Combining Botox® and Fillers for the Ultimate ‘Liquid Facelift’

Wrinkles and sagging skin are a normal part of getting older, but they can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. Thankfully, you don’t have to accept these changes. A “liquid facelift” can address these and other skin imperfections, ensuring you look and feel your best.

At Medical Aesthetics & Laser, R. David Reeves, MD, and the team combine Botox injections with dermal fillers to achieve optimal results. Here’s everything you need to know about the ultimate liquid facelift.

What is a liquid facelift?

A liquid facelift is an outpatient, cosmetic procedure that addresses various dermatological problems, including scars, wrinkles, sagging skin, and lost facial volume. It’s minimally invasive and doesn’t require any downtime. After treatment, you can return to work and other activities immediately.

Traditional liquid facelifts use only dermal fillers, but Dr. Reeves adds Botox® for added effect. When combined, these injectable fillers can smooth and plump your skin, effectively turning back the clock. 

How a liquid facelift works

Aging causes the decline of collagen and elastin — two proteins that keep your skin wrinkle-free and supple. Though a natural part of getting older, this causes your skin to wrinkle and sag. It also affects the appearance of the cheeks and lips, making them droop and appear thinner.

During a liquid facelift, your provider injects dermal fillers and Botox into strategic areas of your face. This smooths wrinkles and plumps up areas of lost volume, reducing the appearance of age-related skin imperfections.

No two liquid facelift procedures are exactly alike, but the treatment typically uses several of the following aesthetic products:

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

HA is a natural protein produced by the human body. When injected into specific areas, it plumps up, moisturizes, and smooths the skin.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads

PMMA beads are microscopic and made of plastic. They’re injected beneath the skin and encourage your body to produce more collagen. Injections containing PMMA are typically used to plump up the lips.

Calcium hydroxyapatite

Calcium hydroxyapatite is a mineral found in human bones. It provides a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of acne scars and often produces results that last 18 months or longer.

Botox

Botox is an injectable neuromodulator that treats forehead wrinkles, marionette lines, and crow’s feet. It blocks nerve signals from reaching the muscles in your face, causing them to relax and smooth your skin.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)

Your provider might recommend PLLA injections if you have sagging jowls or facial fat loss. It stimulates collagen production, plumping up and smoothing your skin.

What to expect during a liquid facelift

A liquid facelift is an outpatient procedure that takes 25-30 minutes on average.

Before administering the injections, your provider asks about your goals and the skin imperfections you’d like to address. Then, they take several photos (so you can compare what your face looked like before)  and develop a personalized treatment plan, marking specific injection sites on your face.

Once the treatment plan is in place, your provider applies a topical anesthetic to your face, numbing your skin. Then, they administer a series of dermal filler and Botox injections into the previously marked injection sites.

After the procedure, you can return to work and other activities. However, avoiding strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours is important. Likewise, drink plenty of water and stay out of direct sunlight. 

Dermatological changes are a natural part of aging, but you don’t have to accept wrinkles or sagging skin. Take the first step toward improved skin health by scheduling a liquid facelift consultation. Call us at our clinic in The Woodlands, Texas, or book your appointment online today.