Understanding Dermal Fillers and Neurotoxins in Liquid Facelifts

Published on: Dec 21, 2023 / Last Updated on: Dec 21, 2023 / NON-SURGICAL COSMETIC TREATMENTS
Understanding Dermal Fillers and Neurotoxins in Liquid Facelifts

For many years, cosmetic procedures have been a trusted way for people to combat the visible signs of facial aging and preserve their timeless appearance. Among the various approaches employed by professionals, facelift surgery has been a popular choice. However, as time passed, experts introduced newer methods of cosmetic enhancement. One of these exciting techniques is the liquid facelift, which involves injectables.

Curious about the difference between an injectable facelift and dermal filler treatments? People often use these terms interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. A liquid facelift uses facial fillers for volume restoration and incorporates neurotoxins to relax muscle contractions that cause wrinkles. It's a versatile way to achieve a youthful appearance by addressing lost volume and wrinkles. In this article, let's understand the role of two priFmary components of the liquid facelift: dermal fillers and neurotoxins.

What is Liquid Facelift?

A liquid or nonsurgical facelift is a cosmetic procedure designed to address aging signs without surgery. It has gained fame for several reasons, including its minimal downtime, relatively lower cost, and impressive results when performed by skilled professionals. The popularity of liquid facelifts has been steadily increasing due to advancements in aesthetic medicine, heightened patient awareness, and the desire for more natural-looking results. Patients are increasingly seeking noninvasive alternatives to surgical procedures.

Key Components of a Liquid Facelift

A liquid facelift uses dermal fillers and neurotoxins to address specific areas of concern on the face. Let's explore these essential components in detail.

Dermal Fillers

practitioner giving dermal filler injection in woman’s face

Dermal fillers are injectable substances that restore volume and fullness to various face areas. They can help diminish wrinkles, fine lines, and creases while enhancing facial contours.

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, each year, over a million men and women opt for this widely favored facial rejuvenation procedure, offering an affordable means to achieve a more youthful appearance without the need for surgery or recovery time. Commonly used dermal fillers include:

  • Hyaluronic Acid Fillers are the most popular dermal fillers. They are made from a natural substance found in the skin, providing a soft and natural-looking result. Brands like Juvederm and Restylane fall into this category.

  • Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers stimulate collagen production and are particularly effective for deeper wrinkles. Radiesse is a well-known CaHA filler

  • Polylactic acid Fillers stimulate collagen over time and provide long-lasting results. Sculptra is a commonly used poly-L-lactic acid filler.

  • Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers treat deep wrinkles and acne scars. Bellafill is a well-known PMMA filler.

Neurotoxins

Neurotoxins, also known as neuromodulators, are injectables that relax specific facial muscles, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Botulinum Toxin is the most well-known neurotoxin used in liquid facelifts (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin). These neurotoxins temporarily paralyze the muscles responsible for wrinkles and fine lines, such as crow's feet and forehead lines.

A 2022 study suggests that anti-aging treatments have become increasingly popular in the United States, with a tenfold surge in cosmetic procedures from 1997 to 2010. According to recent statistics, botulinum toxin has remained the most preferred aesthetic procedure since 1999. In 2019 alone, plastic surgeons administered almost 2 million botulinum injections, more than twice the amount of the second most popular procedure, hyaluronic acid dermal filler.

Combining Techniques for Enhanced Results

Using effective techniques and combining different strategies is essential to get great results from skin treatments. Similarly, a liquid facelift combines dermal fillers and neurotoxins to achieve a more comprehensive and harmonious rejuvenation of the face.

This approach acknowledges that while dermal fillers excel at restoring lost volume and addressing specific areas of concern, they may need to address dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movements entirely. Conversely, neurotoxins, while effective at temporarily relaxing facial muscles and smoothing out lines, may not provide the volume restoration needed for specific areas.

By artfully combining these approaches, skilled practitioners can leverage the strengths of each approach to complement one another. This results in a more balanced enhancement, rejuvenating unique features naturally.

For instance, a skilled practitioner might use dermal fillers to add volume to areas like the cheeks and lips, providing a plump and youthful appearance. Simultaneously, they may use neurotoxins to target dynamic wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, smoothing out lines that may indicate aging or stress.

The Liquid Facelift Procedure

Before undergoing the facial rejuvenation process, patients typically consult a qualified aesthetic practitioner. During this consultation, the practitioner assesses the patient's facial anatomy, discusses their goals, and formulates a personalized treatment plan. The actual liquid facelift procedure involves the following steps:

  • Cleansing: To achieve the best outcome, it is advisable to thoroughly clean the target area to prevent the possibility of infection.

  • Anesthesia: A topical numbing cream or local anesthesia may be applied depending on the patient's comfort level

  • Injection: The practitioner carefully injects dermal fillers and neurotoxins into predetermined areas of the face according to the treatment plan.

  • Massaging and Shaping: After injections, the practitioner may massage and shape the filler to ensure it is evenly distributed and achieves the desired results.

One of the appealing aspects of liquid facelifts is the minimal downtime. Patients can typically resume their daily activities shortly after the procedure. Some swelling, bruising, or redness may occur but usually subsides within a few days. Results become more noticeable as any initial swelling diminishes and can last several months to over a year, depending on the products used. Read our article “Liquid Facelift: Your Path to Ageless Beauty” to find out more about the benefits of this noninvasive beauty treatment.

Conclusion

Liquid facelifts offer a noninvasive solution to enhance skin aesthetics by combatting the signs of aging and utilizing dermal fillers and neurotoxins for remarkable results. Our Med SPA provides excellent services for facial revitalization. The expert practitioners at M Health and Beauty help patients by providing them with a personalized plan according to their requirements. Visit our clinic or call to book an appointment and embrace a youthful and refreshed version of yourself with our exceptional medical aesthetic services.