Procedures
Liquid Face Lift or Lunchtime Facelift:
Do I need a Facelift?
Many patients come to my office for a facelift consultation thinking it might be time for them to get a facelift. It is not uncommon for me to object against the patient's desire for surgery. Four components of the facial structure change as one ages: the skin, muscle,
bone, and fat. Loss of elasticity in the skin and soft tissues, a loss of volume,
reabsorbing of the bone and gravity are all signs of aging. A facelift does not solve all of the problems of aging such as age spots and surface texture
changes, as well as fat loss and bone loss. A variety of techniques are available to help with the aging process.
Injectables can address:
- Lost fullness
- Expression lines
- Flattened or hollowed features
Recommended Treatment to Restore Volume:
Varying degrees of wrinkles and folds and different areas of the face can be
addressed with the use of injectables in a liquid facelift procedure. Restoring
facial volume and filling fine lines and wrinkles can be addressed by using
dermal fillers. Expression-related creases are caused my muscle
contractions; however, with the use of denervating agents such as Botox or Dysport these expression lines can be softened. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator that can be used to gradually restore volume with long lasting effects.
How a Liquid Facelift or Lunchtime Face Lift is done:
After an examination, we will draw up a treatment plan designed specifically
for signs of aging and one's personal goals. Temporary fillers such as
hyaluronic acid-based (Restylane and Juvéderm) or collagen-based
(CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast), as well as longer-lasting injectables like Radiesse, Artefille and Sculptra are all candidates that we may use. Botox is
often used in conjunction with fillers to relax facial muscles that contribute to
wrinkles and furrows. Injecting fillers at varying depths to fill creases creates
a more youthful contours and appearance. Depending on the number of
injections sites and the injectables used treatment can take as little as 30
minutes. Restylane and Juvéderm fill lips and creases, CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast fill fine lines and thinner tissues, and Radiesse and Sculptra
create new curves or fill deep crevices in facelift procedures.
What to expect from a Liquid Facelift or Lunchtime Face Lift
Injectable lunchtime facelift results are usually visible instantly; however,
if Sculptra is used it can take up to three sessions to see improvement. Sessions are spaced about a month apart. Some of the initial plumping
may be due to overfilling or swelling. It is common for multiple injection
sites, but swelling and bruising may be experienced the first few days
after treatment. To minimize swelling, patients leave with a pack of ice
and are advised not to exercise for the first few hours to prevent an
increase in heart rate or blood pressure. Patients should avoid vitamin E,
anti-inflammatories, herbal supplements and other medications that promote
bruising.
How long does a Liquid Facelift or Lunchtime Face Lift Last?
Duration depends on which fillers were used in the facelift procedure and
longevity is measured in months. Lasting results are highly variable; the
patient may notice subtle changes in their own skin as the months pass.
Collagen-based fillers last three to four months, hyaluronic acid-based fillers
can last from six to 12 months, and semi-permanent injectables can last one to two years or more. Botox or Dysport lasts from three to six months and may help temporary fillers to last longer by decreasing muscle action.
Risks of a Liquid Facelift or Lunchtime Face Lift
In order to fine-tune results additional follow-up treatments may be necessary.
Additional injections are required in the event of asymmetry. Granulomas
(little bumps that can be felt and sometimes seen, under the skin) may
develop when longer lasting particle based fillers like Radiesse or Artefill are
used.
Fat Transfer:
Fat transfer or grafting is a longer-lasting option in facelift procedures versus
injectable fillers, which are for the most part, temporary. Liposuction is used to
harvest fat from the hips or thighs. The fat is put in small syringes and then
strategically re-injected to replace lost volume or reshape the face. Today's
injection techniques allow doctors to place fat where significant amounts will
survive. Fat is commonly injected in places such as: the hollows under the
eyes, the midface, nasolabial folds, the lips, around the mouth, the jawline
and beyond.
How long results last:
Liquid facelift procedures utilizing fillers generally last four months to two years. Sculptra has been shown to last over two years. Fat
injections are permanent in certain parts of the face. Dr. Aharonov likes to discuss such treatments not in terms of how long they might last, but instead how often will it have to be maintained. As a general principle, it is always easier to maintain results with maintenance visits as opposed to waiting until all the filler has worn off. The period of time between treatments of fillers might vary depending on individual preference as well as each individual's unique metabolism. As a loose general rule, Dr. Aharonov believed that a maintenance visit every 6 months is sufficient for most people for a small touch up. Depending on region of the face, maintenance might be different. For example, fillers around the eyes tend to last significantly longer than fillers in the lips. It is not uncommon to barely need a touch up for eye fillers even at the 9-12 month point. During your consultation, Dr. Aharonov will show you before and after pictures, including of patients after 9 to 12 months of treatment. Knowing what average maintenance schedules usually are will help patients plan ahead for being able to maintain their desired optimal look.
