Dr. Blake Raggio, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
The Liquid Facelift: FAQs with a Facial Plastic Surgeon
skin necrosis, stroke, Last month we discussed and blindness. It is also the nuances of botulinum recommended to avoid toxin (e.g., Botox) and treatment within 2 weeks its powerful role in of being sick, having dental facial rejuvenation. This work, or receiving a vaccine. month we will discuss Nevertheless, injectable a similarly popular antifillers represent a safe and aging modality, dermal powerful tool for facial fillers, and the associated rejuvenation in the hands of “liquid facelift.” By the an experienced injector. end of this article, I hope you will appreciate why Before and After of “liquid facelift” and botulinum toxin treatment. What is the cost of Filler? the instant results, quick One syringe of filler (1 ml) may cost treatment time, and minimal downtime make What happens during a Filler treatment? anywhere between $400-900, usually facial fillers so appealing for those seeking a For most people, filler injections are a enough for 1 treatment area (e.g., lips, chin, non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation. quick in-office procedure (30-60 minutes) cheeks, tear troughs). It is not uncommon, associated with minimal discomfort. In short, however, to receive 2-5 syringes per First, tell me what exactly are Facial Fillers? the area is cleansed, marked, and the filler session, depending on your aesthetic goals. Facial fillers, herein referred to as “fillers,” of choice is precisely placed into the target A word of advice: beware of injectors represent a variety of FDA-approved area using a very fine needle or bluntoffering heavy discounts. Although more products that can be used to restore a tipped cannula. For those concerned about experienced injectors will likely require more youthful look to the face. Whilst a discomfort, you may be relieved to hear that more of an investment financially, you must multitude of filler types exist, they can most filler preparations come pre-mixed with remember that you are not just paying for most easily be categorized by the substance lidocaine. It may also help to find an injector the product, but rather the skill and expertise they are made from: Hyaluronic Acid (HA), who offers ancillary measures to maximize of the injector as well. To that effect, more Calcium Hydroxylapatite, Poly-L-lactic Acid, your comfort, which include vibration experienced injectors often utilize less Polymethylmethacrylate, and autologous devices, ice, or topical and/or regional product to obtain the desired result. In the fat injections. Nowadays, the HA-type fillers anesthesia. end, a lower cost does not always equate to represent the safest and most reliable filler a better deal (or result!). In short, remember options (note: they can be dissolved), with How soon will I see the results of Filler the adage “you get what you pay for.” After the most notable brands including Juvederm, treatment, and how long does it last? all, it is your face we’re talking about. Restylane, Belotero, RHA, and Versa. The beautiful thing about filler is that results are often immediate! Final results, however, When should I start getting Filler? So, what is a “Liquid Facelift”? typically take 2-3 weeks to “settle” but can There is no right or wrong age to begin filler The term “liquid facelift” reers to the use vary depending on the product used, amount treatments, but rather any person with of fillers to fill hollows and depressions injected, and any associated swelling. Results signs of facial aging wishing to refresh their associated with age-related volume loss. last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, but appearance would likely be a good candidate. Because fillers vary in their ability to ultimately depend on a variety of factors The first step involves finding a reputable absorb water, stimulate collagen, and “lift” including the product, the area injected, and experienced injector with intimate surrounding tissues, they can often be used and the patient’s intrinsic factors (e.g., age, knowledge of facial anatomy who can offer to mimic the results of a traditional facelift, weight, etc.). Repeated “maintenance” you a customized treatment plan (surgical thus the term “liquid facelift.” Age-related injections every 12-18 months will help and non-surgical) based on your aesthetic problem areas typically addressed include patients sustain their results for a longer goals. As always, choose a depressed forehead, hollowed temples, period, sometimes requiring less amount of a surgeon whom you sunken eyes, deflated midface/cheeks, lines product during subsequent visits. trust. There are few around the nose and mouth, decreased lip plump or pout, recessed chin, poorly defined jawline, jowls, and prominent neck creases. A more experienced injector may even utilize filler for reshaping the nose, coined “liquid rhinoplasty.” Combining such treatments with botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox) further augments the results. NOTE: Some of these treatments may be considered “off-label,” so please consult with a credentialed physician well-versed in facial anatomy and the various filler options available. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Is Filler safe? YES! Fillers for cosmetic use have an extremely high safety profile with minimal and temporary side effects including bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness to the injection site. You may be prescribed a medicine, such as a steroid or an antihistamine, to lessen the chance of such reactions. Rare but serious adverse events have been reported and may include
things more important than the relationship you have with your doctor. In Good Health,
Dr. Blake Raggio Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon www.RaggioMD.com info@raggiomd.com
faceb o o k. co m / R iver Re gio n Bo o m
May 2023
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