What is a Liquid facelift?

A liquid facelift is a term commonly used to describe a combination of skin rejuvenation treatments which give the impression of a facelift without surgery. A liquid facelift can provide a comprehensive rejuvenation of the face, leaving the patient looking youthful and refreshed. Youthful skin remains supple and vibrant because the tissue naturally contains plenty of collagen and elastin. As we age, the production of these substances slows down significantly, resulting in volume loss, wrinkles, sagging skin, hollows, and under eye circles. A liquid facelift is a non-surgical solution that is designed to address each of these areas with the best injectable treatments available.

A variety of dermal fillers, neuromodulators, and collagen boosters which target specific skin concerns, are administered to refresh the appearance of the skin. Many different products may be used to achieve this “facelift” effect. These range from neuromodulators including Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, to hyaluronic acid products such as Juvederm and Restlyane as well as products which stimulate collagen production including Radiesse and Sculptra.

Depending on the type of products used, patients may see immediate results following the injections, while other treatments, such as those that stimulate collagen production in the skin, may need a few months to produce noticeable results. The overall lifespan of liquid facelift treatment will also depend on the type of dermal fillers or neuromodulators that are used. However, patients will typically enjoy the results of a liquid facelift treatment for anywhere from six months to two years. Immediately after the injections, patients may experience mild bruising, swelling, redness, or itching around the injection sites, but these side effects typically fade over the course of a few days.

In patients who desire immediate gratification, hyaluronic acid products and Radiesse provide a lifting effect which can last from one to two years. This procedure is especially helpful for patients who do not have a lot of loose skin but need a little bit of a “lift.” Following an initial injection session, patients are reevaluated one to two months later for a touch-up treatment. These results typically last one to two years. These types of treatments have had patients remarking “When I looked in the mirror after my injections, I saw myself again!”

One of my favorite products for those who embrace delayed gratification is Sculptra, which I affectionately refer to as “a facelift in a bottle.” While bruising and swelling may also occur with this product, the results are not immediate but occur over a period of weeks to months. This product replaces volume that has been lost in areas such as the temples, cheeks, jawline and smile lines and is especially gratifying for those who look in the mirror and pull back on their faces wishing it were tighter. Multiple treatments (3-5) are required to achieve the desired results. As results are gradual, one must be patient when undergoing Sculptra injections. One of my favorite success stories with this product was when treating a patient whose face had become very sunken as she aged. She was underwhelmed after the first treatment but stayed the course and after the third treatment remarked, “now when I look in the mirror, instead of looking older every day, I look younger every day!” Comments like this make me love my job!!!

Not everyone is a candidate for a liquid facelift, as some changes can only be remedied with surgery. The earlier one begins with injectable products to reverse aging changes, the less likely a facelift will be required later.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Reina or Dr. Baldone, contact our office at (985) 892-3376.