Aging breaks down connective fibers, such as collagen and elastin, and also causes loss of fat in the deeper layers of the skin. The result is loose, loose skin that wrinkles more easily. While many women want to resist this procedure, not all feel comfortable having surgery to look younger.
Fortunately, there is a non-surgical option called a liquid facelift. Ishii discusses the pros and cons of a liquid facelift for facial rejuvenation.
What is a liquid facelift?
During a liquid facelift, the patient receives multiple injections dermal fillers, which are substances that restore fullness to the face for a more youthful appearance. “The ultimate goal is to plump the skin,” says Ishii. “The beauty of this procedure is that you can often do it in one session.”
Before you begin, your doctor will provide a local anesthetic to numb the area. Each injection takes just a few minutes and can target areas such as:
- The temples
- Under the lower eyelid
- Relaxed cheeks
- Nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth, also called marionette lines
- Welts near the mouth that cause stinging
The cost of the procedure varies depending on the amount of filler the surgeon uses and where you live. “The pricing in New York is different from the pricing in Baltimore,” Ishii says.
Types of dermal fillers
Today, you have a number of injections to choose from when getting a liquid facelift. Fillers don’t last forever, so you need to have repeated injections to maintain the results.
Popular fillers include:
- Hyaluronic acid: This is the most common category of fillers used. The results last about eight months and are completely reversible – doctors can inject a substance to break down the hyaluronic acid if you don’t like the result.
- Calcium hydroxyapatite: These irreversible fillers take longer to break down, lasting anywhere from 12 to 16 months.
- Poly-L-lactic acid: This type of filler stimulates collagen production and lasts up to 24 months. Results appear gradually, requiring three to four injections over a series of visits.
- Collagen or fat: Also called soft tissue augmentation, injectable collagen and fat fillers are a temporary treatment to correct wrinkles and scars. This class of fillers involves transferring fat from the patient’s own body. Soft tissue augmentation treatments last from three to 12 months.
Promising new treatments include platelet-rich plasma, a treatment that uses the patient’s own tissue. The specialist draws blood from the patient, spinning it in a laboratory to separate the plasma from the blood cells. The doctor then injects this plasma back into the patient’s face. Plasma contains platelets and growth factors that may stimulate collagen production, although this connection has not been proven.
“The downside is that it’s less predictable in terms of longevity,” says Ishii. “We don’t know if it lasts six months or six years.”
Risks and disadvantages
While the side effects are not as severe as with a surgical procedure facelift, a liquid facelift still causes some bruising. “Most people have very little bruising when you inject along the jawline, in the nasolabial folds, or even in the cheeks,” says Ishii. “Most people will experience significant bruising for several days with injections under the eyes.”
Many women choose fillers because they offer faster recovery, fewer potential complications and a more attractive price than surgery. “In the short term, it will be a little less expensive,” Ishii says, noting that it doesn’t replace surgery.
Facelift surgery requires 10 to 14 days of recovery, but the results last up to 10 years. And although dermal fillers can be more effective in areas like the temples, the results aren’t comparable to surgery for other areas, including:
- Reds that form on the jaw line
- Loose skin around the neck
- Nasolabial folds
- Sagging of midface tissue
- Double chin
Ultimately, a woman should carefully compare the risks and benefits of cosmetic plastic surgery versus injectables with her doctor. If you’re looking for a noticeable lift but don’t want surgery, a liquid facelift could be a good option.
