As we start age (and all of us do), many begin to notice lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and a loss of fullness. Ironically, as we grow older, we seem to gain more fat in our mid section, but lose it from our faces. We also begin to lose collagen after about age 25, another huge contributing factor to a youthful looking face. All of this adds up to an overall decrease in facial fullness. While many may still choose to go under the knife and get a face lift to help lift their sagging skin and smooth out wrinkles, the liquid face lift is currently all the rage among Hollywood’s elite, and its popularity is understandable. It promises a more youthful appearance with no downtime, no anesthesia, and no going under the knife.
A liquid face lift is the lifting, plumping, filling, smoothing, and/or re-contouring of the face through the use of injectable dermal fillers, such as Restylane, Radiesse, Juvaderm, Sculptra and others. As part of the overall procedure, these products are often used in conjunction with each other and in addition to Botox. The use of Botox in addition to dermal fillers can make for better and more long lasting results.
Juvaderm is a dermal filler used to fill and smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It is available in modified versions which are useful for adding volume to lift and contour the face. Juvederm is made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the body that helps maintain skin volume and hydration. It also binds with collagen and elastin, transporting essential nutrients to these fibers which make up much of the support structure of the skin. Restylane is also made from hyaluronic acid, but is used mostly for moderate facial lines and wrinkles as opposed to lifting and contouring purposes. Restylane is often used in conjunction with Botox to enhance and extend the life of results. Rather than hyaluronic acid, Radiesse is made from calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel. Radiesse provides both immediate and extended results because it stimulates production of collagen and encourages tissue regeneration. It is most commonly used for the smoothing of nasolabial folds and marionette lines, for cheek augmentation, and to plump up sunken areas below the eyes. The last of the fillers is Sculptra, which is generally used as a treatment for facial lipoatrophy, the loss of fat beneath the skin that sometimes causes sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Unlike other dermal fillers, Sculptra does not produce immediate results. It works by stimulating collagen production, so results appear gradually over a period of a few months. Three to five treatments are usually required, and results can last up to two years or more.
The greatest benefit of the liquid face lift? It can be done on your lunch break and can go back to work with no one the wiser!
Interested in the liquid face lift?
Call us today to schedule your consultation!
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group
(310) 275-6600
