What is a liquid facelift?

A liquid facelift, sometimes referred to as a ‘Y lift’ is a non-surgical procedure that aims to reduce the signs of ageing by restoring the natural contours and curves of the face. A liquid facelift works by injecting dermal fillers into specific parts of the face and is considered to achieve natural and subtle results.

Why would you do it?

This procedure is often offered to people wishing to address signs of ageing, without having to have surgery. With age, elasticity and collagen are lost, causing the face to wrinkle and sag, and facial features become less well-defined. A liquid facelift looks to rejuvenate the face in a minimally invasive way.

What does a liquid facelift involve?

The procedure only takes 30 to 45 minutes, done using local, topical anaesthetic. After a thorough examination with a specialist, where desired effects are discussed, sections of the face are pinpointed for having the dermal filler injected.

Temporary dermal fillers are used, with results lasting up to two years. Temporary fillers work by being metabolised by the body. The most popular temporary dermal filler is hyaluronic acid, which is already found in human skin, hence providing compatibility, and behaves very similarly to your own skin tissue. Sometimes, the liquid facelift can be combined with Botox injections, especially if the aim is to reduce wrinkles and lines.

The procedure can work to achieve the following results:

• Addressing facial symmetry
• Jaw and neck definition
• Adding volume to the cheeks
• Opening up the eyes by lifting the brow area
• Correcting jowls
• Adding lift and volume to the lips
• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles

Every treatment is bespoke and made to address the individuals’ concerns. For some patients, the desire of this procedure is to lift the whole face, whereas for others, it is to lift certain facial features, such as under-eye bags or jowls.

How to prepare for it

Sometimes there can be a slight burning sensation when the injections are given, but this goes away quickly. It is not a suitable procedure for pregnant or breast-feeding women, and people who have severe allergies will have to check with a specialist first.

Post-operative care

Very little aftercare is required after a liquid facelift. As this procedure is non-surgical, patients can usually return to normal activities almost immediately. There may be slight swelling or redness after surgery, but this quickly subsides.