The Liquid Facelift
As we age, our skin loses its natural elasticity and volume, especially in the face. Traditional facelifts involve surgery, risk and a lengthy recovery time. A less drastic option that can help reverse the signs of aging is sometimes referred to as the liquid facelift.
If you have lines or wrinkles caused by loss of volume, you want quick, natural-looking results, and you have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do, a non-invasive injectable treatment may be a good option for you.
What Are My Choices?
There are many injectables on the market today. Dr. Gallacher can discuss them with you to help you make the best choices and develop a customized treatment plan for your skin and concerns.
Juvederm is a family of fillers made of a gel form of hyaluronic acid. It gives a natural look and feel to your face. It effectively fills in facial wrinkles and folds as well as enhancing lips. Results usually last between 12 and 18 months. Juvederm Voluma™ is very effective for mid-face and overall face lifting.
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The Restylane family of derma-fillers (Restylane, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, and Restylane Refyne) are hyaluronic acid-based as well. Restylane is highly effective for restoring facial contours, softening facial lines, tightening the jaw, and enhancing the lips, cheeks, and eyes. It adds volume to collapsed tear troughs and hollowed temples. It corrects even the deepest nasolabial folds, crow’s feet, and marionette lines. Results usually last between 6 months to 1 year, depending on the specific product and procedure.
Click on the Restylane Lyft pictures for larger view.
Belotero is a hyaluronic-based derma-filler. It keeps wrinkles from forming and eliminates old wrinkles. It enhances and defines lips, smooths forehead and creases, and lifts, contours and defines cheeks. It is also effective for naturally restoring the fine lines formed by smoking, laughing, and squinting. Results usually last about 6 to 12 months.
Click on the Belotero pictures for larger view.
Botox / Dysport Botox is primarily composed of a purified botulinum toxin that works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals to muscles in the target area. It is used mainly for crow’s feet and those moderate to severe frown lines between the brows that can make you appear tired or angry. Results are usually seen in 5 to 7 days and last 3 to 5 months. Dysport also contains the botulinum neurotoxin and works in much the same way as Botox. It prevents muscle contractions but leaves sensation intact. It begins to work in 1 – 3 days and lasts slightly longer than Botox.
Click on the Botox pictures for larger view.
Xeomin contains the same active ingredient as Dysport and Botox. However, it does not contain the additives that Botox contains, making it less likely to cause allergies or other adverse reactions in patients with more sensitive skin. Results can last for up to about 6 months.
Click on the Xeomin pictures for larger view.
Are There Any Side Effects?
While they are non-invasive, these treatments do involve injecting a substance into the skin via fine needles. Side effects are usually mild and temporary. They may include swelling, tenderness, redness, and slight bleeding at the injection site. In most cases, the positive effects of a Liquid Facelift are more than worth a few days’ discomfort.
What Should I Do If I Develop a Bruise?
We can eliminate the bruise with a single laser treatment, complimentary with the procedure. At least 70% of the bruise disappears within 24 hours. Please call our office; we will accommodate you for a same day appointment.