What is Liquid Lift?
With we age we lose facial fat, muscle and bone causing an aged, hollowed out or haggard appearance. The skin's "envelope" becomes loose over too little underlying structure leading to
sagging.
In youth the widest part of the face is the cheekbones, narrowing to the chin, called the "triangle of youth". With aging volume is lost under the eyes, in the cheekbones and temples causing
sagging and widening of the jawline and jowls. The "triangle of youth" becomes the "pyramid of age".
In the past, treatment was surgical face lift, improving sagging but not addressing volume loss, leading to a gaunt or "tight" appearance. Current treatment helps both the problem of loose skin
and loss of volume.
Although some patients require a surgical 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 and when Thermage® is added to tighten loose skin, Therma-Fill
.
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 the hyaluronic acid fillerJUVEDERM® Injectable Gel.
What are the results?
It restores the "triangle of youth" by replacing lost fullness to the mid face, and lifts 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, and Therma-Fill by adding Thermage® are very popular to replace youthful fullness and reduce a
haggard or tired look.
When will I see results?
Results with Sculptra® are seen within a few months, with JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel within 2 weeks.
How many treatments will I need?
An average number of treatments is three with Sculptra®, one treatment with JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel and one Thermage® treatment with Therma-Fill
Does it hurt?
We use an anesthetic cream, and pain medications if needed.
How long do the Liquid Lift or Thema-Fill results last?
Sculptra® is one of the longest lasting temporary fillers, lasting 24 months or longer. JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel lasts up to a year or longer.
What will I look like right after treatment?
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 or Thema-Fill?
There may be mild tenderness, redness, bruising, or swelling and a small risk of infection. Occasionally small bumps under the skin, only rarely visable, occur.
Is there anything I can do to minimize risk of side effects?
Don't take Aspirin, NSAID'S (Aleve®, Advil®, Ibuprophen etc.) Vitamin E (including multi-vitamins), Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil or the 4 G's (Garlic, Ginseng, Ginko and Glucosamine) for 7
days before treatment.
We have our patients apply Arnica gel, use cold packs and do a GentleWaves® treatment.
There is some evidence that eating fresh (not frozen or canned) pineapple the day before and the day of treatment reduces bruising. It certainly won't hurt you.
After Sculptra® you will massage the treated area every day for a few weeks.
