(619) 280.1609A liquid facelift is a great option for individuals who are experiencing sagging, volume loss, and wrinkles due to aging. It offers versatility because it can be customized to meet each person’s aesthetic concerns. At the same time, it is effective enough to turn back the hands of time without surgery.
What is a Liquid Facelift?
A liquid facelift uses two important injectables to produce a lifted, more youthful look:
- Botox to relax facial muscles
- Fillers to replace volume
- PDO threads (optional)
Although technically using PDO threads is referred to as a “thread lift,” they are often used to enhance the results of a liquid facelift procedure.
Using Botox Cosmetic in a Liquid Facelift
serezniy – DepositPhotos – Model
Facial expressions such as smiling, grimacing, frowning, or worrying cause facial muscles to move, creating temporary wrinkles in the skin. When the skin is young, it can bounce back without issue.
With age, however, these repetitive facial movements can literally etch wrinkles and creases into the skin.
There are two types of wrinkles: static and dynamic. Dynamic wrinkles are formed only during facial muscle movement whereas static wrinkles are there even when the face is relaxed.
A liquid facelift often includes Botox to temporarily paralyze facial muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles. As a bonus, new static wrinkles are less likely to occur because facial movements are stopped before new wrinkles have the chance to settle in.
Eye lift: If placed in certain muscles above the brow area, Botox can give the outer corners of the eyes a lifted appearance.
Botox lasts for about 3-4 months, on average.
Using Dermal Fillers in a Liquid Facelift
valuavitaly – DepositPhotos – Model
Facial fillers have the amazing ability to provide volume, structure, and lift when injected into the right areas. These formulas can do so much more than just filling in deep wrinkles and creases:
- Cheek fillers can restore youthful volume to the cheeks
- Cheek fillers can lift the cheek up to smooth out nasolabial folds
- Dermal fillers can plump up thinning lips
- Fillers can lessen the appearance of sunken eyes (tear trough area)
- Dermal fillers can be used in the temples to replace volume
Other facial areas where fillers can be injected include the chin and nose. For example, rather than getting a permanent chin implant or rhinoplasty to reduce a nasal hump, dermal fillers can provide targeted volume wherever it is needed.
How Long Does a Liquid Facelift Last?
Qpicimages – DepositPhotos – Model
Depending upon the type of filler used, results can last anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years.
- Hyaluronic acid fillers last about 6-9 months
- Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers last about 12 months
- Poly-lactic-L acid (PLLA) can last about 2 years
Unfortunately, you can’t choose which filler to get based on how long you want it to last. The FDA has strict rules for safety regarding where certain fillers can be injected (some are for lips, others are for the eye area). Further, some fillers are firmer than others, so they are meant to provide not only volume, but also structure and shape.
The bottom line is that there are specific fillers meant for specific facial areas. An experienced injector will know exactly what you need in order to give you the best looking (and safest) results.
How Much Does a Liquid Facelift Cost?
The total cost of a liquid facelift truly depends on where you live, how much filler is necessary, which type of fillers are needed, and who is injecting it. Injectors who are below the MD (doctor) level may charge less than a doctor.
According to RealSelf, the cost of a liquid facelift can range from $325 to $5000.
If PDO threads are used, the total cost for your procedure will be higher than using injectables alone. Some patients choose add-on treatments such as RF microneedling or laser skin resurfacing for maximum results.
When it comes to safety and results, choosing an injector based on price alone is a recipe for disaster: uneven results, lumps, and infections. Always choose an experienced doctor for your liquid facelift!
Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine is one of the only medical spas in San Diego to have a doctor doing all of the injecting for our patients. Call Dr. Aeria Chang today to find out how a liquid facelift can help you look your best at every age: (619) 280-1609.
Click here to read Dr. Chang’s related article: “What is a liquid facelift and how much does it cost?”
*Botox® and Botox® Cosmetic are registered trademarks of Allergan, Inc.
