These days, facial rejuvenation doesn’t have to involve surgery. In fact, some signs of aging are better treated with non-surgical options than with procedures such as a facelift. For example, people with some wrinkles or loss of facial volume might be better served by a liquid facelift rather than surgery. A non-surgical treatment can be ideal for people with busy schedules who aren’t sure if they want to commit to surgery or otherwise don’t think they are ready for surgery at the moment.

What is a Liquid Facelift?

A liquid facelift actually has a bit of a confusing name. It doesn’t provide results that are similar to a surgical facelift. A traditional facelift focuses on reducing sagging and drooping in the lower portion of the face. During a surgical facelift, the surgeon cuts and lifts skin and underlying tissue, trimming away excess and removing fat as needed. While surgery can help smooth and minimize wrinkles, the primary focus of the facelift is minimizing sag and droop, giving the face a more uplifted and refreshed appearance.

In contrast, the goal of a liquid facelift is to restore lost volume to the face. The non-surgical procedure is often performed to improve the fullness of the cheeks and to eliminate hollow areas on the face that make it look older or more gaunt. The liquid facelift also helps correct deep creases, folds and lines.

Usually, a liquid facelift is customized to the specific needs of a patient. The fillers or injectables a surgeon uses depend on what the patient wants corrected. For example, if volume loss in the cheeks is a major concern, the surgeon might use Juvederm Voluma to instantly add volume or Sculptra, which provides more gradual results. Along with those injectables, the surgeon might also use another type of filler to minimize creases and lines or an injectable such as Botox to reduce lines in the forehead area or near the eyes. Depending on the  number of fillers and injections a person receives, the entire process can take up to 40 minutes.

Who is a Good Candidate?

How do you know if a liquid facelift is for you? If you have significant sagging or loose skin in the facial area, you’re most likely better off choosing a traditional facelift. But, if your main concerns are wrinkles and volume loss, a liquid facelift can be the best option.

Several other factors can determine whether a non-surgical facelift is right for you. Although you won’t have to quit smoking and your health concerns might not be as much of an issue when injectables are involved, compared to surgery, it is still a good idea to discuss any medical conditions or other health concerns with your surgeon before the procedure. Allergic reactions to certain fillers are rare, but it is very important to let your surgeon know if you’ve ever had a reaction to an injectable in the past.

Your expectations from the procedure are also important when it comes to deciding if you’re a good candidate or not. Understanding exactly what a liquid facelift can and can’t do will help guarantee that you are satisfied with your results. A good candidate also understands that the results from the non-surgical treatment are far from permanent and that they won’t last nearly as long as the results from a surgical facelift or other type of surgical procedure.

Benefits of a Liquid Facelift

A liquid facelift can offer several benefits over surgery for the right patient. The major benefit is the limited amount of downtime required after it. Although you might see some initial swelling and bruising, you won’t have to take a week or two off from work. Many people are comfortable returning to work the day after their treatment.

Since a liquid facelift uses injections, not incisions, there is no scarring to worry about afterwards. It’s considerably more comfortable than a traditional facelift and you won’t need general anesthesia. Depending on how comfortable you are around needles and injections, you might prefer to have a topical anesthetic during treatment, but not every patient does.

It’s important to keep in mind that the results from a liquid facelift aren’t permanent in any way. How long your results last depend on the type of injectables you get and your metabolism. Results typically last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. The thicker fillers, such as Voluma, often provide the longest lasting results.

Think you are ready for a liquid facelift? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kyle Choe, a board certified facial plastic surgeon in Virginia Beach, today. Dr. Choe can evaluate the signs of aging on your face and review your medical history with you to see if you’re a good candidate for the treatment. He can also discuss other options with you. To make your appointment, call 757.389.5850.