Endolift

Endolift® can be considered as an alternative to a face and neck lift for some moderate to intermediate skin laxity. It involves inserting sterile, single-use optical micro-fibres under the skin, described in the document as 200 to 300 microns thick, through tiny entry points rather than open surgical incisions.

The 1470 nm laser delivers its energy into the subcutaneous tissue to tighten and remodel the tissues and to reduce excess fat in a targeted way. The effects develop over several months and depend on the settings, the anatomy and the individual response.

The protocol, step by step.

1. Step 1

   Consultation and morphological diagnosis

   Dynamic assessment of the tissues by Dr Yousefpour, analysis of elasticity, check for contraindications and a personalised treatment plan with preparatory instructions.

2. Step 2

   The procedure in a dedicated treatment room

   Disinfection and marking of the vectors with a skin pen, local anaesthesia, then methodical guidance of the micro-fibre under the skin with a controlled retrograde sweep. The session lasts 45 to 90 minutes depending on the areas.

3. Step 3

   Immediate care and close follow-up

   Cold compresses and soothing care after the procedure. Normal activities can usually resume within 24 to 48 hours, with scheduled reviews to follow recovery and remodelling.

How it works: remodelling from within

The fibre delivers thermal energy inside the tissues. Treatment aims for two complementary effects, whose intensity varies with the indication and settings.

• Tightening and new collagen: the controlled rise in temperature acts on the subcutaneous fibrous septa and triggers remodelling involving fibroblasts, collagen and elastin over several months.

• Action on excess fat: the thermal treatment can reduce targeted fat deposits to refine the contours. Preserving volume is the aim; an irregularity or unwanted hollowing remains possible.

Dr Afshin Yousefpour’s approach

Endolift® is an interstitial procedure, not a simple surface treatment. The fibre travels close to the nerves and vessels of the face and neck. Dr Yousefpour’s training in oral and maxillofacial surgery contributes to the anatomical planning of the procedure, without removing its risks.

• Three-dimensional command of the anatomical planes: careful guidance of the fibre to limit injury to the nerves and blood vessels of the face and neck.

• Tailored vectors: energy, sweep speed and directions adapted to skin quality, fat thickness and facial movement.

• Natural harmony: better tissue tension and balanced contours, rather than changing your features or a frozen look.

Areas treated

Each area and indication is assessed individually, particularly the delicate areas around the eyes.

• Jawline: loss of definition and early or moderate jowls; tightening of the soft tissues and a sharper contour.

• Under the chin: excess fat and stretched skin under the chin; targeted fat reduction and skin tightening.

• Neck: horizontal creases (“necklace lines”) and crepey skin; better texture and a sharper chin-neck angle.

• Midface and cheeks: sagging of the cheek area and nasolabial folds; better support and contours.

• Lower eyelids and malar bags: early excess skin or some irregularities of the cheek area; very targeted treatment after assessing the indication and risks.

How does Endolift differ from HIFU or external radiofrequency?

HIFU and external radiofrequency deliver their energy through the skin. Endolift® uses a fibre inserted into the subcutaneous tissue to deliver the thermal energy there. It is therefore a micro-invasive procedure with different indications and risks; this difference does not guarantee superiority, nor rule out heat loss or spread.

How many sessions are needed?

The practice’s document generally plans one initial session. A maintenance session or targeted touch-up can be considered after 2 to 3 years depending on progress. The number of sessions and their timing depend on your situation and the result.

When do the results appear?

An early tightening effect may be noticeable; then remodelling and the settling of swelling gradually change the result between one and three months. The document places the optimal assessment between six and nine months. These timings are indicative; the share of the immediate result cannot be guaranteed by an individual percentage.

What visible after-effects should I expect?

Expect moderate swelling and bruising. They can fade in 5 to 10 days, but bruises may last 7 to 14 days. Mineral or medical make-up can be considered after 24 to 48 hours, only on clean skin with no open wounds and according to the doctor’s instructions.

Does the procedure leave scars?

The fibre is inserted through tiny needle openings, usually without stitches. These entry points are usually discreet, but the absence of any mark or scar cannot be guaranteed, particularly in case of a complication or unusual healing.

