Our Fall Open House is quickly approaching and one special prize that will be given away to one lucky VIP Member is a liquid facelift. SO I thoughtthis week might me a great time to get an overview of the benefits of this procedure. So what is it? A liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure using advanced injection techniques of dermal fillers, and neromodulators like Botox, to lift and contour facial features. A non-surgical liquid facelift can accomplish any or all of the following:
Gentle lift of individual (or overall) facial features
Reduce wrinkles, creases, line or folds
Restore natural, curved facial contours
Restore volume loss
A more rested, youthful look
Enhance lips and smile
As we age, the face begins to lose collagen and elastin which contributes to sagging facial features. The loss of facial volume and elasticity also leads to the formation of wrinkles, lines and folds. As our reps like to remind us, we lose one teaspoon of collagen in our face for every decade we are alive. So basially by the time we are 50, we could essentailly use five syringes of dermal filler to restore our faces to their youthful beginnings. This is known as optimal correction. For me, I’m turning 40 in exactly two months from today. I guess I need to get busy with my syringes!
Ever since I was a child and heard my mother mention a facelift, and then after actually learning what really happens during a surgical facelift, I was horrified! I mean, they actually LIFT your face OFF and put it back tighter. Really?! Seems so barbaric. And then there’s the cost, the anesthesia, the downtime and recovery.
A non-surgical liquid facelift is a wonderful and fairly instantaneous alternative to a surgical facelift that can help you look years younger and yes, much more rested. In the last five months (my FIRST five months in the medical spa field), I have learned that some pretty amazing results can be accomplished with dermal fillers, neuromodulators, and advanced injection techniques. And the best part about dermal fillers? Instant gratification.
So what is the goal of a liquid facelift? Well, really that’s up to you. Not everyone who wants a liquid facelift may be after optimal correction. For some patients the goal of a non surgical liquid facelift is to lift and enhance the entire face. For others, the goal is to lift or contour specific facial features. For example, under eye bags and dark circles can be improved by using liquid facelift techniques for the tear trough; eyes can be opened up and lids lifted; jowls can be lifted and diminished; natural shape can be restored to flattened or sagging cheeks or temple areas that may have become hollow looking; corners of the mouth can be lifted, and lips can be enhanced. Neuromodulators, like Botox and Dysport may also used in conjunction with the dermal fillers to provide added lift and to help the endurance of the dermal fillers.
A liquid facelift will typically last from one to two years, depending on the products used and the facial area treated.
So what products will be used? Our injectors will decide which fillers are best for each specific procedure. Currently we use Juvederm, Voluma, Restylane, Perlane, Belotero, and Radiesse. With the exception of Radiesse, all of these are hyaluronic acid fillers, which is a substance that naturally occurs in the human body and is a lubricant. Radiesse, is slightly different and unique. Unlike most of the other dermal fillers available, Radiesse is not a hyaluronic acid, but rather it is made of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. What makes Radiesse unique is the ability of the product to act as a scaffold under the skin, providing structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow.
The production of natural collagen continues for several months, which extends beyond the initial effect of Radiesse. Results are natural looking and can last more than a year. Over time, the gel is absorbed and the body metabolizes the CaHA, leaving behind only your own natural collagen. All of these dermal fillers will eventually breakdown and dissipate in the body. But generally dermal filler injections can last about one year, depending on placement of the filler and also your own metabolism.
Results from a liquid facelift are noticeable immediately. You will have a fuller and more contoured face with fewer, less noticeable wrinkles and lines. You will appear refreshed and rejuvenated. As this is a non-surgical procedure, you have the added benefit of showing off your new and improved gorgeousness nearly immediately.