Liquid Face Lift
The Science
Dr. Patricia Wexler developed the Liquid Face Lift over a decade ago to meet a genuine need: a nonsurgical, noninvasive alternative to the traditional surgical face lift. By using a combination of fillers, toxins, and in some cases tightening procedures, the face’s natural tightness and smoothness can be restored.
In many cases, sagging and laxity are caused by a decrease in volume and bone density. Wrinkles and fine lines, on the other hand, appear as collagen and elastin break down. With the precise, judicial application of the right “liquid” injectables, these symptoms of aging can be noticeably improved.
Our Approach
The Liquid Face Lift is the core of our three-dimensional approach to aging. We start by returning volume to the underlying structure of the face: “I inject at the level of the bone, then go up by the ear and the hairline. This helps add structure,” says Dr. Patricia Wexler.
We combine fillers in order to get the most natural results. Fillers can lift and add volume to the mid and lateral face, replacing the pockets of fat loss over time. We use a firm filler to act as “spackle,” filling in the periorbital lines (ie Belotero Balance®, Juvéderm Volbella®), a flexible filler that will gracefully move with the lower third of the face (like Restylane® Refyne), and a dense filler (such as Juvéderm Voluma®) which can give anterior projection of the cheeks and fill the hollows of the temple, which both recede with age. We often ask patients to bring an older driver’s license or a picture from their wedding to get a clear idea of their face’s underlying structure.
In addition to fillers, we employ toxins like Botox® or Dysport® to smooth the dynamic lines that appear on the upper third of the face, and relax the platysmal bands. For some patients, we also Ultherapy® to define the jawline and the neck. We take our time throughout these procedures, and may even space them out over multiple days to ensure patients have natural, symmetrical results.
Note: A Liquid Face Lift alone will not replace volume, nor address the superficial changes associated with fine lines in the upper and lower thirds of the face.
What to Expect
Length Of Procedure
Because of the artistic nature of the Liquid Face Lift, our physicians spend a good deal of time looking over photos and discussing your goals. After topical anesthetic is applied, it can take 45 to 60 minutes for the filler and toxin injection. Any additional recommendations such as Fraxel Re:store or Ultherapy will be scheduled 2 weeks prior to filler injections to avoid exposing the fillers to focused heat.
Results
Immediately after the treatment, you will notice tighter skin and less laxity. Over the next 5 to 14 days, the effects of the toxins will become apparent as they smooth (and depending where they are injected, lift) your face. When performed synergistically, the combination of noninvasive procedures with injectables help maintain the face’s youthful contour, and over time delay more invasive measures.
Downtime/Aftercare
There is no downtime after a Liquid Face Lift, though if bruising is extensive, we may employ the Vbeam as needed. Although we use topical anesthetics, you may expect some bruising, swelling, and occasionally tenderness after your procedures.
For the best possible results, please visit our FAQ or Resources pages for guidelines on aftercare during the first 4 to 5 hours after your procedure.
Number of Treatments
The effects of the Liquid Face Lift will vary from patient to patient, so be sure to talk to your doctor about maintenance when discussing your treatment goals.
Treated Conditions
Our Doctors Say…
“There’s a quote that’s attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt I always remember: ‘beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.’ The Liquid Face Lift can be a work of art. Volume replacement should be done where volume is lost, with discreet contouring. No woman wants a full face—we want a lifted face.”
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