Liquid Facelift in Pittsburgh, PA

A “liquid facelift” is a nonsurgical alternative to traditional facelift surgery. The procedure uses a combination of products and procedures to lift the skin, add volume and create a brighter, younger appearance. Our cosmetic surgery center offers area patients many alternatives when it comes to aesthetic beauty treatments. Pittsburgh Liquid Facelift specialist, Dr. James Fernau uses derma fillers to add volume to depressed areas on the face, such as the cheeks, lips, under the eyes, and in the nasolabial folds. In addition, we intermix muscle relaxers, such as BOTOX, to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Aside from injectables, patients may also benefit from surface treatments such as chemical peels, laser procedures, and dermabrasion to enhance the skin’s natural glow. By using a combination of these treatments, patients can enjoy a beautiful appearance and reverse the signs of aging. 

A liquid facelift is a combination of derma fillers, such as Perlane, Restylane, Radiesse, and Juvederm, as well as muscle relaxants such as BOTOX or Dysport. These are injected directly into the areas that need reshaping, lifting and additional volume in order to reduce signs of aging. The products are commonly injected into the forehead to soften frown lines, around the eyes to diminish crow’s feet, into the cheeks, as well as the nasolabial folds or marionette lines. Some of these products are also used to enhance the appearance of the lips. The combination of products can take years off the facial appearance. The results following a liquid facelift are temporary, however, depending on the products used can last from 6 months to 2 years.

Treatment is designed to address an individual’s specific facial condition. Local anesthetic may be applied to ease the patient’s discomfort with the pricking from injections. The fillers are introduced gradually to spots needing treatment with fine needle. There may be swelling and redness on treated areas, mild bruising may also be present and these will fade after a few hours. There is no downtime with this procedure, but since it combines several injections, patients must avoid any pressure on the face area and strenuous activities are restricted. 

The price for a liquid facelift will vary greatly depending on what and how much is being injected. To give a rough idea of cost, a single syringe of BOTOX averages about $350. A syringe of an injectable filler, depending on the type and brand, can vary between $350-$1,500.    Some patients will need multiple syringes of the muscle relaxer product, and several syringes of filler to produce the desired outcome. Any additional treatments, such as a chemical peel or dermabrasion, will further increase the overall cost.  According to www.realself.com the average cost is $2,475. 

All products used are approved by the FDA and backed with comprehensive testing. Prior to treatment, details of each product will be discussed and reiterated in the treatment plan. It is important to find a reputable injector who understands how to use each product so that a safe and effective outcome can be attained.

It depends on how long the patient wishes to maintain the achieved facial enhancement. Muscle relaxants, such as BOTOX, normally only last up to 4 months. Derma fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Injections are repeated when the practitioner and the patient feels its necessary, which is usually around the time the visible signs of aging slowly reappear. Even though some consider this a “high maintenance” way to maintain a youthful appearance, many patients feel that this outweighs the risks of invasive procedures such as a traditional facelift.

A liquid facelift significantly helps in reshaping and regaining youthful contours of the face. Skin irregularities such as age or sunspots may be corrected with additional treatments that target the upper layers of the skin. Chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion are some options to consider combining with the injectables chosen for treatment.