Differences Between the Traditional and Liquid Facelift

What if you found out that there is a way to lift sagging jowls and cheeks, smooth deep creases around the nose and mouth, and add volume to the area under the cheeks and eyes without the need for surgical incisions? The effects of facelift surgery are now possible with the use of dermal fillers and injectables. The treatment, which has been called a liquid facelift by the media and plastic surgeons, produces a rejuvenated appearance when Atlanta surgeon Marcus Crawford selectively administers the most suitable product into areas that are showing the signs of aging.

Procedural Differences

The biggest difference between the traditional and liquid facelifts is the manner in which each treatment is performed.

Traditional Facelift

The conventional facelift is a surgical operation that requires an incision. Dr. Crawford performs facelift through one long incision, or a number of small incisions, that are placed along the hairline. Next, Dr. Crawford may redistribute fatty tissue, modify the underlying musculature, and re-drape the skin. Extra skin may be removed in the final stage of surgery before the incisions are closed. As the incision heals, the resulting scar is hidden nicely in the hairline.

Liquid Facelift

The liquid facelift is considered a non-invasive treatment. It does not require the use of any incisions. Instead, one or a number of different injectable products may be used as part of your treatment plan. These products will be injected into areas affected by wrinkles, skin laxity, or loss of facial volume. Some of the most commonly used products in the liquid facelift procedure include JUVÉDERM®, Radiesse®, and BOTOX® Cosmetic. Dermal fillers can lift sagging jowls and cheeks, fill in marionette lines and vertical lines around the lips, and restore volume to the area under the eyes and cheeks. BOTOX injections can minimize lines on the forehead and around the eyes.

How Long Do Results Last?

The results of a conventional facelift last longer than the liquid facelift. Our Atlanta area patients that undergo facelift surgery can expect the benefits to last 10 years or more, as long as the patient maintains healthy lifestyle habits. The results of the liquid facelift procedure vary depending on the products that are used during treatment. BOTOX® Cosmetic lasts three to four months, JUVÉDERM® lasts for six to nine months, and Radiesse® lasts for a year to 18 months. Patients will need to come into Dr. Crawford's practice for maintenance of the liquid facelift results.

Traditional vs. Liquid Facelift Costs

One of the most frequently asked questions by patients interested in these procedures: what is the cost of the traditional facelift versus the liquid facelift? To obtain an accurate price estimate of each procedure, patients should schedule an appointment with Dr. Crawford so he can evaluate your facial anatomy and speak to you regarding your goals and expectations. In general, patients can expect the liquid facelift to be less expensive, initially, than facelift surgery. However, the long-term costs of injectable treatment every few months make the cost of the two treatments comparable. Dr. Crawford advises patients to focus more on choosing the procedure that will best suit their physical needs and personal goals.   

We invite our Atlanta area patients to learn more about facelift surgery and the liquid facelift; contact Crawford Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.