What is Liquid Lift?

As we age we lose facial fat, muscle and bone causing an aged, hollowed out or haggard appearance. The "envelope" of the skin becomes loose over too little underlying structure leading to sagging.

In youth the widest part of the face is the cheekbones, narrowing down to the chin. This is called the "triangle of youth". With aging volume is lost under the eyes, in the cheekbones and temples causing sagging and a widening of the jawline and jowls. The "triangle of youth" becomes the "pyramid of age".

Past treatment was surgical tightening the skin, improving sagging but not addressing volume loss. It may lead to a gaunt or "tight" appearance. Current treatment addresses both the problem of loose skin and loss of volume.

Although some patients require surgical tightening in a facelift, we see many patients who successfully receive volume replacement only, or volume replacement combined with non-surgical tissue tightening with Thermage®.

This is called Liquid Lift or Liquid Face Lift.

What is used to replace the lost volume?

We use poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA or Sculptra®) when larger areas need to be "re-volumized" to lift and smooth sagging skin, severe wrinkles, creases and scars.

For localized areas we use JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel , a hyaluronic acid filler.

What are the results?

It helps restored "triangle of youth" by replacing lost fullness to the mid face. It gives a "lift" by reducing the redundant skin that sags to the jowls because there not enough tissue filling the space. Wrinkles are smoothed and you regain a firm and youthful appearance.

Are your patients satisfied with Sculptra® or JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel Liquid Face-Lift?

In our clinic in Texas, Liquid Lift with Sculptra® and JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel injections are very popular to replace youthful fullness and reduce a haggard or tired look.

When will I see results?

Results with Sculptra® are seen over the first few months; Results of JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel are seen within 2 weeks.

How many treatments will I need?

An average number of treatments is three with Sculptra®. Usually 1-2 treatments of JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel are needed.

How long does each treatment take?

One hour including time to numb the skin.

Does it hurt?

A very small needle and surface anesthetic is used.

How long do the Liquid Lift results last?

Sculptra® is one of the longest lasting temporary fillers, lasting 18-24 months.JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel lasts up to a year or longer.

What will I look like right after treatment?

There are tiny dots at the needle sites and the areas may be swollen and red, possibly bruised. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.

Are there side effects of Liquid Face Lift?

The most common side effects are mild tenderness, redness, bruising, or swelling for a few days. There is a small risk of infection. Occasionally small bumps under the skin, usually not visable, occur. Rarely visible bumps occur. Occasionally after JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel a faint bluish color may be seen.

Is there anything I can do to minimize risk of side effects?

Avoid aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve etc), Vitamin E (including in a daily multi-vitamin), St. Johns Wort, and the G's (Garlic, Ginseng, Ginko, and Glucosmamine) for 10 days before treatment to reduce bruising.

After treatment we will have you apply Arnica Gel, use cool packs and ask you to eat a fresh pineapple. Arnica Gel and Bromelain in the pineapple reduce bruising. We also give you a free GentleWaves® treatment to reduce swelling and bruising.

After Sculptra® you will massage the treated area every day for a few weeks.

If the rare faint bluish discoloration develops after JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel it can be treated with an injection of a medication to remove the JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel in that area.

Are there other procedures that will make the results of Volume Replacement better?

Thermage® tissue tightening may be combined with fillers to provide both tightening the loose "envelope" and replace lost volume at the same time. This gives additional results.

JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel is a registered trademark owned by Allergan Industrie, SAS.
Scuptra® is a registered trademark owned by Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC.