What Is a Liquid Facelift? A Top Dermatologic Surgeon Explains the Trendy Treatment
If the word “facelift” feels a little overwhelming, there may be an alternative for you: the liquid facelift. No, it’s not a miracle beverage that will soften fine lines and provide a more youthful appearance overnight. Rather, it’s a non-invasive option that utilizes injectables and other techniques for natural-looking results, and it gets you in and out of the dermatologist’s office in a half an hour. Intrigued? We caught up with New York City-based cosmetic dermatologic surgeon Howard Sobel, MD, to learn more about this anti-aging treatment. Read on for all the details, from the benefits to the side effects to the cost.
Meet the Expert
Howard Sobel, MD, is a cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and founder of SobelSkinRx.
What Is a Liquid Facelift?
Done at a dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office, this treatment offers facelift-like results—except instead of actual plastic surgery, no incisions are made. “A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical, customized approach to enhancing facial features with the use of filler injectables and Botox,” explains Dr. Sobel. The treatment can also include Vivace—a combination of micro needling and radio frequency) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy “for tightening and increasing collagen production,” according to Dr. Sobel.
Because of the method, results from a liquid facelift last anywhere from six to 12 months. So why opt for the treatment rather than facelift surgery? “It offers many of the benefits of a surgical facelift, at a lower risk, without the surgery and the recovery,” explains the derm. More specifically, he says, “A liquid facelift can redefine the jawline and cheekbones, lift sagging brows, diminish lines and wrinkles, and restore lost volume.”
What Types of Fillers Are Used in a Liquid Facelift?
To achieve the desired results, multiple dermal fillers and injectables may be used. Each is slightly different (and may be more or less expensive, too), so it’s important to discuss the options with your doctor. Here, Dr. Sobel explains some popular fillers, and why they’re used in the treatment.
Hyaluronic acid fillers (i.e. Juvéderm or Restylane)
Yes, that hyaluronic acid—except in this case, rather than being applied topically, it’s being injected directly into the layers of the skin for a plumping effect. “There are different types of hyaluronic acid for different uses, usually different thicknesses for lifting, contouring, and filling in acne scars,” explains Dr. Sobel.
Radiesse
These are microdroplets of medical-grade silicone. Along with the HA fillers, “These fillers may be used under the eyes to hide puffiness or dark circles and fill in hollows,” explains Dr. Sobel. “You get a lifting effect from the fillers over the cheeks and straightening of the jawline, [in addition to the] tightening from Vivace and increased collagen production.”
Botox
Botox may be used in various areas of the face to round out the treatment.“The Botox will get rid of wrinkle lines over the forehead, elevens (the lines between the eyes), crows feet, bands on the neck, as well as lift the eyebrows,” explains Dr. Sobel.
What Is the Cost of a Liquid Facelift?
In general, a liquid facelift will cost far less than a surgical procedure. However, facial fillers are not inexpensive, and the exact cost varies depending on the supplies used, and the doctor you see. “The costs depend on how many syringes you use. A syringe usually costs between $1000 to $1200 dollars,” says Dr. Sobel.
Are There Any Side Effects to Getting a Liquid Facelift?
One of the biggest benefits of the liquid facelift procedure is the lack of recovery time compared to a traditional facelift (which can take weeks). The injectable fillers “are all noninvasive with no downtime, without any surgery,” says Dr. Sobel. However, all injectables come with certain risks, including bruising at the injection site, swelling, and dizziness. For any serious side effects such as an allergic reaction, immediately contact your physician, or get emergency care.
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