FaceTite and AccuTite in NYC

FaceTite and AccuTite are minimally invasive bipolar radiofrequency devices that Dr. Darren M. Smith uses to treat mild to moderate skin laxity. They work in the same way; the main difference is the size of the applicator.

In his Manhattan practice, Dr. Smith generally uses FaceTite for the jawline, under the chin and the neck, and the smaller AccuTite for selected areas of the face. Treatment choice depends on the area, the amount of loose skin and the result you are hoping to achieve.

The device names can be misleading. FaceTite is the larger of the two; AccuTite has a smaller applicator that allows more precise treatment in small, delicate areas.

The distinction below describes how Dr. Smith chooses between them in his practice. It is not a rule that either device can only be used in those locations.

Both devices deliver radiofrequency energy between an internal electrode placed beneath the skin through a small entry point and an external electrode on the skin surface. The controlled heating is used to contract and remodel soft tissue.

Published clinical literature describes FaceTite and AccuTite as options for selected patients with mild to moderate laxity. Results depend on anatomy, treatment extent and healing; these devices do not remove a large amount of excess skin.

Although the entry points are small, these are invasive treatments with a healing period and potential complications. Small scars can occur, and radiofrequency treatment does not produce the same change as excisional surgery.

To have a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after a FaceTite or AccuTite treatment, here are the key steps involved in the procedure:

Before the Actual Procedure

• Review all medications and supplements with Dr. Smith. Do not stop prescribed blood thinners unless your surgical team and prescribing clinician have agreed on a plan.
• A consultation is held in advance to determine if the patient is a good candidate and discuss expectations or concerns
• Follow the practice’s eating, drinking and fasting instructions for your anesthesia plan. Instructions may differ when sedation or another procedure is involved.
• Any necessary medical history forms are completed upon arrival
• We will review your treatment plan

During the Treatment Session

• Dr. Smith carefully cleanses and preps the treatment areas
• We will carefully map out customized treatment zones
• Numbing medicine is instilled into the treatment area
• The internal electrode is introduced beneath the skin through a small entry point, with the paired external electrode on the skin surface
• Dr. Smith delivers radiofrequency energy to the planned treatment zones, adjusting treatment to the area and anatomy
• Local anesthesia is used to keep treatment comfortable; tell the team if you feel discomfort
• Treatment time depends on the number and size of zones but typically takes 30-60 minutes

Post-Procedure

• Swelling, bruising and tenderness can occur after treatment. Their duration varies with the area and extent treated.
• Use only the incision-care products and medications recommended by the practice.
• Recovery differs by device. For FaceTite, the Recovery Planner uses about one week as an inferred office-work estimate; light exercise begins at one week, non-contact exercise progresses from two weeks, and contact sports wait until six weeks. For AccuTite, Dr. Smith’s usual milestones are office work at about 48 hours, light exercise at one week and full exercise at two weeks. Follow your individual instructions, especially for combined procedures.
• Improvement develops gradually as swelling settles and tissue remodels over the following months.
• Follow-up visits allow Dr. Smith to assess healing and the developing result.

FaceTite and AccuTite may improve mild to moderate laxity through small entry points. They are not suitable for every concern and are not a substitute for removing substantial excess skin. Dr. Smith will help you compare the likely benefit with the recovery, risks and alternatives.

Treatment matched to the area

Dr. Smith generally chooses FaceTite for the jawline, under the chin and neck, and AccuTite for selected smaller facial areas such as the cheeks and lower eyelids.

Improvement in mild to moderate laxity

Radiofrequency heating can produce tissue contraction and remodeling. The amount of improvement varies; treatment does not guarantee a particular degree of tightening.

Small entry points

The devices are introduced through small skin openings. These may leave small scars, and swelling or bruising can still be visible during recovery.

A defined recovery plan

After FaceTite, use about one week as a provisional office-work estimate, inferred by the Recovery Planner from its light-activity milestone. After AccuTite, Dr. Smith’s usual office-work milestone remains about 48 hours. The demands of your work and your recovery can change these estimates. Returning to work does not mean swelling has completely resolved.

