It happens to all of us eventually – no matter how diligently you apply sunscreen and moisturizer to protect your skin from the elements, one day you look in the mirror and wonder where all those wrinkles came from. As we age, our skin experiences a variety of changes1 such as thinning, sagging and volume loss, all of which contribute to looking older. If you are beginning to explore your options for reversing these effects, you may be wondering whether a liquid facelift or surgical facelift is right for you. What are the differences between these procedures, and how do they benefit people who are concerned about anti-aging results?
What Is a Liquid Facelift?
The so-called “liquid facelift” is an increasingly popular and buzzed-about treatment for looking younger naturally, without the need for surgery. This procedure relies on a combination of dermal fillers such as Juvéderm2 and neuromodulators like Botox3 injected into specific areas of your face in precise quantities. Liquid facelifts are highly customizable, which is why you should only get one performed by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Michael Kulick.
Depending on what you want to achieve, a liquid facelift can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; restore lost facial volume; give you more contoured cheeks or plumper lips; or make you look more alert and well-rested. During your liquid facelift appointment, Dr. Kulick will use tiny needles to make a series of injections in targeted areas of your face, depending on your facial anatomy and cosmetic goals. Dermal fillers and neuromodulators work in tandem to provide subtle lift, provide volume where your face needs it most and beautifully smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
What Is a Surgical Facelift?
A surgical facelift is a procedure in which a skilled surgeon such as Dr. Kulick can take years off your appearance by eliminating loose, sagging facial tissue and repositioning it to a more naturally younger position on your face. Dr. Kulick has pioneered a technique called the Laser Assisted Deep Plane Vertical Facelift, in which he uses laser light to separate tissue. By lifting the facial tissue upward, instead of pulling it backward toward the ears, this method eliminates the “wind-tunnel” look that can occur with less advanced techniques.
Patients who undergo Dr. Kulick’s vertical facelift also benefit from less swelling, bruising and bleeding, because the “heat” of the laser beam continuously cauterizes the abundant tiny blood vessels in the face. Not only is the procedure safer and more comfortable overall, but it results in a recovery time that can be as much as 40 to 50 percent shorter for some patients.
Which Procedure Should You Choose?
Whether you choose to get a liquid facelift or a surgical facelift depends on a variety of factors, including your lifestyle, goals for the procedure and the concerns you wish to address. For example, younger patients or those with less advanced aging may choose to get a liquid facelift to address mild to moderate facial wrinkling.
Patients with fast-paced lifestyles who aren’t ready to commit to a recovery process may also opt for injectables, since many people can resume their daily activities soon after getting their in-office procedure done.
It’s essential to note one main difference between liquid facelifts and facelift surgery is that the results of a liquid facelift are much more temporary. The paralysis effects of neuromodulators wear off gradually, and your body will eventually absorb biocompatible fillers4 like Juvéderm. Many patients who choose injectables decide to get periodic touch-up treatments several times per year to maintain their appearance. In contrast, facelifts performed by experienced providers such as Dr. Kulick offer long-lasting results that you can enjoy for years to come.
Learn More About Your Options
Your face tells the story of your life, but you don’t have to let wrinkles and fine lines affect your self-esteem. If you’re looking for the best facelift in San Francisco, why wait any longer to improve your appearance and start looking younger and more revitalized? Schedule your confidential consultation to discuss your surgical and non-surgical options with Dr. Kulick by reaching out online, or by calling 415-956-2550.
Additional Resources
- WebMD. The Effects of Aging on Skin. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-aging-skin.
- Juvéderm. Retrieved from http://www.juvederm.com
- Botox. Retrieved from http://www.botox.com
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Filling in Wrinkles Safely. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm049349.htm
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
