As the non-surgical, “liquid facelift” beauty trend grows in popularity, many are catching on that this treatment provides many benefits without significant downtime. It's a step before more-invasive surgical procedures and can take years off your face almost instantly.
We know that a surgical facelift does precisely what’s implied. It’s a procedure that cuts away extra skin and “lifts” the skin of the face to reduce sagging and unwanted wrinkles. A liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure that can also plump several areas of the face such as lips and cheeks, smooth brow lines, and define facial features.
So, how does it work? And how different is it from a typical facelift?
How Does a Liquid Face Lift Work?
The process of this trending beauty treatment, as mentioned, is much less invasive and non-surgical. It involves several dermal filler injections to various areas of the face. These fillers are designed to restore youthful plumpness and fullness.
The dermal fillers act as collagen once under the skin and work to support its elasticity. This is, in part, what makes liquid facelifts one of the best treatments to combat aging, among several others.
The dermal filler injections target specific areas like the temples, under-eye areas, cheeks, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds.
Aside from its convenience, the treatment also leaves room for some personalization. There are multiple dermal fillers to choose from, including polymethylmethacrylate beads, calcium hydroxyapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid, which is also often used in non-surgical rhinoplasty procedures.
Cost and Convenience
Since a liquid facelift is non-surgical, it already has one significant advantage over its surgical counterpart. Additionally, it can be completed in just under an hour, takes only one treatment session, and requires little to no recovery time. It is also a procedure that can be performed by plastic surgeons and dermatologists alike, making it relatively easy to find a provider for this faux facelift treatment.
On the other hand, one drawback is that the longevity is less reliable than a traditional facelift. Although a surgical facelift is less convenient and requires substantial recovery time, the results are more predictable and last up to 10 years, while a liquid facelift requires Botox treatments every 3-4 months and filler every year though you will see sustained improvements over time.
In terms of cost, a liquid facelift is less expensive than the traditional surgical option. However, the exact cost is dependent on the type of dermal filler that will best serve your skin and desired results, as well as the rates set by your chosen professional.
Is A Liquid Face Lift Safe?
As with any beauty treatment, liquid facelifts do come with a list of potential side effects. Although relatively harmless, you can expect bruising, swelling, and/or redness at the injection sites. It is worth noting, though, the overall safety and potential risk of a liquid facelift are much less significant than a surgical one.
In any case, it is important to consult a licensed professional first to assess if you are a good candidate for this next exciting innovation in beauty treatments.