Compression is the main difference in aftercare. The following is Dr. Smith’s usual recovery protocol for FaceTite and AccuTite; your instructions may change with the treatment area, healing or additional procedures.

Compression, work and exercise:

• FaceTite compression: wear the garment continuously for the first 48 hours, then at night for the next five nights—the same routine Dr. Smith uses after chin liposuction.
• AccuTite compression: generally no compression is needed because the treated areas are small.
• Office work: FaceTite—about one week as a provisional estimate inferred from light activity; AccuTite—about 48 hours under Dr. Smith’s usual schedule. Timing depends on your recovery and work demands.
• Light exercise: resume at one week, following your individual postoperative instructions.
• Exercise progression: after FaceTite, resume non-contact exercise gradually from two weeks; contact sports wait until six weeks. After AccuTite, Dr. Smith’s usual full-exercise milestone is two weeks. Follow your individual postoperative instructions for specific activities.

Swelling, bruising and tenderness may persist after you return to work. Improvement develops over the following months; recovery milestones are estimates, not guarantees.

For FaceTite garment fitting, see the compression-garment demonstration and instructions on our chin liposuction page. AccuTite generally does not require a garment unless your individual treatment plan calls for one.

Fees for FaceTite and AccuTite are quoted individually after your consultation and depend on the areas treated, whether the treatment is combined with other procedures, and the anesthesia plan. We itemize the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility charges so you know the full figure before you schedule. Financing is available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, and the $500 consultation fee is applied toward any procedure you book.

Dr. Smith is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and practices in Manhattan. A consultation considers the cause of your concern, the amount of laxity and whether radiofrequency treatment is likely to meet your goals.

• Area and device: FaceTite is generally selected for the jawline, under the chin and neck; AccuTite allows more precise treatment of small facial areas.
• Degree of laxity: Mild to moderate laxity may respond to radiofrequency treatment. Significant excess skin can require a different approach.
• Your priorities: Discuss the change you want and the recovery you can accommodate so the plan reflects your anatomy and goals.
• Combined procedures: If liposuction or another treatment is proposed, Dr. Smith will explain what each part contributes and how it changes recovery.
• Risks and alternatives: Compare the expected improvement, potential complications and alternatives before deciding whether to proceed.
• Recovery planning: Confirm your compression instructions, time away from work, exercise restrictions and follow-up arrangements.

FaceTite and AccuTite may be options when mild to moderate laxity is the main concern. The aim is an improvement suited to your anatomy; these treatments do not provide the same correction as a facelift or other skin-removal surgery.

If you would like to learn more about how FaceTite or AccuTite may benefit you, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Smith today.

At your consultation, Dr. Smith will explain which device or alternative he recommends, the expected recovery and an individualized cost estimate.

BROW LIFT UNDER LOCAL ANESTHESIA WITH ACCUTITE

This video shows AccuTite treatment of the brow under local anesthesia. The small applicator allows targeted treatment through a small entry point. Dr. Smith assesses whether radiofrequency treatment can address the concern or whether a surgical brow lift would be more appropriate. His usual office-work milestone is about 48 hours; swelling and bruising may last longer.

CHIN/ JAWLINE WITH ACCUTITE

This video demonstrates AccuTite treatment of a small chin or jawline area. It is an example of a selected use of the smaller device; Dr. Smith generally chooses FaceTite for broader treatment of the jawline, under the chin and neck. Small entry points do not mean there will be no visible swelling, bruising or scars.

EYELID WITH ACCUTITE

This video shows AccuTite treatment near the eyelid under local anesthesia. Dr. Smith considers the smaller device for selected areas of mild to moderate laxity, including the lower eyelids. Significant excess skin or other eyelid concerns may require blepharoplasty or another approach. The usual return to office work is about 48 hours, with individual variation.

NECK SKIN TIGHTENING WITH ACCUTITE

Dr. Smith’s practice is located at the Ritz Tower, 111 East 57th Street, Ground Floor, New York, NY 10022, in Midtown Manhattan. The office welcomes patients from across the five boroughs, the tri-state area, and well beyond.

At your Manhattan consultation, discuss the areas you want to treat, your work and exercise schedule, and whether you are traveling for care. The team will review your individual aftercare and follow-up arrangements before treatment.