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The majority of individuals are undoubtedly familiar with the term ‘facelift’. This procedure is amongst the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries in the UK, and here at Centre for Surgery, it is performed with remarkable regularity. In actuality, we conduct a good number of these procedures, up to 100 in a single year. The immense popularity of facelift surgery can be attributed to its efficacy when performed by experienced plastic surgeons; it delivers precisely what it is intended for, making your external appearance align with how you feel internally – perpetually youthful.
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For a significant number of individuals, age merely represents a numeral devoid of any substantial meaning. Regardless of whether one is in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, or 70s, the essence of one’s self-identity remains intact – not necessarily reminiscent of a 25-year-old, but rather an authentic representation of oneself, uninhibited by the constraints of chronological age. However, there are instances where the youthful vigour and exuberance that we harbour within are not adequately mirrored on our visage, and there is a yearning to harmonise the two.
The encouraging aspect is that for those who are apprehensive about the thought of undergoing surgical intervention, particularly when it pertains to the delicate area of the face, there exists an alternative that is bereft of surgical incisions – colloquially referred to as the ‘liquid facelift’. This non-surgical facelift has garnered immense popularity and is an exemplary option for a plethora of patients seeking a non-invasive means to firm up lax skin whilst also augmenting volume and sculpting the contours of the face. Having said that, it is imperative to recognise that this method may not be the panacea for everyone, and some individuals might necessitate a more conventional surgical approach to achieve the transformational results they envisage.
This is where the expertise of Centre for Surgery proves invaluable. Our approach is predicated on tailoring the treatment to the unique needs of each patient. If it is feasible to attain the desired outcome through less invasive means, we will invariably opt for that pathway. However, rest assured that we will not resort to excessive procedures, such as over-filling the face, if what was intrinsically required to meet your aesthetic goals was a surgical procedure. We strike the ideal balance, ensuring that your aspirations are met with the most appropriate intervention.
What is a Liquid Facelift?
A liquid facelift is quite literally what the term implies. It’s a non-surgical facelift procedure that employs an amalgamation of injectables, comprising dermal fillers (at our clinic, we utilise fillers based on hyaluronic acid) and neuromodulators, applied in a strategic manner to rejuvenate the face. The intent is to restore volume, smoothen out creases, and effectuate a lift and sculpting of the facial contours.
Dermal fillers predominantly serve to augment the volume of the face, whilst neuromodulators are instrumental in alleviating and/or forestalling the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles.
The liquid facelift can be customised to cater to your specific requirements. It is dexterously targeted to areas such as beneath the eyes, around the oral cavity and lips (in certain scenarios, we deploy dermal fillers to add plumpness to the lips), the cheeks, jowls, the nasolabial area (between the mouth and nose), as well as the vicinity just above and encircling the eyebrows.
Additionally, depending on your objectives, the liquid facelift can be amalgamated with other facial treatments, such as chemical peels or skin-tightening therapies (for instance, Fotona4D or Morpheus8). In fact, we often advocate incorporating these modalities as they synergistically work to maintain the results procured from your liquid facelift.
As one advances in age, the body’s innate ability to produce integral elements such as collagen and elastin, which are crucial in maintaining skin firmness, wanes. Skin tightening treatments, including Morpheus8 and Fotona4D, are designed to catalyse the body’s natural production of collagen.
We have discerned that the liquid facelift is most efficacious for patients who still possess relatively good skin elasticity, commendable skin texture, and minimal sagging. It’s ideal for those who are seeking to address the diminution of volume in areas like the cheeks, and to mitigate the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.
It is imperative to keep in perspective that whilst the results of a liquid facelift can be incredibly efficacious and aesthetically pleasing, they are not as dramatic as those of a traditional surgical facelift. The primary objective of a liquid facelift is to enhance facial volume and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It doesn’t substitute a surgical facelift, where underlying musculature can be tightened and significant skin sagging can be addressed. Thus, if your aspiration is for a more radical transformation, you might want to contemplate the option of a mini facelift.
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Liquid Facelift Procedure – What to expect
When embarking upon a Liquid Facelift treatment, there are certain elements that you can anticipate if you have had previous experiences with injectable treatments, as the process is fairly similar. Your journey will commence with a consultation involving one of our adept nurse or doctor injectors. This consultation is important in establishing a bespoke treatment plan meticulously tailored to address your specific desires and objectives.
The actual procedure is relatively speedy, typically spanning a duration of approximately 15 to 30 minutes. The practitioner will employ an ultra-fine needle or cannula (the choice between the two is contingent upon the injector’s particular technique) to administer the injections. In the majority of instances, the injectables contain lidocaine, an anaesthetic agent, ensuring that you do not experience any discomfort or pain during the procedure. With precision and finesse, the provider will proceed to inject the targeted regions that were pre-emptively delineated to ensure exactitude.
One of the appealing attributes of a liquid facelift is the immediacy of the results; you will discern a transformation posthaste. Moreover, the results will continue to ameliorate and evolve over the fortnight subsequent to your treatment.
The downtime following a liquid facelift is minimal, rendering it incredibly convenient for those with demanding schedules. However, you may observe some swelling, bruising or tenderness in the vicinities subjected to treatment. These are transient effects and usually subside within 48 hours of the procedure. It’s reassuring to note that you can essentially resume your quotidian activities almost immediately following your treatment. Furthermore, you may recommence engaging in physical exercise as soon as the following day, once the filler has had an opportunity to settle.
Is a Liquid Facelift Permanent?
Whilst the liquid facelift is remarkably convenient, owing to its virtually non-existent downtime and near-immediate results, it is essential to be cognizant that the effects are not permanent. The longevity of a liquid facelift is contingent upon various factors, including the types of injectable treatments utilised and the specific areas of the face where they were administered. On average, a liquid facelift can be expected to last anywhere from 6 months to as long as 2 years.
Neuromodulators, for instance, necessitate more frequent maintenance, typically requiring reinjection every 3 to 4 months to sustain the desired outcome. Conversely, dermal fillers, especially when used around the mouth, might metabolise at a swifter rate, often within the range of 6 months. However, certain fillers have demonstrated greater longevity, sometimes exceeding 12 months. Your injector will be able to provide you with a more precise estimate regarding the expected duration of the results based on the specific treatments chosen for your liquid facelift.
Contrasting this with the considerably longer-lasting results of a surgical facelift is important. A surgical facelift is generally considered to be permanent, although it is not impervious to the natural ageing process. On the other hand, the liquid facelift often serves as a proactive measure for individuals at a younger age, acting as an interim solution to delay the need for a more invasive surgical facelift.
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How Much Does a Liquid Facelift Cost?
At Centre for Surgery, the pricing for a liquid facelift commences at approximately £1500, and we are pleased to offer our patients an array of financing options to facilitate affordability. Nonetheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that each patient is unique, and as such, the cost is intrinsically contingent upon your individualised treatment plan and the specific amalgamation of injectables that will be employed to address your particular requirements.
Following your in-person consultation, during which your treatment preferences and goals will be discussed in detail, you will receive a definitive quote. This will reflect the tailor-made treatment plan that you and your provider have collaboratively devised to ensure it is aligned with your aspirations.
We cordially invite you to engage in a conversation with us regarding the liquid facelift to explore the myriad of possibilities it holds for rejuvenating your appearance. Our team of experts is here to guide and support you through the process, ensuring that you make informed decisions tailored to your needs. Come and discover what the liquid facelift can accomplish for you at Centre for Surgery!
