If you’re considering facial rejuvenation in San Diego but hesitant about surgical procedures, you’re not alone. Many patients are discovering that non-surgical alternatives like ThermiSculpt³ can deliver remarkable results without the risks, extended downtime, and high costs associated with traditional facelifts. Our board-certified dermatologists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology explain how this innovative treatment compares to surgical options.
What Is ThermiSculpt³?
ThermiSculpt³ is a proprietary treatment available exclusively at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology that combines three powerful techniques in one session: ThermiTight radiofrequency skin tightening, micro-liposuction, and strategic dermal filler placement. This comprehensive approach targets the neck, jawline, and chin area to create natural-looking results that typically enhance your appearance significantly.
The treatment works by delivering controlled radiofrequency energy deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production, removing excess fat through micro-cannulas, and adding volume where needed to create better facial definition.
Traditional Facelift: The Surgical Approach
A traditional facelift involves surgical incisions around the hairline and ears, allowing surgeons to lift and reposition facial tissues, remove excess skin, and tighten underlying fascia. While effective for dramatic rejuvenation, surgical facelifts require general anesthesia, significant recovery time, and carry inherent surgical risks.
Key Differences: ThermiSculpt³ vs. Traditional Facelift
Downtime and Recovery
ThermiSculpt³: Most patients experience minor swelling and bruising for about one week, with many returning to work within 2-3 days. The treatment is performed under local anesthesia, allowing you to drive home the same day.
Traditional Facelift: Recovery typically requires 2-6 weeks, with significant swelling, bruising, and discomfort. General anesthesia is required, and patients need assistance during initial recovery.
Treatment Areas
ThermiSculpt³: Specifically targets the lower face, jawline, neck, and chin area. Can effectively address:
- Double chin concerns
- Weak or recessed chin
- Sagging jowls
- Fat deposits along the jawline
- Loose skin around the lower face and neck
Traditional Facelift: Addresses the entire face and neck, including the mid-face, cheeks, and more extensive areas of skin laxity.
Cost Considerations
ThermiSculpt³: Significantly less expensive than surgical procedures, with no hospital or anesthesia fees.
Traditional Facelift: Costs include surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility fees, and extended post-operative care.
Risk Profile
ThermiSculpt³: Minimal risks associated with non-surgical procedures. Side effects are typically limited to temporary swelling and bruising.
Traditional Facelift: Surgical risks include infection, scarring, nerve damage, anesthesia complications, and potential asymmetry.
Results Timeline
ThermiSculpt³: Initial improvements visible within one month, with continued enhancement over 2-4 months as collagen remodeling occurs. Results typically last several years.
Traditional Facelift: Final results visible after 3-6 months once swelling subsides completely. Results may last 5-15 years.
Is ThermiSculpt³ Right for You?
ThermiSculpt³ is ideal for patients who want significant improvement without surgical commitment. Perfect candidates are those with:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
- Good overall health
- Realistic expectations about non-surgical results
- Desire to avoid surgical risks and extended recovery
- Active lifestyles that don’t allow for lengthy downtime
Before & After: Natural Neck Rejuvenation





Combining ThermiSculpt³ with Other Treatments
Many patients enhance their ThermiSculpt³ results by combining with Ultherapy Prime, Thermage FLX, or Sofwave for additional skin tightening, as well as neuromodulators, biostimulatory agents like Sculptra and Radiesse, and lasers and/or Intense Pulsed Light to address skin quality and irregular pigmentation.
Our most comprehensive approach may include a Take5 or a Take10 to improve your skin texture, tone, pores, glow, and more rejuvenation from the inside out! Our board-certified dermatologists can recommend the best combination approach during your consultation.
Why Choose Cosmetic Laser Dermatology for Non-Surgical Facelifts?
As San Diego’s leading destination for non-surgical facial rejuvenation, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offers unparalleled expertise in advanced treatments. Our practice features:
- Nine board-certified dermatologists with extensive experience
- Over 60 laser, light, and energy devices for customized treatment plans
- Participation in 300+ clinical studies since 1984
- Proprietary treatments available nowhere else
- Natural-looking results backed by science
The Bottom Line
While traditional facelifts remain the gold standard for dramatic facial rejuvenation, ThermiSculpt³ offers an excellent alternative for patients seeking significant improvement without surgical risks or extensive downtime. During your consultation, our board-certified dermatologists will evaluate your specific concerns and help determine whether ThermiSculpt³ or another non-surgical approach best meets your goals.
Individual results may vary. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about ThermiSculpt³ and discover which non-surgical facelift option is right for you.Ready to explore San Diego’s premier non-surgical facelift options? Contact Cosmetic Laser Dermatology at 858.943.2113 or click here to schedule your consultation online.