Liquid facelifts are gaining in popularity in New Jersey and across the United States. In this post, I explain what a liquid facelift treatment consists of. I’ll also take a look at why it’s becoming one of the most frequently requested non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
What is a liquid facelift?
As we age, the face begins to lose its form and the skin its elasticity. This is due to the effects of environment, genetics, and the aging process itself. The face loses collagen and elastin, contributing to the hollow areas and sagging seen on the faces of people as they grow older. This loss of facial volume and elasticity also leads to the formation of lines, creases, wrinkles, and folds.
A liquid facelift is actually a combination of cosmetic procedures, which address these issues. Dermal fillers and Botox are injected into the areas of the face that need rejuvenation.
The procedures involved are non-surgical in nature and temporarily restore a more youthful appearance. By smoothing out lines and wrinkles while eliminating the appearance of sagging these give the face a simulated uplift.
The final results of a liquid facelift are a lighter, younger, and more attractive appearance without a full surgical procedure.
What are the products and procedures used for a liquid facelift?
A liquid facelift is an overall term for a combination of procedures, usually including at least two of the following:
Botox and Dysport
An underlying cause of facial lines and wrinkles, such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crows feet, is the repeated contraction of certain, specific, facial muscles. When injected into these muscles, both Botox and Dysport will temporarily reduce the activity of these muscles, thereby smoothing the face and reducing lines and wrinkles.
Botox and Dysport are both made from botulinum toxin type A. There are some differences between the two, but either can be used successfully in a liquid facelift. Both have been used for years and have been proven safe and effective for treating the face and other parts of the body. Both must be injected once every three to four months. Sometimes Dysport is slightly less expensive than Botox.
Differences between Botox and Dysport
Much discussion has taken place amongst cosmetic surgeons about the differences between Botox and Dysport. The debate goes on. However, here are a few situations where their likenesses cease:
- Due to the smaller sized molecule, the unit of measurement for Dysport is different than Botox.
- One may last longer than the other for a given person.
- The slightly quicker onset of Dysport (2 to 5 days, instead of 4 to 7 days for Botox) is, in some cases, appealing.
- The wider spread of Dysport is an advantage in some areas of the face and a disadvantage in others.
- More Dysport is needed to get the same results as Botox.
Juvederm and Restylane
Juvederm and Restylane are dermal fillers. Both are made from a substance called hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the body. When injected into the skin, hyaluronic acid binds with water and expands, filling out the skin and reducing wrinkles from the inside out.
Both Juvederm and Restylane are FDA-approved as cosmetic injectables. Both are used for injections in the nasolabial folds or smile lines (the grooves between the nose and the corners of the mouth), the marionette lines (the frown-shaped lines coming down from the corners of the mouth), frown lines around and on the brow, the lips, and other areas of the face and rest of the body. These cosmetic fillers add volume to the deep layer beneath the skin, filling out lines and wrinkles.
Restylane has a firmer consistency, making it the better choice for areas such as the lips and deep lines that require more support. This filler is able to plump up lines and wrinkles for between 4-12 months before being completely absorbed by the body. Juvederm has a similar duration of action. Both tend to last longer in patients who have been injected multiple times.
Why would someone want a liquid facelift instead of a traditional facelift?
Sometimes a patient is looking for a subtle or temporary change to their facial appearance and is not ready for a traditional surgical facelift. For this patient, the liquid facelift is the perfect answer.
- Subtle Facelift Results
Non-invasive treatments are safer than traditional facelifts and offer more subtle results.
- Address only the specific facial features that bother you
For some people, the goal of a liquid facelift is to rejuvenate the entire face; while others wish to target only specific facial features. For example, unlike a surgical facelift, liquid facelift techniques can be used just to diminish the appearance of jowls; or just to reduce dark circles and bags under the eyes, restore a natural look to sunken cheeks, lift the corners of the mouth, hide bumps on the nose, and many other smaller individual problems. A surgical facelift is not used this way.
- The results are temporary
Some patients want to test the waters to see how they like the results of having a facelift. A liquid facelift is a perfect way to do this.
- Shorter recovery time
If you’re looking for a lift in appearance for an upcoming event such as a wedding, job interview, or reunion and want the results fast, a liquid facelift is the perfect procedure for you. Effects can be seen almost immediately and there is no prolonged recovery period, such as you would need with a traditional facelift.
Benefits of a liquid facelift
- Liquid facelifts provide a number of age-defying results; like removing or lessening wrinkles, folds and lines, facial contouring and volumizing.
- A liquid facelift can also be used to fill sunken areas like the hollows that can begin in the cheeks and under the eyes.
- Results are apparent within just a few days of the first procedure.
- A liquid facelift can give you a friendlier smile and a more rested and energetic look.
- It offers a gentle, non-surgical rejuvenation of the face and neck areas.
- After a liquid facelift, you’ll see a return of your natural facial contours.
How long does a liquid facelift last?
By combining Botox injections with a dermal filler, each product is made to last longer than either does when used alone. A patient can go for a year or more between liquid facelift procedures, depending on the injectable fillers used. Botox/Dysport will typically need to be reinjected sooner.
If you want to know more about a liquid facelift, give our office a call, or send an email, and schedule an appointment. I’ll be happy to go over how we would use these different treatments to bring back the smooth skin and line-free face of your youth.