Liquid Eye Lift
Facial Rejuvenation with Fillers
Over time, people eventually start to show the signs of aging. The effects are often most notable in the face. The skin becomes drier and loses its elasticity. Tiny lines and wrinkles appear, slowly becoming deeper and defined. The fat pads under the cheeks shrink, causing a "hollow" look and the skin to sag.
There are many ways people try to stop or reverse some of the signs of facial aging. One category of treatment is the use of facial fillers. Fillers are products that are derived from natural or man-made substances. They are injected under the skin to "fill in" the spaces made by lines, wrinkles and other types of depressions.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 1.54 million injectable fillers were given in the U.S. last year. The most common type of cosmetic filler is hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Hylaform). These products account for more than 1.3 million of the fillers given last year. Other types of fillers include Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra), Artefill and collagen.
The Liquid Eye Lift
Cosmetic fillers are popular because they are quick, avoid surgery, and don't have any significant downtime after treatment. Over the years, doctors have learned how to make the best use of the fillers to fine tune results and provide more sculpting for a youthful looking face.
Joseph Eviatar, M.D., Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgeon in New York City, is using a combination of fillers around the eyes, following a process he calls the "sandwich technique." He explains that some fillers are better when injected deeply under the muscle. Others have a thicker consistency, which makes them good for lifting and reshaping. Thinner products are best for fine lines, wrinkles and other minor depressions in the top layer of skin. By using a combination of products, Eviatar can customize the outcome for each patient.
Though injectable fillers are seen as safer options than surgery, Eviatar says they still carry some risks. Patients will have some bruising and swelling. Since the injections are often very close to the eyes, he recommends they only be done by someone who is thoroughly trained and experienced in working in that part of the face. Eviatar doesn't recommend the procedure for people who are on blood thinners or aspirin.
Eviatar says the cost of the liquid eye lift varies, according to what products are used and how much of the material is needed. On average, patients may pay from $600 to $2000. Most fillers last about a year, and then touch ups may be needed. Patients who have significant loss of underlying fat, skin discoloration or skin damage will need other procedures to fix those problems. In many cases, use of injectables and healthy skin care can delay or avoid the need for surgery in patients wanting to retain their youthful looks.
Research compiled and edited by Barbara J. Fister
American Academy of Dermatology, http://www.aad.org
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, http://www.aafprs.org
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, http://www.surgery.org
American Society of Plastic Surgeons, http://www.plasticsurgery.org
