Endolifting – is a laser facelift from the inside an effective way to rejuvenate the skin?

The face may lose its firmness before deep wrinkles appear. The cheeks become less firm, the nasolabial folds more pronounced, and the face’s oval shape gradually loses its defined contours. And that is precisely when treating the skin’s surface alone may not be enough.

Endolifting This is a laser rejuvenation treatment in which laser energy is delivered from inside the mouth. This makes it possible to target deeper tissues and stimulate processes related to collagen remodelling.

The aim is not to mechanically „stretch” the skin. It is about stimulating the tissues in a controlled manner to encourage remodelling, and to improve their firmness and quality.

Endolifting can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or as part of more comprehensive treatment protocols 3D Endolifting and 4D Endolifting using the Fotona laser platform.

How does laser Endolifting work?

Endolifting is a non-surgical laser procedure used to improve the firmness and quality of facial tissues. The treatment is carried out from inside the mouth, allowing the laser energy to be delivered to the tissues without the need for surgical incisions.

The procedure uses a laser Er:YAG. Carefully selected energy It causes controlled heating of the tissues, affecting the collagen fibres and triggering processes that lead to their remodelling.

This is important because facial ageing is not limited to the appearance of wrinkles.

Over time, the quality, density and elasticity of the skin change. The tissues lose their firmness and the contours of the face become less defined. Endolifting addresses precisely these changes.

Why is the procedure carried out via the mouth?

This is one of the most distinctive features of Endolifting.

In many procedures, the energy acts primarily through the skin’s surface. In this case, the laser is inserted via the mouth, which allows the energy to be directed at deeper tissues.

During the procedure, treatment can be carried out on areas such as the cheeks, the zygomatic region, and around the mouth and lower face.

Controlled tissue heating affects collagen fibres and acts as an incentive for their redevelopment. The process does not, therefore, end when the visit is over.

Tissues need time to respond to the stimulation applied.

That is why the effects of Endolifting develop gradually.

The effects of Endolifting – firmness, tone and an improved facial contour

The results of the treatment depend on the initial condition of the skin, the degree of loss of firmness, the patient’s age and individual characteristics.

Endolifting can help with:

• improved skin firmness on the face,
• improving the firmness of the cheeks,
• improved tissue elasticity,
• smoothing out fine lines,
• improving the appearance of the area around the mouth,
• reduction in the appearance of nasolabial folds,
• improving the appearance of marionette lines,
• improving the contour of the lower face,
• stimulation of collagen remodelling,
• an improvement in the overall quality of the skin.

The result should look natural.

The face shouldn’t look as though it has undergone a facelift. It should look tighter, firmer and more rested.

Endolifting for nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks

Nasolabial folds and a loss of firmness in the cheeks often occur together. However, this does not mean that wrinkles are the sole cause of the problem.

The appearance of the midface and lower face is also affected by a loss of elasticity, changes in tissue volume and the gradual displacement of facial structures.

That is why simply filling the furrow does not always solve the problem.

In certain cases, it may be more appropriate to begin treatment by improving the quality and tone of the tissues. Endolifting may form part of such an approach.

If, on the other hand, the problem is primarily due to a loss of volume, the doctor may consider other methods, such as volumetric treatments. It all depends on what is actually causing the change in the face’s appearance.

3D Endolifting – three levels of action

3D endolifting This is an extended protocol utilising the three stages of the Fotona platform’s operation:

1. Endolifting,
2. FraC3D,
3. Piano.

Each of them has a different role.

This makes it possible to work simultaneously on tissue firmness, skin quality and deeper thermal stimulation of the skin.

Endolifting – working from the inside

The first stage involves the actual Endolifting procedure, carried out via the mouth using non-ablative Er:YAG laser treatment.

Its purpose is to heat tissues in a controlled manner and stimulate processes associated with collagen remodelling.

FraC3D – improving skin texture

The second stage utilises the non-ablative effect of the laser on the skin.

FraC3D It may help to promote skin renewal, improve its structure and tone, and smooth out fine lines.

This stage focuses more on the quality of the skin than on the tension of the deeper tissues themselves.

Piano – deep thermal stimulation

The third element 3D Endolifting There is a technology called Piano that uses a laser Nd:YAG.

