Liquid Facelift Blog
One of the questions patients ask frequently is “When is the right age for a facelift?” They may be noticing facial changes, such as increased skin laxity, fine lines, and volume loss. In reality, timing for a facelift depends on the patient’s individual facial aging pattern, and contributing factors: genetics, history of sun exposure, smoking, or a substantial intentional weight loss. Facial aging is unique to every individual, and is multifactorial in nature. Some patients will notice volume loss in their cheeks and tear trough, while others may notice loss of jawline contour, or signs of aging around the mouth. Most patients will begin to see a gradual relaxation of the forehead, and the resulting brow heaviness that is one of the initial aspects of facial aging.
Many patients have difficulty balancing surgery recovery time with social, work or family commitments. Instead, patients will opt for non-surgical interventions, often called the “Liquid Face Lift” to bridge the gap until surgery is an option for them. Other patients may wish to avoid surgery altogether, or they have health issues that may contradict having certain types of elective surgery. In these cases, non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers restore facial balance and volume, while Botox and Dysport can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, elevate the brows, and improve the appearance of the jawline.
Although non-surgical treatments are not a replacement for surgery, they can alleviate a patient’s concerns for the time being, and provide an overall more youthful and refreshed appearance. For a “Liquid Face Lift” to be successful, an overall global assessment of your facial features is a must for your provider to ensure a natural appearance. Typically several different types of filler will be used depending on the volume and contour needed. Voluma, Volux, Restylane, Restylane Kysse and Juvederm may be used simultaneously during the same visit, but to achieve different volume characteristics for certain areas of the face.
When planning a Liquid Face Lift, you and your provider will determine your treatment plan, the number of visits and the quantity of filler that will be required to achieve your desired outcome. Facial areas most commonly requiring volume enhancement or restoration include the temple, tear trough (undereye area) the cheek and contouring the cheekbone. By improving the volume in the upper and mid face, we achieve a more harmonious balance of overall facial volume, and give the appearance of a “lift.
Facial aging also occurs in the lower face, and restoring the volume and contour of the lips and the region around the mouth can be achieved using not only filler, but Botox or Dysport to lift the upper lip and the corners of the mouth, and reduce dimpling of the chin. The appearance of jowls and a sagging jawline can be improved by placing filler in strategic areas along the jawline for a smoother profile.