Everything You Need To Know About Liquid Facelifts

Time stands still for no one. The visible signs of aging like loose, sagging facial skin, wrinkles and creases – give away our age. Do you desire a more youthful look with smoother and tighter skin but aren’t quite ready for a surgery? A liquid facelift might be your best choice.

So what do you need to know about liquid facelifts? A liquid facelift involves combining dermal fillers and wrinkle reducers to create a rejuvenated youthful facial appearance with immediate results and no downtime. It is primarily about adding volume to the face and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles using advanced dermal fillers.

What Exactly Is A Liquid Facelift?

As we age, there is volume loss in our face’s key areas, like our cheeks, temples, lips, and under eyes. As a result, we get loose, sagging skin and a tired or sad appearance. A facelift’s goal is to restore some of your youthful glow without an invasive surgery like a traditional face lift or a plastic surgery.

A liquid facelift is a non surgical facelift that uses a combination of injectables and dermal fillers in a targeted way to restore volume to the face and ultimately lift as well as sculpt the face.

The Science Behind A Liquid Facelift

Volume replacement and displacement is the key to a liquid face lift. Accurate placement of the injectable dermal filler will lift the treatment areas that will add facial volume. It can also blend in the cheek lines, facial lines and mouth creases.

A liquid facelift harnesses the effects of injectable filler and neuromodulators to rejuvenate facial aesthetics. Neuromodulators are injectables that contain a refined version of a naturally-occurring bacterial protein called Clostridium botulinum toxin type A. This type of injectable is commonly used in Botox injections which can also reduce facial lines and wrinkles.

When injected beneath the skin in precise locations, this facial filler blocks the ability of facial muscles to contract. As a result, corresponding wrinkles soften and smoothen the treatment area.

How Does A Liquid Facelift Work?

A liquid facelift works by utilizing injectable filler to plump up your skin, fill in hollow areas, smooth fine lines and wrinkles. The advanced dermal fillers used in a liquid facelift can stimulate your own body’s immune system to lay down new collagen. 

Our faces begin to sag as we get older, creating an aged appearance and inevitable wrinkles and lines. This is due to a loss of structural proteins like elastin and collagen. By administering a variety of injectables during a liquid facelift procedure, the visibility of facial aging can be reduced and it will give you a more youthful facial appearance..

Types of Dermal Fillers Used In Liquid Facelifts

Dermal fillers are liquid compounds that are safe and effective in adding volume to the face when injected. The filler injection gives cheeks, chin, and other facial areas, a plump look, reducing wrinkles and restoring lost volume. 

Depending on your chosen treatment areas and desired goals, your plastic surgeon will determine the type of dermal filler to be used in your liquid facelift. Here are some of the most common dermal fillers used in liquid facelifts:

1. Sculptra

Sculptra is a long lasting filler injection that can last for 2 years or more. It is ideal for severe fat or volume loss. This can appear as sunken cheeks and temples and hollow eyes. The active component of Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid. While Sculptra does give immediate results, it also stimulates collagen production, so results continue to improve over a few months.

2. Radiesse

Radiesse is a dermal filler made of unique calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin at the site of the wrinkles. This dermal filler has the ability to aid the production of collagen which will help restore a natural youthful look. A Radiesse liquid facelift is commonly used for smile lines, nasolabial folds, wrinkles around the nose and mouth. 

3. Juvederm

Juvederm fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. It is a natural substance that binds with collagen and elastin in the skin. Hyaluronic acid keeps the skin plump, firm, and youthful. As a filler injection, it fills and smoothens moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. There are different versions of Juvederm which add volume to lift and contour different parts of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, and sunken areas below the eyes.

Benefits of A Liquid Facelift

1. It Is Non-Invasive

One of the biggest pros for a liquid facelift is the fact that it is a treatment that requires no surgery, no downtime, or potential for scarring. It is also virtually painless with minimal side effects. 

