Are Non-Surgical Facelifts Worth It? Ultherapy, RF Microneedling & More

Can non-surgical devices really lift your face—or are the results being oversold? In this episode of Scalpel and Skin, Dr. Algie LaBrasca and Mistica welcome Andrew Liscio, aesthetic medical professional, clinical educator, consultant, and host of the Aesthetically Speaking podcast, for an honest conversation about energy-based aesthetic treatments. They break down the difference between improving skin quality, creating a firmer appearance, and achieving the kind of lift that surgery can provide. From ultrasound and radiofrequency to RF microneedling and laser treatments, the conversation explores what these technologies are designed to do, who may be a good candidate, and why the device alone doesn’t determine the result. They also discuss treatment risks, the importance of provider experience, how expectations can get out of hand, and whether expensive treatments deliver enough value for the money. Then it’s time for case studies and a rapid-fire “Is It Worth It?” round. In this episode: Can non-surgical treatments give you a facelift-like result? Skin tightening vs. skin lifting: what’s the difference? Ultherapy and microfocused ultrasound Sofwave and ultrasound technology Monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency RF microneedling and the importance of safe treatment settings Morpheus8, Genius, and newer RF microneedling devices FaceTite, AccuTite, and Renuvion Endolift: what we know and what still needs more evidence Can lasers actually tighten skin? Why patient selection and provider experience matter What to consider before spending thousands on a treatment Real-world patient scenarios: devices, combination treatments, or surgery? The final “Is It Worth It?” verdicts The biggest takeaway? A device can have a place without being right for every patient. Understanding its limitations, the evidence behind it, and the results you can realistically expect matters just as much as the technology itself. Scalpel and Skin brings together plastic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and honest conversations about what aesthetic treatments are actually worth your time and money. Follow Andrew Liscio on Instagram and check out his Aesthetically Speaking podcast. Subscribe to Scalpel and Skin for more conversations about plastic surgery, skin health, aesthetic technology, and the trends worth questioning. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not individualized medical advice. Treatment suitability, outcomes, risks, and recovery vary by patient and procedure. #ScalpelAndSkin #NonSurgicalFacelift #SkinTightening #RFMicroneedling #AestheticMedicine Follow Andrew: @andrewliscio Follow Scalpel and Skin Instagram: @scalpelandskinpodcast TikTok: @scalpelandskinpodcast Facebook: Scalpel and Skin Podcast Send us the treatments, trends, or questions you want Dr. Algie and Mistica to break down next. This is Scalpel and Skin. Let’s go!