Liquid Facelift
Liquid Facelift Overview
When we are young, our faces look full and wrinkle-free because we have plenty of collagen and elastin. The visible signs of aging begin to appear as the face loses its collagen and elasticity. A liquid facelift is a great treatment for restoring this lost volume, providing you with youthful facial features once more!
At our San Diego dermatologist office, our skincare experts use a combination of dermal fillers and Botox or Dysport to rejuvenate the face. This combo treatment can address and improve the following signs of aging:
- Loss of volume
- Expression lines
- Hollow features
- Deep lines and wrinkles
- Under eye circles
- Lip borders and vertical lip lines
What to Expect
During your liquid facelift consultation, on of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology’s skincare experts will discuss which issues you want to correct and decide on the best treatment plan.
In general, a combination of dermal fillers, like Juvéderm, Restylane, Radiesse, or Sculptra, are combined with Botox or Dysport injections to achieve the patient’s desired results. The fillers are used to add volume back to the face and to smooth out unwanted wrinkles and furrows.
Expression related creases (like crow’s feet or 11-lines) are treated with Botox or Dysport, which relaxes the muscles and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. This combination flattens wrinkles as well as tightens up loose skin, giving patients a more youthful appearance.
What to Expect After the Procedure
A liquid facelift is a great option for patients who do not have severe volume loss and sagging or patients who do not want to undergo a surgical procedure. The results of a noninvasive combination treatment are usually visible immediately after the treatment (unless Sculptra is used, which takes a couple of months to appear) and require minimal downtime.
Our doctors’ expert techniques provide patients with natural-looking results. Many of our patients tell us they receive compliments on their “well-rested” appearance, but friends and family can rarely tell that they have had work done.
Filler Treatment Guidelines
During your procedure:
- An assessment will be made by your physician to determine type of product and
appropriate amount needed. - Multiple injections will be administered to treated areas.
- The filler contains lidocaine, however some physicians may decide to use a topical
numbing agent or local anesthesia injections prior to filler injections. - You may have a very small amount of pinpoint bleeding where the needle was
inserted. This usually subsides in a few minutes.
After your procedure:
- You may use your regular skincare products and make-up.
- You can apply ice packs to ease tenderness and swelling.
- Do NOT manipulate, rub, massage, apply pressure, etc. to treated areas or lay face
down after treatment. - Immediately after the treatment, you will experience swelling which can last 1 – 3 days. The
above-mentioned fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (which is a substance your body
normally produces) and it attracts water to it which causes the swelling. - You may feel lumps where the filler was injected. This is also swelling and they will
subside in about 3 – 5 days and are usually not visible. - You may get a bruise from the injections. If so, you are welcome to come into the office
the following day and have the bruise(s) treated with a laser at no charge. - You may also take Arnica pills before and/or after the treatment to decrease risk of
bruising and to help any bruises you have to subside faster. We have Arnica available
for purchase. - Results are immediate but due to the swelling, the expected end result can be seen
between 7 – 10 days. - Follow any additional specific post treatment instructions from your physician.
- It is always a possibility that you may not get the desired result after one treatment.
Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns at (858) 657-1002.
Photos
Before and after Belotero filler treatment for liquid facelift by Dr. Groff
Before and after Belotero injections for a liquid facelift by Dr. Groff
Before and after Belotero injections for a liquid facelift by Dr. Groff
Before and after filler injections for liquid facelift by Dr. Goldman
Before and after Voluma, Sculptra and Perlane injections for liquid facelift by Dr. Fabi
Before and after Belotero and Voluma injections for a liquid facelift by Dr. Fabi
Before and after Radiesse filler injections for liquid facelift by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Radiesse injections to augment the cheeks by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Radiesse injections to augment cheeks by Dr. Fabi
Before and after Radiesse injections to augment cheeks by Dr. Fabi
Before and after Radiesse, Belotero and Sculptra for wrinkles and facial rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
Before and after Belotero, Radiesse and Sculptra for wrinkles and facial rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
Before and after Belotero, Sculptra and Radiesse for wrinkles and skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
Before and after filler treatment to augment cheeks and reduce wrinkles by Dr. Fabi
Videos
Injectables at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
Dr. Fabi Performs a Liquid Facelift (3:07)
Facelift Alternatives (1:04)
FAQs
Q: How is this procedure performed?
First, you will have a consultation with one of our cosmetic dermatologists, who will design a treatment plan that will address your specific anti-aging needs and goals. Our doctors will determine the best combination of dermal fillers and Botox to rejuvenate your face. The treatment itself will be performed in our San Diego office. Filler injections will be used to smooth out the wrinkles you have, while the Botox injections are used to relax facial muscles to prevent new wrinkles from forming. Depending on the number of injection sites and the injectables used, the treatment can be as quick as 30 minutes or as long as an hour.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
Patients generally only need one treatment to achieve the desired results. However, if Sculptra is used, you will need a few treatments before you see the full effects. Also, keep in mind that the results of a liquid facelift are temporary. You will need to come back for touch-up treatments as the injectables begin to wear off.
Q: When will I see results?
You will see results almost immediately, but this depends on which injectables are used. In general, you can expect to see full results within a week of the treatment. Botox and Dysport take a few days to take effect. If hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are used, you will see the results immediately after the treatment. If Sculptra is used it will take a couple of months before you see full results because the volume is not created by the product itself, but by Sculptra’s ability to stimulate the body’s own production of new collagen.
Q: What injectables are used in a combination treatment?
The injectables used in a liquid facelift depend on the patient’s individual needs. Any combination of temporary hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm and Restylane), long-lasting fillers (Radiesse and Sculptra) and neurotoxins (Botox and Dysport) can be used to rejuvenate the face.
Q: Can fat grafting be used?
Yes, fat grafting is another option that can be used in a liquid facelift. A multi-level fat transfer is a longer-lasting alternative to injectable fillers. The fat that is harvested from another location on your body is injected into your face to replace lost volume or contour the face. Fat grafting is a very specialized procedure and our doctors are known experts for their technique.
Q: How much recovery time should I expect?
Since this is a nonsurgical procedure there is minimal downtime. Most patients are able to return to work or their normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. You may experience some redness or swelling at the injection site, but this can be covered with makeup.
Q: How long do the results last?
The duration depends on which fillers were used in the procedure. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers (Juvederm and Restylane) can last from 6-12 months, while the semi-permanent fillers (Radiesse and Sculptra) can last up to 2 years. Botox and Dysport generally last up to 6 months. You can come back for touch up treatments as the effects start to wear off so that you can maintain your youthful look.
Q: What are the side effects?
The side effects are minimal. However, common side effects for most injectables can include localized pain, bruising, inflammation, redness, itching, bruising and/or swelling.
Q: How much does it cost?
Since each patient’s personal treatment is customized to his or her individual needs and goals the cost varies. To find out the cost, set up a consultation with one of our dermatologists.
Other Options
Fat grafting is another alternative for a liquid facelift and provides wonderful results for facial rejuvenation. Please schedule a consultation with the skincare experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology today. During your consultation, we will discuss your individual treatment goals and results and help you choose a procedure that’s right for you.
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