There are two components to facial aging: one is loss of elasticity manifested by excess skin and the other is loss of volume creating hollows, shadows and sags. The term “liquid facelift” is used to describe a non-surgical technique for facial rejuvenation. The results are more subtle than a traditional facelift and require little or no downtime. To perform the procedure, our board certified plastic surgeon uses injectables such as fillers and relaxers to restore the natural contours of the face and soften the deeper wrinkles. With this method, lost volume is restored and lines are filled and relaxed, thereby creating a more youthful appearance. Swelling and bruising may occur but should diminish within a week or so. This has become a more common substitute for a facelift in patients who are trying to avoid or delay the need for facelift surgery.
The fact that the results of the ‘liquid facelift’ are temporary can be a blessing and a curse. If you love the fresh new look, it is not a permanent solution. On the other hand, if you are not completely happy with the way the fillers and relaxers look on you, it is not a permanent situation. The relaxation portion (provided by Botox or Dysport) lasts about 3-4 months, whereas the volumizing portion (fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse) usually last the better part of a year. Also, when the fillers are repeated, most patients only require about half as much for the second treatment. Since the aging process consists of volume loss as well as loss of elasticity, the liquid facelift is an important component in improving a patient’s appearance and is frequently performed in addition to a traditional facelift. This allows the surgeon to get better results without needing to remove as much skin and gives a more natural result.
To read more about individual injectables used for a liquid facelift, click here:
If you are a prospective plastic surgery patient looking for a more permanent solution to facial again, please explore our pages on facelift surgery, eyelid lift, ThreadLift and brow lift in St. Louis.
