What is a Liquid Facelift?
The liquid facelift is a technique that uses various dermal fillers and injectables to create a fuller, more youthful and energetic appearance – without the need for surgery. During the natural aging process, the face loses fullness, largely due to the breakdown of collagen, a naturally occurring agent that causes skin to appear plump, firm, and young. Facial muscles and skin begins to sag, and the overall effect makes men and women look considerably older than they are – and certainly older than they feel. Using fillers and other injectables, such as Botox, cosmetic specialists can recreate the effect of a more youthful facial appearance, filling hollows, reducing or eliminating lines and wrinkles, and firming skin.
Who is a candidate for a Liquid Facelift?
Virtually any man or woman who is experiencing the signs of facial aging is an ideal candidate for the liquid facelift technique.
What areas does a Liquid Facelift improve?
The liquid facelift can improve and rejuvenate nearly any area of the face, including:
• Crow’s feet
• Nasolabial lines, running from the mouth to the nose
• Frown lines on the forehead
• Under eye bags and hollows
• Lips
• Cheeks
• Chin
Who is not a candidate for a Liquid Facelift?
If you experience any of the following, you may not be a good candidate for the liquid facelift procedure:
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Certain bleeding disorders
• Autoimmune disorders
• Allergies to individual products used in the procedure (your specialist can test for tolerance)
How is the procedure performed?
After a detailed discussion with your specialist concerning the results you would like to achieve, a detailed plan will be devised, determining which fillers and injectables to use to obtain your desired results. During the procedure itself, the treatment area or areas will be numbed using a topical or local anesthetic or, especially in deeper dermal fillers, a nerve block. Once numbed, your specialist will use a series of needles to inject each individual treatment area with the product designed to treat that area. Most injections take only a few seconds. The entire procedure takes less than an hour.
Is the procedure painful?
You may feel some discomfort from the injections, but in most cases, a nerve block, topical anesthetic, or local anesthetic will be used to minimize this discomfort. Ice packs can be applied after the procedure to reduce swelling.
What is the recovery like?
You may experience some temporary swelling, redness and discomfort in the injection areas following the procedure, but these can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter medications. In most cases, you can return to your normal activities right away. Your specialist will help devise a skin care regimen to prolong your results.
When will I begin to see results?
You’ll see results immediately after your procedure, and those results will continue to improve as Botox takes effect and any associated swelling resolves.
What will the long-term results be like?
Dermal fillers and injectables break down and disperse over time. The duration of your individual results will vary based on the fillers used, ranging from six months to more than a year. Touchup procedures will help prolong your initial results.
What are the risks?
The risks or side effects from the liquid facelift are minimal, and can include temporary redness, swelling and bruising after the procedure. In addition, less than five percent of patients treated with Botox experience drooping eyebrows or lids. Temporary, very small lumps may occur at or near the injection site, and will resolve over time. In some cases, your specialist may advise you to gently rub the injected area following the procedure to prevent lumps from forming. Individuals with herpes may be prescribed an anti-herpetic medication when the area near the lips is treated, to avoid potential infection or flare-up. Your specialist can discuss these and any other possible side effects during your consultation.
How many sessions are needed?
Typically just one session is needed to achieve desirable results.
When can one return to work after a Liquid Facelift?
You can expect to be able to return to your normal routine immediately after your procedure, although you may experience some temporary swelling and slight discomfort.
What are the advantages of a Liquid Facelift over other procedures?
The liquid facelift procedure offers numerous advantages, including:
• No incisions
• No general anesthesia
• Faster procedural time
• Reduced recovery time
• Reduced costs
• Precise treatment of individual areas
• Immediate results
Is the Liquid Facelift procedure approved for use in USA?
The dermal fillers and injectables used in the liquid facelift procedure are approved for use in the United States.
Is the Liquid Facelift procedure covered by insurance companies?
No. The liquid facelift is considered a cosmetic procedure, and so is not covered by major medical insurance carriers.
How much does Liquid Facelift cost?
The cost of a liquid facelift is highly variable, based on the results each individual is seeking. Generally, you can expect your costs to range from a few hundred dollars for simpler procedures, to as much as $3,000 for comprehensive procedures.
By Dermanetwork.org Staff
Updated: July 20, 2009
