Facial aging isn’t just about the development of pesky lines and wrinkles. We have come to learn that there is much more to the aging process than a little tissue laxity. Beneath the surface, aging affects the bony structure that gives the face contours. As we age, the curves of the cheeks flatten out due to atrophy and also because fatty tissue deflates and falls to the jawline. Atrophy and deflation are like a one-two punch to facial youthfulness.
As aesthetic medicine has advanced over time, new solutions to facial aging have been developed. Dr. Esta Kronberg is pleased to offer patients of our Houston dermatology office customized anti-aging treatment in the form of a liquid facelift.
What Is a Liquid Facelift?
Essentially, a liquid facelift if a method of non-surgical facial rejuvenation that involves strategic placement of injectable products. This goes beyond a simple Botox or dermal filler treatment. The liquid facelift incorporates two or more injectables to accomplish specific objectives, such as:
- Reduce the appearance of lines, creases, and folds;
- Subtle lift in facial features from the brows to the jowls;
- Restored contours in the mid-face and jawline;
- Wider, more “awake” eyes;
- A friendlier smile;
- A more energetic, youthful appearance.
Liquid facelift treatment is tailored to the individual and may include injectables such as BOTOX®, JUVÉDERM® products such as Voluma, and Sculptra® Aesthetic. Each of the products has unique characteristics that affect dermal tissue in a particular way. BOTOX is a wonderful injectable for treating dynamic wrinkles like frown lines and for lifting a drooping brow line. The hyaluronic acid products in the Juvéderm family rejuvenate areas including the jawline, mouth, and cheeks.
Who Is the Best Candidate for a Liquid Facelift?
Many adults are good candidates for a liquid facelift. Treatment is especially appealing to men and women who are unhappy with the cosmetic changes that have occurred with age but who are not interested in a surgical procedure such as blepharoplasty or a facelift. It is important to discuss medical history with your practitioner to ensure that there are no contraindications for your liquid facelift, such as skin infection or a history of cold sores.
Some of the cosmetic concerns shared by good liquid facelift candidates include:
- Drooping eyebrows
- Under-eye bags or dark circles
- Sagging jowls
- Downturned corners of the mouth
- Bumps on the nose
- Thin or deflated lips
- Younger, more energetic appearance
What Does a Liquid Facelift Consist Of?
There are several products that may be included in a liquid facelift. These include:
Restylane
A family of hyaluronic acid products developed for mild to severe lines and folds.
Dysport
A neuromodulator similar to Botox decreases muscle movement to smooth wrinkles.
Botox
An alternative to Dysport for upper face rejuvenation such as frown line correction.
Sculptra
A collagen-stimulator that gradually rejuvenates the face.
Juvéderm
A hyaluronic acid filler for lower face rejuvenation.
Voluma XC
A denser hyaluronic acid filler developed to restore volume in the cheek area.
Vollure XC
With larger hyaluronic acid molecules, fills moderate to severe nasolabial folds.
Volbella
A Juvéderm product with ultra-fine molecules fills deflated lips and lip lines.
Liquid Facelift Treatment
Liquid facelift treatment is comfortable and convenient. We begin with a thorough consultation and observation of stated concerns. We discuss which injectables will be used, where each will be most impactful, and how many syringes of each solution we recommend for the desired outcome. Special attention is given to the conservative use of fillers, understanding that too much filling can actually have an undesirable effect.
Areas of the face that need contouring or wrinkle reduction may be marked and a topical numbing cream may be applied if you are concerned about discomfort. Most modern dermal fillers contain a numbing agent so tissue is desensitized starting with the very first injection.
What is the Difference Between a Liquid Facelift and a Traditional Facelift?
The reason why the liquid facelift exists is that many people want to have more control over their aging process without having to undergo surgery. A surgical facelift addresses a specific area, usually the mid-face and lower face. To reduce the signs of aging around the eyes and forehead, a person would need to expand their surgical procedure to include blepharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation) and a brow lift (forehead lift). The liquid facelift is customized to address the specific areas of the face in which aging has caused concerns. All without incisions, anesthesia, and downtime.
What Our Patients Have to Say
“I have been fortunate to be a patient of Dr. Kronberg for almost 25 plus years. She has always been the doctor with the latest cutting edge technology. She is highly educated in her field. Her bedside manner is amazing. She always has the time to sit and really listen to all of your medical concerns. I appreciate her time and care she has given me. Anytime you call, the staff is more than helpful to accommodate you. And when you come in it feels very comfortable and professional. I would highly recommend Dr. Kronberg!” – Armelle D.
How Long After My Liquid Facelift Treatment Will I See Results?
As we administer each product, we observe the face and manipulate fillers as needed to achieve the desired contours and lifting effect. The results of BOTOX do not become fully visible for approximately one week but we can immediately observe the contours and wrinkle reduction achieved with soft tissue fillers.
How Long Do the Results Last After a Liquid Facelift?
Every product involved in a liquid facelift has a lifespan that is impacted by facial movement or natural metabolism. Typically, patients who undergo a liquid facelift enjoy facial rejuvenation that gradually diminishes over a two-year period. As needed, individual treatments such as Botox for frown lines can be repeated to prolong rejuvenating benefits.
Liquid Facelift Side Effects
One of the aspects of a liquid facelift that patients appreciate most is that there is virtually zero downtime. The most common side effects from treatment include mild swelling and redness limited to injection sites. Some patients may develop slight bruising but this is generally mild enough to be covered with makeup. The side effects of a liquid facelift may last from a few hours to a few days.
Schedule a Consultation
Discover what a liquid facelift would involve and what it could do for you. Call our Houston office at 713-771-8941 or 713-988-8442 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Esta Kronberg.