Because anesthesia is usually not required with a liquid facelift, the immediate risk to the patient is significantly less than with a surgical facelift or a plastic surgery.

2. It Targets Multiple Problems Simultaneously

When you undergo a liquid facelift, you can choose precisely which areas of your face you would like to target. This gives complete customization of where you want to receive treatments and how much of injectable filler or muscle relaxers you would like in those areas. 

3. Quick and Convenient Procedure

A liquid facelift usually takes less than an hour. This includes all of the injectables, fillers, and muscle relaxers. It takes significantly less time than the surgical facelift or a plastic surgery. A surgical facelift usually takes about 2 to 3 hours and may require an overnight stay for observation.

4. It Has No Downtime

A liquid face lift is a non surgical procedure. Hence, there is minimum time needed for the patient to take off work or other necessary activities and tasks. Most patients can go back to their usual routine just hours after the procedure. 

Patients who undergo traditional facelift surgery typically experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which may require them to take up to 1 to 2 weeks away from work and other social engagements. More strenuous activities, including exercise, may be off-limits for a longer period of time.

5. Results Are Immediate and Natural

Liquid facelift enables you to see the results in a matter of hours. The results achieved following a liquid facelift are volumized treatment areas and naturally rejuvenated skin. This is because of the fact that the skin was not cut or pulled during surgery, but is plumped and enhanced with fillers.

6. It Is Affordable

Compared to a traditional facelift, a liquid facelift is much more cost effective. However, every patient is different and the cost is dependent on your customized treatment plan and what combination of injectables will be used in order to respond to your unique facial features.

Common Treatment Areas For Liquid Facelift

1. Eyebrows

The area between the eyebrows is subject to fine lines and wrinkles with every facial expression. These particular wrinkles are generally brought on by facial expressions. Additionally, genetics, sleeping on your side, and sun exposure can also be factors for the fine lines.

2. Forehead

Fillers can reduce the appearance of static lines visible in the forehead even when the face is at rest. The commonly used facial injections do this by literally filling in the lines with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring component of the skin.

3. Cheeks

Cheek is another popular area that clients want to target with fillers. With age, the cheeks can become hollow in appearance or look flat due to a decrease in collagen production. A decreased volume in the cheeks will result to a tired or sad facial appearance.

4. Corners of the mouth

The lines in the corners of your mouth, also known as marionette lines, turn down or droop as you age. Fillers can help add support and structure to uplift the mouth and restore your smile back to its natural position. It is acting as invisible scaffolding supporting and lifting the corners of your mouth.

5. Lips

Lip filling is growing in popularity. Clients usually want plumper and more voluminous lips. Lips also develop fine lines over time with the repetition of facial expressions like smiling, laughing, or frowning. 

6. Jowls

Cheek jowls dropping down are commonly associated with aging in the lower half of the face. Jowls form because as you naturally age, the cheeks drop below your jawline. When dermal fillers are injected in the areas surrounding your jowls, your jawline straightens and the jowls reduce.

7. Temples

The natural fullness of temples is gradually lost with age. This affects the natural convex shape of the upper face and will turn it to a more concave profile. This will make a person look more skeletal which can be associated with skin sagging due to age. 

Am I An Ideal Candidate For A Liquid Facelift?

The advanced dermal fillers used in a liquid facelift procedure work to restore volume loss and diminish signs of aging. Since the most visible signs of aging are due to volume loss, a liquid facelift is a promising alternative to cosmetic surgery for many patients.

You are an ideal candidate if you are not satisfied with the appearance of your skin and you are looking for a non surgical procedure that treats mild to moderate signs of aging. Candidates ideally have relatively few wrinkles and a small amount of sagging skin to maximize the results of liquid facelift. 

Liquid facelift procedures can also be used for a patient that would like to test out or temporarily mimic the results they might be able to achieve through surgical procedures. While a liquid facelift is ideal for mild to moderate signs of aging, you may be better suited for a traditional facelift if skin laxity is your primary concern. 