Long-term, controlled heating of tissues allows for a deeper effect and supports the processes responsible for improving their firmness and density.

As a result, 3D Endolifting combines three modes of action:

internal action + skin renewal + deep thermal stimulation.

4D Endolifting – additional treatment of the skin’s surface

4D endolifting It comprises three stages familiar from the 3D protocol and additionally utilises a stage Superfacial.

It is precisely this aspect that constitutes the most significant difference between 3D and 4D Endolifting.

Superfacial is a laser treatment that utilises ablative action Er:YAG laser. In this case, the treatment also involves the skin’s surface.

Its aim is to remove parts of the outer layers of the epidermis in a controlled manner and to stimulate regenerative processes.

In this way, you can work on:

• the smoothness of the skin,
• its structure,
• colour scheme,
• minor unevenness,
• the overall appearance of the skin’s surface.

This is precisely why 4D Endolifting may be of particular interest to people who, in addition to a loss of firmness, also show changes to the surface of the skin itself.

Following the procedure, it is also possible to undergo additional regenerative therapies if the doctor considers them appropriate.

3D versus 4D Endolifting – the key differences

The difference between the two procedures is not merely a matter of name.

3D endolifting It comprises three stages: Endolifting, FraC3D and Piano.

4D endolifting extends this protocol to include Superfacial, which involves additional work on the skin’s surface.

We can therefore adopt a simple rule:

3D – tissue tension and remodelling.

4D – skin tightening, tissue remodelling and further improvement of the skin’s surface.

However, this does not mean that 4D endolifting will automatically be the better choice.

If the skin is relatively smooth and the main problem is a loss of firmness, an additional ablative treatment may not be necessary.

However, if there are also irregularities in the skin’s texture, fine lines or uneven skin tone, a more comprehensive treatment programme may be warranted.

The final decision should be made following an assessment of the skin and tissues during the consultation.

Endolifting versus surgical facelift

Endolifting may be an option for people who have noticed a loss of firmness but do not yet want or need a surgical facelift.

However, a clear distinction must be drawn between these two procedures.

Endolifting is not the same as a surgical facelift.

The procedure allows the tissues to be surgically repositioned and tightened. Endolifting works by applying controlled laser energy and stimulating remodelling processes.

For this reason, the range of possible outcomes is different.

If there is significant tissue laxity or a large amount of excess skin, the doctor may decide that the laser procedure alone will not be sufficient.

Fotona Endolifting – technology tailored to the skin’s needs

Endolifting utilises Fotona laser platform, which enables the use of various methods of utilising laser energy.

This makes it possible to target different tissue levels and combine procedures with different effects.

It was precisely on this basis that the protocols were drawn up 3D endolifting i 4D endolifting.

It’s not just a matter of adding more stages.

Each of them has a specific task.

One focuses on the tissues on the oral side, another on skin remodelling, the next on deep thermal stimulation, and in 4D version We are also working on the skin’s surface.

Safety and contraindications for Endolifting

Like any medical procedure, Endolifting requires the patient to be suitably assessed.

Before the procedure, the doctor should take a medical history, assess the condition of the skin and tissues, and check that there are no contraindications to carrying out the procedure.

The patient should inform their doctor, amongst other things, about:

• chronic conditions,
• medicines being taken,
• infections and inflammatory conditions,
• skin changes in the treatment area,
• pregnancy and breastfeeding,
• previous aesthetic medicine treatments,
• other factors that may be relevant to the safety of the procedure.

The list of contraindications may vary depending on the protocol used.

The final assessment is carried out by a doctor during the consultation.

Recovery following an Endolift procedure

One of the features Endolifting There is no recovery period as is typical of a surgical facelift.

This does not, however, mean that the skin and tissues do not respond to the treatment.

Following the procedure, patients may experience temporary sensations associated with the effects of the energy. Patients are given personalised advice on what to do after the treatment.

In the case of 4D Endolifting, the Superfacial stage must also be taken into account. As this stage utilises the ablative effect of the laser, the skin may require a period of recovery.

Redness, a sensation of warmth and 1TP4oiling of the skin may occur. The recovery time depends, amongst other things, on the parameters used and the individual skin’s reaction.

When do the effects of Endolifting become apparent?

Some of the changes may be noticeable relatively quickly, but the final result should not be assessed solely immediately after the treatment.

