Does Facelift Tape Help Ageing Skin?

Would you like to know the anti-ageing secret of movie stars since the 1940’s? It’s called facelift tape. It is a non-invasive way to tighten sagging skin and give the face a more youthful appearance. Facelift tape is gaining popularity again as a great alternative to fillers, muscle relaxers, and even a surgical facelift. We asked Dr Marcells to offer his professional opinion.

What Is Facelift Tape?

“Facelift tape was created as a theatrical device,” explains Dr Marcells. “Make-up artists and hairstylists use it to help performers look younger instantly for a close-up.” The concept, said to be the brainchild of film siren Marlene Dietrich, was also popular with Marilyn Monroe. Today, Lady Gaga is a fan.

Strips of nearly invisible tape are placed near the top of the ear on either side of the face. A string is attached to each strip of tape. You then pull the strings and tie them together at the back of the head. This pulls the skin taut and lifts sagging skin on the cheek and around the chin. The tape and string can be hidden by your ears and hair.

What are the Pros and Cons of Facelift Tape?

Among the most popular reasons consumers give for trying facelift tape:

• It is widely available
• It is inexpensive
• It is easy to use
• It is an alternative to a treatment or surgical procedure

Facelift tape may be easy to use, in theory, but not everyone has the skill to place the tape strips correctly. That’s the reason A-listers rely on beauty professionals to help them get ready. “The key word to remember when you’re talking about facelift tape is ‘taut,’” warns Dr Marcells. “Facelift tape can make a person’s face looked pulled and unnatural.” He compares the benefits of facelift tape with the more subtle results offered by dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxers. “An experienced injector can rejuvenate skin in a matter of minutes, with much longer lasting results than with facelift tape.”

What’s more, facelift tape

• Can easily become dislodged
• May become visible if the hair is mussed
• Can make the skin too tight
• Is a short term fix for a long term problem

A Facelift that Lasts

In the end, facelift tape is a short-term fix for a long-term problem. As Dr Marcells points out, “Skin looks ‘old’ because we lose collagen as we age and we experience slower cell turnover.” He believes the only way to correct these problems is to address them at the source with a deep plane facelift. “The deep plane facelift is a more advanced technique that addresses the deeper facial structures, muscles and nerves that lie beneath the SMAS layer.”

The deep plane facelift is a good choice for anyone who is seeking:

• Improved skin tone and texture
• Help for midface ageing
• A long term solution to facial ageing
• Reduced recovery time compared to traditional facelifts

Conclusion: Tape & String Do Not a Facelift Make

Do you have questions about surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation? If so, it would be a pleasure to answer them at our practice in Edgecliff. Call us for an appointment or use our easy online form.