What To Expect In A Liquid Facelift?

Since liquid facelifts do not require any surgery, there are only minimal preparations needed before your appointment. Liquid facelifts typically involve a series of injections in various treatment areas of the face. Your appointment time will likely range from 20 minutes to 1 hour, on average.

1. Preparations Before the Treatment

The most important preparation for a liquid facelift is choosing the right clinic and doctor for you and your unique goals. A liquid facelift should be done by an experienced plastic surgeon, and it is important that you go over your medical history before any procedures.

A good plastic surgeon will take the time to answer your questions, provide in-depth information about the procedure, and will be willing to show you before and after pictures of their past procedures. Never agree to undergo a cosmetic procedure if you are unaware of the substance to be used and the whole procedure before the appointment.

2. What Happens During the Treatment?

The treatment itself will take anywhere between 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the amount of area to be treated. Your plastic surgeon will use a very fine needle that will in most cases contain Lidocaine, a built in anesthetic, so you would not feel any discomfort or pain. A numbing cream can be applied prior to the procedure if the Lidocaine is not provided.

With the patient sitting up, the chosen treatment area on the face is gently and meticulously lifted and sculpted with injections of the dermal injectable fillers. The type and the amount of fillers used are discussed in the initial consultation to achieve the outcome desired.

3. Things to Expect After the Treatment?

Liquid facelift patients can return to work immediately and resume high impact activities within 24 to 48 hours. While there is a chance of bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness following the liquid facelift, these side effects traditionally fade away within a few hours to a few days.

How Long Does A Liquid Facelift Last?

A liquid facelift can last anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years. The duration is largely dependent on the type of filler used in the treatment, the amount of filler used, and the location of the filler injections. Because this is a non surgical procedure, it is encouraged to have the procedure repeated over time to maintain the lift.

A treatment plan can be established based on a patient’s unique timeline to maintain the liquid facelift appearance on an ongoing basis. Given the temporary nature of this procedure, patients are able to determine if they like the results before committing to regular treatments and long lasting filler options.

The very best way to determine how long your liquid facelift will last is through an in-person consultation. You will be able to discuss your individual needs and concerns with your plastic surgeon and he will be able to tell you which products will work best for you, as well as how long these products will last. 

What Is The Average Cost of A Liquid Facelift?

While prices always vary, the average liquid facelift cost is around $2000 to $8000. However, every patient is different and the cost is really dependent on your customized treatment plan and what combination of dermal injectable fillers will be used in order to respond to your particular needs.

Liquid Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift eliminates visible signs of aging on the lower face, jawline, and facial skin sagging. The traditional facelift requires surgery, which means you run the risk of complications associated with anesthesia. It also requires serious downtime for recovery, and also leaves behind some incision scars.

On the other hand, a liquid facelift is a combination of injectable treatment and dermal fillers. These injections gradually replace the volume loss that contributes to visible aging. A liquid facelift can smoothen wrinkles, fill facial hollowing, and plump lips by attracting moisture and stimulating collagen production.

The results from a traditional facelift are essentially permanent. However, it is common for a patient to seek another minor tuck after an average period of 8 to 12 years. Due to the use of dermal fillers, liquid facelifts can only last from about 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of filler used and the area that was treated.

A surgical facelift may be the best option for patients with more advanced signs of aging or a significant amount of loose, sagging skin. The surgical approach is the only way to truly correct these concerns.

Schedule Your Liquid Facelift With Masri Clinic

If you are ready to take the first step towards a youthful appearance, consult with us at Masri Clinic. Dr. Haitham Masri and Dr. Fatina Masri have been performing a variety of surgical and non surgical procedures such as a liquid facelift, traditional face lift and facial plastic surgery over the decades. With their experience, they will advise you the best and most suitable combination of treatments for your desired goals.

To schedule your liquid facelift appointment at Masri Clinic for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, call us today.