Charlotte Cripps, a journalist in her late forties, decided to explore non-surgical facelift options after feeling tired-looking and experiencing facial changes due to weight loss. She opted for the UltraClear Lift, a cold ablative fractional laser treatment, at Dr David Jack's clinic in London's Belgravia. The procedure, costing from £4,000, promised significant results with minimal downtime.
The Rise of Facelifts
Facelifts are booming, partly due to the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, which can cause a gaunt or aged facial appearance known as 'Ozempic face'. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reported an 8% rise in facelifts in the UK in 2025, and a survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that 32% of facelifts are now performed on patients aged 35 to 55. Nora Nugent, president of BAAPS, attributes this trend to various factors, including the use of weight-loss medication.
Why Non-Surgical?
Charlotte wanted a subtler, more natural outcome that didn't look surgical. She desired a rested, fresher appearance without the knife or extensive downtime. The UltraClear Lift boosts collagen and elastin deep within the skin, creating a firmer, smoother, and more youthful complexion. The regenerative effects can take up to six months to fully show, with results lasting one to five years.
The Procedure Experience
After a 90-minute application of numbing cream, the 45-minute procedure was painless. Dr Jack used a handpiece to deliver fractionated laser energy, creating micro-injuries that trigger the body's natural healing response. Charlotte felt no pain but was aware of the trauma to her skin. The next day, she cleansed her skin and noticed a glowing, healthy pinkness. By day three, she could go out without makeup.
Results and Recovery
Over the following weeks and months, Charlotte's face improved dramatically. Her jawline became sharper, skin firmer and plumper, with less jowling and a smoother texture. Friends noticed she looked more youthful but couldn't pinpoint why. The downtime was minimal, with only a few days of redness and peeling.
Expert Insight
Dr David Jack explains that significant weight loss from GLP-1 drugs can alter facial appearance quickly, as fat compartments shrink and skin becomes looser. The UltraClear Lift is his top treatment for 'Ozempic face'. He notes that patients in their forties and fifties often benefit most, as collagen levels have declined sufficiently for visible tightening, but skin still retains strong regenerative capacity.
Is Laser a Viable Alternative?
Dr Jack believes advanced lasers can significantly improve skin quality and provide meaningful tightening, potentially delaying the need for surgery. However, a surgical facelift addresses deeper structural changes, including muscle repositioning and excess skin removal. Some patients may eventually choose surgery later in life.
Charlotte concludes that her non-surgical facelift has worked wonderfully, giving her a fresher, tighter, and clearer version of her face. She looks just as she is meant to, but better, and the results continue to improve.
