Liquid Facelifts

What is a liquid facelift?

A liquid facelift involves the use of dermal fillers and neuromodulators to provide many of the same results that can be achieved with a surgical facelift. A liquid facelift can:

• Reduce wrinkles, creases, lines, and folds
• Gently lift facial features
• Restore natural, curved facial contour
• Provide a more rested, energetic appearance

What is the goal of a liquid facelift?

Obviously, every patient has different issues that a liquid facelift will address. You’ll discuss these with Dr. Aydin during your consultation. Sometimes, results similar to a full (traditional) facelift are the goal, a lifting of the entire face. In other cases, specific facial features are targeted for lifting, contouring, or simply rejuvenating. Under eye bags and dark circles can be masked. The eyes can be opened by lifting the eyelids. Jowls can be diminished. Cheeks that have lost volume can be restored. The corners of the mouth can be lifted, and wrinkles around the lips eliminated. Basically, anything that can be remedied surgically can be remedied with a liquid facelift.

With crow’s feet, for instance, Dr. Aydin will use Botox to reverse the superficial lines that fan out from the corners of the eyes. Botox is a neuromodulator that stops the muscles creating the crow’s feet from contracting. But when those lines are deeper or more grooved, he may also utilize the fillers Juvederm® or Restylane® to fill the wrinkles.

Where cheeks have hollowed, a typical sign of aging, Sculptra® is effective in restoring volume. Because Sculptra® provides support, but also stimulates the body to create new collagen, the results take a little longer to fully be realized, but also last two years or more.

What products are typically used for liquid facelifts?

As dermal fillers and neuromodulators have continued to become more advanced, the capabilities of liquid facelifts have expanded. Dr. Aydin utilizes the hyaluronic acid fillers of Juvederm® and Restylane® product lines. He also uses additional fillers for filling and stimulating collagen production. For areas where wrinkles are the result of underlying muscle contractions, he uses Botox®.

How long does a liquid facelift last? 

The duration of your liquid facelift depends on which fillers Dr. Aydin has used. Placement also plays a role in duration. Because different products have different lifecycles, touch-up procedures can be necessary to maintain your liquid facelift before the longest-lasting products are absorbed by the body.

Here are a few timelines:

• Botox — 3 to 6 months
• Juvederm — up to one year
• Sculptra — two years or more
• Restylane  — from 4 to 9 months

So, for example, over the time Sculptra will continue supplying volume to your cheeks, you will likely need to touch up areas where Botox was used at least twice, and Juvederm probably once.