your medical practitioner feels it’s necessary.
Please contact us to find out any other specific requirements before undergoing N-LIFT® treatment at Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates.
Day of the N-LIFT®
Please note that you will have to arrive without make-up to prevent any Biofilm (bacterial infections) when doing Dermal Filler treatments.
After the N-LIFT®
Please follow these instructions carefully to aid in achieving optimal results:
For 2 hours – avoid make-up application for 2 hours at the injection sight to avoid contamination in the area
For 4 hours – do not lie down or do strenuous exercise and similar activities, nor should you do anything that increases the blood flow to the injected area
For 12 hours – avoid alcohol consumption
For 24 hours – do not rub or massage the treated areas as this could influence the effect of the product
For 2 weeks – avoid direct sun exposure, UV light, freezing temperatures and saunas
Tiny bumps or marks will go away within a few hours after your treatment, applying ice lightly to the area will offer relief
For 4 weeks – avoid dental procedures and any invasive skin or surgical procedures.
The full results of your treatment may take up to 14 days to take full effect and you can expect results to last 12-18 months on average.
Where is a Natural-Lift procedure performed in Cape Town?
Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates is a private, high-end, luxurious clinic located in the prestigious V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Dr. Wilkinson founded the House of Aesthetic Couture and Skin Science. Your treatment will be performed at Dr. Wilkinson’s clinic.
What type of anaesthesia is used during N-LIFT® procedures?
Your doctor will disinfect the site where you’ll be injected, then apply an anaesthetic (such as Lidocaine to the area). The anaesthetic may be applied topically, injected or may be included in the syringe.
Treatments
Similar to N-LIFT® Facial Micro-Sculpting
Bio Skin Remodelling booster
hybrid facial fillers
StemCell4DLift™
Meet
The Aesthetic Couture Team
About Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates
We pride ourselves on affording our patients the best service through their journey with us. Whether you are having a skin treatment with one of our skin care experts, aesthetic medical treatments or having cosmetic surgery, the team at Dr Nerina Wilkinson and Associates will be there for you, every step of the way.
Skin Science & Aesthetic Couture
Our Team has pioneered highly effective, science-driven techniques. Integrating the most cutting edge technologies, state-of-the-art equipment and sound scientific research. We design game-changing protocols that redefine skin care, aesthetic medicine, and plastic surgery.
