Dr. Tiago Baptista Fernandes is a specialist plastic surgeon well known to many of our readers. I have already experienced his surgery as have members of my family. Dr Tiago operated on my father’s hand, sometimes known as Dupuytren's contracture (something plastic surgeons do) and the results were extraordinary. He had fingers that had curved due to muscular tension. Plastic surgeons do this operation rather than orthopaedic surgeons as it requires very delicate surgery and stitching. After the stitches had been removed there was no evidence of the scars and no pain.

My own surgery was also very successful, delicate stitching is a remarkable gift, and Dr Tiago and his colleagues have a remarkable skill. Knowing this I was happy to experience this treatment, all the better as it would not involve any surgical intervention.

In recent years, following the “Naturalisation” trend, aesthetic medicine treatments have focused on stimulating collagen and improving skin quality. Microfocused ultrasound, as it is non-invasive and provides quick and satisfactory results, has gained prominence in aesthetic medicine treatments around the world. It's important to note that this is not a facelift as such, it’s a process of firming the skin. It involves the production of new collagen (neocolagenesis), remodelling of existing collagen and the elimination of fat cells (adipocytes).

On arrival at the clinic (no parking problems) I was met by Dr Tiago’s receptionist and then introduced to the nurse who would initiate the process. I had been recommended to start with a facial to make sure the skin was cleaned and prepared for the treatment. All were very relaxed and pleasant. This took around an hour and then I was introduced to the specialist who would perform the actual treatment, in my case it was Dra Ines Neves. Before anything, she explained to me what the process would involve, and what results I could expect, which depended on my skin type. Everything was very clear. She wanted to know about my diet, exercise routines, in fact, everything about my lifestyle.

There were no ‘smoke and mirrors’. She made it very clear this was not a ‘facelift’ as such, it was a treatment that would depend on my skin type and condition. I appreciated that I knew what I could and couldn’t expect.

I was given the choice of just treating my face, or face and neck. I decided to go for both. The treatment started with a handheld unit which felt warm and seemed to reach deep into my skin layers. It is in no way uncomfortable or painful. The heads of the unit were changed as the treatment progressed. The entire treatment lasted about ninety minutes. I could actually feel my skin being heated at various intensities. Throughout the treatment, the doctor explained what was happening and what sensations I may experience.

The clinic takes before and after photos, but I didn’t need a photo to see the difference. It was better than Dra Ines had expected, and certainly better than I expected. This is really a viable alternative to surgery, it doesn’t involve anaesthetics’, or a night in the hospital, no recovery time, I was able to drive back to the Algarve after treatment.

This is clearly not for everyone, a surgical facelift will achieve different results, but Up Clinic will make all the options very clear. Personally, I was delighted with the results and the treatment I received.

This treatment is currently only available at the Lisbon Up Clinic, but it’s easy to find in the west of the city centre. It’s also worth noting that this procedure can be used on any part of the body, Up Clinic will advise what is and isn’t possible.