Endolifting stimulates collagen remodelling processes, which take place gradually.

This means that the appearance of the skin may improve over the coming weeks. The tissues need time to respond to the stimulation applied.

The pace of change varies from person to person.

It is therefore worth discussing not only the expected outcome during the consultation, but also the realistic time required to achieve it.

How long do the effects of Endolifting last?

There is no single figure that applies to every patient.

The longevity of the results depends, amongst other things, on age, skin quality, the degree of sagging, lifestyle, exposure to UV radiation and the natural ageing process.

It is also significant whether Endolifting is performed as a stand-alone procedure or as part of a broader protocol, for example 3D or 4D endolifting.

Therefore, the frequency of subsequent treatments should be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the condition of the skin and the response to previous treatment.

A natural rejuvenating effect without altering facial features

Many people no longer simply want to „smooth out their face”.

She wants to look better, but still be herself.

This is precisely why, in the case of laser treatments, it is so important to maintain the proportions of the face and avoid excessive alteration of its features.

Endolifting focuses on improving the firmness and quality of the tissues. It does not necessarily involve increasing the volume of the cheeks or lips.

For some patients, this may be a viable alternative to treatments aimed primarily at adding volume.

Who might Endolifting be suitable for?

Endolifting may be considered for people who notice:

• loss of skin firmness,
• sagging cheeks,
• deepening of the nasolabial folds,
• changes around the mouth,
• the loss of a distinct facial contour,
• fine lines,
• a deterioration in skin quality.

However, this does not mean that a single treatment will solve each of these problems.

Facial ageing is a multi-faceted process. For one patient, the main concern may be the condition of the skin; for another, it may be a loss of volume; and for yet another, significant tissue laxity.

Therefore, the treatment plan should be based on the diagnosis, rather than on the name of the procedure itself.

Endolifting – cost of the treatment

The price of Endolifting depends on the scope of the procedure, the protocol used and the number of areas being treated.

The price of Endolifting on its own may differ from that of the extended Endolifting 3D or Endolifting 4D protocols.

In the case of 4D therapy, the additional Superfacial stage must also be taken into account.

It is advisable to discuss the current cost of the procedure directly, as the scope of treatment should be tailored to the patient’s individual needs.

Endolifting – when should you consider this procedure?

If you notice that your face has lost its firmness, your cheeks have become less taut and your facial contours are no longer as defined as they used to be, it is worth starting by carefully assessing the cause of these changes.

Not every face needs filling.

Not every case requires surgery.

Sometimes the main issue is the quality and tone of the tissues, which can be improved through carefully selected stimulation.

Endolifting, Endolifting 3D and Endolifting 4D offer various options for treating tissues – ranging from treatment via the oral cavity, through deep thermal stimulation, to improvement of the skin’s surface.

If you’d like to find out whether Endolifting is suitable for your face, book a consultation. During your appointment, the doctor will assess the condition of your skin and tissues, analyse the cause of the problem and tailor the treatment plan to your actual needs. It’s not about carrying out as many steps as possible. It’s about selecting the ones your face really needs.

Sources:

1. PubMed „Correction of nasolabial folds using an intraoral non-ablative Er:YAG laser”
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29482388/
2. PubMed „Optical coherence tomography (OCT) assessment of intraoral non-ablative erbium:YAG laser (SMOOTH mode) in the rejuvenation of nasolabial folds”
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31794102/
3. PubMed „Efficacy, safety and guidelines for the use of the 2940 nm fractional ablative erbium YAG laser and the non-ablative erbium glass laser in skin rejuvenation, the treatment of skin spots and acne in different skin phototypes: a systematic review”
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4. PubMed „Multiple fractional erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser sessions for upper facial rejuvenation: clinical and histological implications and expectations”
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5. PubMed „Effects of the non-ablative Er:YAG laser on the skin and the vaginal wall: a systematic review of the clinical and experimental literature”
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6. PubMed „Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials comparing the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction of ablative and non-ablative lasers in facial and hand rejuvenation/resurfacing”
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Katarzyna Pawłowska - journalist specialising in health and lifestyle topics. A graduate of Journalism at the University of Warsaw, she is passionate about creating expert content on health, beauty and longevity (longevity medicine).