Nature and limits of the procedure

Endolift® is a micro-invasive aesthetic procedure using a subcutaneous laser to act on fat and skin tension. It avoids some steps of open surgery but remains a medical procedure with a recovery and risks. It does not necessarily replace a lift when there is significant excess skin.

Aesthetic medicine and surgery cannot guarantee an absolute result. Goals, alternatives and limits are discussed at a personalised consultation.

Expected recovery

• Reactive swelling: often peaking between the second and fourth day, then gradually settling.

• Bruising and haematomas: along the treated tracks, usually gone within 7 to 14 days.

• Altered sensation: numbness, reduced sensation or pulling, often recovering gradually within a few weeks.

• Firm areas and nodules: small, temporary firm cords that soften over time. Only start massage if the doctor recommends it.

Possible risks and complications

Anatomical precautions and energy settings aim to limit complications, without ruling them out.

• Motor nerve injury: thermal injury or compression of a branch of the facial nerve, which can cause an asymmetric smile. The document describes recovery from some temporary palsies within 2 to 16 weeks; the duration and full recovery are not guaranteed.

• Thermal burn or focal skin necrosis: possibly needing prolonged care and leaving lasting marks.

• Pigment changes: hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, encouraged in particular by early UV exposure.

• Asymmetry or irregular contour: uneven tightening or fat reduction, possibly requiring review or a touch-up.

• Local bacterial infection: rare despite sterile technique and sterile fibres, requiring appropriate medical treatment.

Immediate care: day 0 to day 3

• Cold compresses or a cold pack wrapped in a clean cloth: 10 to 15 minutes every two hours for the first 48 hours, as instructed. Never put ice directly on the skin.

• Sleep on your back with your head raised on two pillows for the first 3 to 5 nights to limit swelling.

• A face or neck support garment only if prescribed: worn continuously for the first 48 hours, then at night for the following 5 to 7 days, according to your personal instructions.

• Pain relief: paracetamol may be advised if your situation allows, following the prescription. Avoid self-medicating with aspirin or anti-inflammatories (including ibuprofen) for the first seven days without medical advice. Do not stop any prescribed treatment without the agreement of the doctor who manages it.

Skincare and local hygiene

• From the next day, gently clean the face and neck with lukewarm water and a mild, pH-neutral cleanser; pat dry with a clean towel without rubbing.

• A soothing, repairing cream, such as the formula prescribed at the practice, two to three times a day as instructed, until the redness has gone.

• Mineral or medical make-up after 24 to 48 hours, on clean skin with no open wounds, with the doctor’s agreement.

Precautions and things to avoid

• Sun and UV: no direct exposure or sunbeds for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Daily mineral SPF 50+ protection, reapplied every two hours when outdoors, with physical protection; this reduces the risk of pigmentation without eliminating it.

• Activities: no intense exercise, heavy lifting or cardio for 5 to 7 days.

• Heat: avoid sauna, steam room, very hot baths and hot showers for 10 days.

• Facial treatments: no firm massage, mechanical scrub, peel, radiofrequency or laser for four weeks. Light drainage or gentle massage may be considered from the third week, only if the doctor recommends it.

• Alcohol: avoid for at least the first 48 hours; the consent document plans seven days, to be confirmed with the practice. Cut down on smoking as much as possible to support recovery.

Follow-up schedule

• From day 15 to one month: review of the settling of swelling and tissue suppleness.

• From three to six months: standardised photographic assessment of tightening and contours.

• From nine to twelve months: review of progress and how well the result lasts.

When should I seek urgent assessment?

Moderate inflammation, swelling and bruising are usual. However, sudden sharp pain on one side, warm spreading redness, a fever above 38 °C or a sudden asymmetry of lip movement require prompt medical assessment.

Inform Dr Yousefpour immediately following the instructions given at the procedure. The usual way to contact the practice remains a WhatsApp message; for a severe or sudden sign, seek urgent care without waiting for a reply to your message.

Information and informed consent

Before treatment, a consultation with Dr Afshin Yousefpour covers the indications, expected results, limits, alternatives and possible complications. You must be able to report your history and treatments, ask your questions and have enough time to reflect.

Consent to Endolift® treatment of the face and neck is obtained at the practice. This page sets out the information in the document and the instructions, without identity fields or a signature; reading it is not consent given online.