THE LIQUID FACELIFT

Over the years, the face begins to lose collagen and elastin which contribute to sagging facial features. The loss of facial volume and elasticity also lead to the formation of wrinkles, increases and folds. During the past few years, a specialized group of physicians began treating wrinkles with newly FDA-approved dermal fillers and BOTOX®. Or second generation fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse and Bellotero Balance.

During this time, the physicians began to notice an accompanying benefit. As these procedures were performed with particular products and with certain injection techniques, facial features exhibited a gentle lift, as well.

Some of these physicians refined techniques to focus on lifting and contouring, with an ancillary benefit of wrinkle reduction (rather than the other way around). This has spawned a somewhat revolutionary new approach in treating sagging facial features, which has begun to be called a Liquid Face Lift.

In broad terms, a Liquid Face Lift can be undertaken to accomplish any of the following:

  • Gentle lift of individual (or overall) facial features
  • Reduced wrinkles, creases or folds
  • Restoration of natural, curved facial contours
  • A more rested, energetic look
  • A friendlier smile

In some patients the goal of a Liquid Face Lift procedure is to lift the entire face. In others, the goal is to lift or contour specific facial features. Liquid Face Lift products and procedures may be used to accomplish a number of objectives when it comes to facial contouring and lifting.

A Liquid Face Lift involves the use of advanced dermal fillers, usually in combination with BOTOX®. The dermal fillers used are among a group of 2nd generation dermal fillers that provide more enduring results than earlier products. The new group of 2nd generation, advanced dermal fillers includes Juvedermtm, Juvedermtm Ultra Plus, and Radiesse®.

Each of these dermal fillers has unique attributes that work in their own special way to contour specific areas of the face. In general, dermal fillers replace lost volume in the face or help the body regenerate its own collagen. Precisely placed, the dermal fillers can be used to lift or contour any number of facial features.

It is common knowledge that BOTOX® relaxes and diminishes wrinkles. However, BOTOX® is also used in conjunction with the dermal fillers to provide added lift and to help the endurance of the dermal fillers. In the face, there is a constant tug of war among muscles that pull up (levators) and muscles that pull down (depressors). BOTOX® is placed in the depressor muscles to relax the downward pull and to let the upward-pulling muscles win, providing a lift to various facial features.

All of the products discussed on this site are FDA-approved for treatment of at least one area of the face. The manufacturers rarely seek FDA approval for multiple cosmetic uses. However, once approved, physicians may use any of these products for other cosmetic uses, known as off label usage. Most plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other physicians who regularly use dermal fillers and BOTOX® in cosmetic medical procedures perform both on-label and off-label procedures.