Ditch Your Makeup: The Liquid Lift

Regardless of how promising collagen and elastin-boosting products seem when they’re calling to you from the department store shelves, there’s no magic cream or lotion out there capable of “lifting” or “firming” skin.

And while most of us have given in at least once to those pricy promises issued by cosmetics companies, we’re also starting to get a lot smarter about spending money where it really counts. Which, these days, include options that actually deliver dramatic results for the same price as a year’s supply of designer skincare products.

A new class of liquid facelift treatments – using injectables like Botox and hyaluronic acid to firm and lift skin – are growing in popularity. The number of non-surgical procedures performed last year increased by 22% according to statistics released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Here, we answer some of your most common questions . . .

What is a liquid facelift?

Most doctors use the term “liquid facelift” to refer to a combination of products like Botox – often used in “micro” doses to relax tiny facial muscles responsible for creating wrinkles – and injectable fillers with hyaluronic acid, used to replace the naturally occurring substance in your skin.

How these products are combined and delivered is as personalized as your individual needs. The main goal is to erase years from the face by lifting and filling out sagging skin or sallow areas while minimizing or erasing lines that drag the face down, like marionette lines and crow’s feet. Liquid facelifts can even be used to correct asymmetries like bands in the neck below the chin or mild jowls.  The goal is to rejuvenate the skin, restore lost volume and relax lines thereby taking years off the face without having to go under the knife.

How long will results last?

A liquid facelift is not a permanent procedure, and that makes it especially attractive to customers who want to start out slow and learn what works best for them. Moderation and subtlety are the key ingredients here. To take advantage of such a highly-customizable option, find a physician who will work with you to create results that make you look better, not different.  For shorter-acting products such as Botox, the procedure should be repeated every four to six months, and every few years if longer-acting products (fillers) are used.

What’s the cost and time required?

The entire procedure takes about half an hour and recovery time is minimal.

As with most cosmetic procedures, costs vary depending on how expansive or targeted the treatment plan becomes. Expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $900 for Botox and slightly more for filler injections. The wide cost range is mostly due to the amount of product that will be used.

It may be tempting to go for the least expensive option, but beware of bargain hunting. Finding a physician you trust to create the most subtle effect possible comes down to experience level, not price. You do not want to be the Groupon special when it comes to your face!  Liquid facelifts look best when they’re delivered by someone who understands where – and where not – to put these products. It is important to see a board certified dermatologist who is skilled in facial anatomy and will not only give you great results, but also who knows how to treat any potential adverse effects.