In Depth
How the VF Lift – Vertical Facelift Works
Skin loosens with age for several reasons at once. Collagen and elastin in the dermis thin out, the fibrous bands that tether skin to deeper tissue relax, fat compartments in the midface deflate and slide, and the bone beneath recedes a little. Energy devices work on the first two. That is why the VF Lift – Vertical Facelift is described as a tightening and firming treatment, and why volume loss is planned separately. [1,2]
Monopolar radiofrequency has been studied for facial tightening since the early 2000s. Early multicentre and clinical studies reported tightening of the brow and periorbital skin and improvement of cheek and neck laxity in many treated patients, with a response that varied between individuals and developed over months rather than days. [3,4] That shapes how we describe it: gradual, variable, and best judged against photographs.
On the day, Dr. Sin Yong marks the face into zones and sets the energy and passes for each. Thinner skin, such as near the eyes, is treated more lightly; the jawline and lower cheek often take more.
Which Lifting Treatment for Which Problem
| Main problem | What usually helps | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Loose skin along the jawline and lower face | VF Lift – Vertical Facelift or HIFU | Chosen by where the laxity sits and how thick the skin is |
| Flat or deflated midface | Cheek filler or a collagen-stimulating filler | Energy tightens; it does not add volume |
| Want a visible lift on the day | Thread lift | The mechanical lift fades as threads dissolve |
| Fullness under the chin | Double chin assessment | Laxity, fat and chin shape are treated differently |
| Heavy folds and advanced descent | Surgical opinion | Energy-based tightening has limits |
Energy-based lifting tightens what is there. It does not replace lost volume, and where descent is advanced it does not match a surgical facelift. Saying so at consultation is part of choosing well.
What Happens on the Day
- Consultation and photographsDr. Sin Yong examines the face at rest and in motion, notes where laxity, volume loss and fat each contribute, and takes standardised photographs. If another treatment fits better, he will say so.
- MappingThe face is cleansed and marked into treatment zones. Energy and passes are set for each zone.
- TreatmentThe handpiece is moved across each zone in passes. You feel deep warmth that builds and fades, and settings are adjusted to your comfort throughout.
- Same dayRedness and warmth are expected. Most people return to work or social plans the same day.
- Review at about three monthsNew collagen forms over 8–12 weeks, so the result is compared with your photographs at around three months, and any further session is planned then.
Risks and Side Effects
- Redness, warmth and mild swelling for hours to a day or two
- Tenderness when touching treated areas for a few days
- Uncommonly, blistering or a small burn, which is why energy is matched to the skin and adjusted to your feedback
- Rarely, a small dent from loss of fat under a treated area, reported with radiofrequency tightening
- A variable response: some people see a clear change, others a modest one
Warning signs. Contact the clinic if you notice blistering, crusting, a spreading red or painful area, or a dip in the skin in the days after treatment.
Aftercare
- Gentle cleanser and moisturiser for a few days
- Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen
- No saunas, hot yoga or strenuous exercise for 24 hours
- Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for a few days if your skin feels sensitive
- Makeup can usually go on the next day
References
- Fratila A, Schenck T, Redka-Swoboda W, Zilinsky I, Pavicic T, Cotofana S. The anatomy of the aging face: a review. Facial Plast Surg. 2016;32(3):253-260
- Rohrich RJ, Pessa JE. The fat compartments of the face: anatomy and clinical implications for cosmetic surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;119(7):2219-2227
- Fitzpatrick R, Geronemus R, Goldberg D, Kaminer M, Kilmer S, Ruiz-Esparza J. Multicenter study of noninvasive radiofrequency for periorbital tissue tightening. Lasers Surg Med. 2003;33(4):232-242
- Alster TS, Tanzi E. Improvement of neck and cheek laxity with a nonablative radiofrequency device: a lifting experience. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(4):503-507
- Health Sciences Authority, Singapore — medical device regulation
- Singapore Medical Council — Guidelines on Aesthetic Practices for Doctors
General information, reviewed by Dr. Sin Yong, Medical Director, on 6 Oct 2026. It is not a substitute for a consultation, and individual results vary.
