Non-Surgical Facelift

(Liquid Facelift) in Northern Virginia- Fairfax and Manassas

By: George J. Bitar M.D. & Robert F. Centeno M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

Introduction

Although no one can argue with the superior results and permanency that surgery can afford a patient who seeks facial rejuvenation, surgery is not for everyone. Some people prefer not to have surgery for health reasons, apprehension towards surgery, inability to afford the downtime or the cost, or simply because they are not sure they want a permanent result. Botox® and fillers offer these patients a great alternative to surgery.

When someone looks in the mirror and is unhappy with their face, there may be several factors causing them dissatisfaction. If a patient is unhappy with wrinkles around their forehead, eyes, and cheeks, or the shape of their cheeks, lips, and jowls, then they may be a good candidate for an injectable treatment. I offer Botox®, Restylane®, Juvederm®, and Radiesse® as a less expensive, quicker alternative to patients who do not want - or do not need - a surgical procedure. Results can last 6-24 months depending on the injectable, the location, and the patient. Patients are usually very happy with this tradeoff for an immediate rejuvenated look.

Because of the massive amounts of fillers on the market people can get confused by the difference between each injectable. Botox® is a protein that temporarily stops the nerve from communicating with the muscle, thus preventing that muscle from creating a wrinkle. This effect takes four days to take place and lasts 4-6 months. Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvederm® are all gels made from hyaluronic acid, a natural sugar that binds water and creates fullness that lasts 6-12 months. Radiesse®, a more viscous filler, is made from tiny calcium particles in a solution, which also creates fullness that is less forgiving than the hyaluronic acid fillers but can last 1-2 years. A non-surgical facelift can be performed on patients by utilizing the different fillers and Botox®, as a temporary substitute for a surgical facelift.

Preparing for the Treatment

An initial consultation is set-up where we discuss your options for non-surgical facial contouring, and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Since this is an in-office procedure, preparation is minimal. Since the face has excellent blood supply, patients are encouraged to stop medications that cause bleeding, such as aspirin, or aspirin products (Motrin or Ibuprofen), a week before this procedure. Mild to moderate pain is alleviated with local anesthesia or ice to numb the area that is injected. 

The Non-Surgical Injectables Treatment

1. Botox®: If a patient is a good candidate for a Botox® treatment, I will apply a topical anesthetic, or ice, to numb the area before the injection. I use Botox®, very frequently, to temporarily improve the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and between the brows. The effects generally last between 4-6 months. I also inject Botox®, less frequently, in the upper lip for a gummy smile reduction, under the arms or into the palms to decrease severe sweating, or into the chin to decrease muscle wrinkles, with great results.
2. Fillers: Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvederm® are used to smooth wrinkles by adding volume. These fillers correct the hollowness under the eyes, plump the lips, and improve smile lines. Results last between 6-12 months. Radiesse® fills deep smile lines, flat cheeks, and jowls, with results lasting up to 2 years. I will also use Radiesse® for chin augmentations and non-surgical rhinoplasty, for people who would benefit from more definition to the bridge of their nose or their tip, such as Oriental, African-American, or Hispanic patients, who would have otherwise had nasal implants.

Post-operative Care

Our office will provide you with a detailed post-operative instruction sheet that will be individualized to your needs.

For more information about this procedure call our office and speak to our friendly staff member at 703-206-0506.

 

Information on this web site is for information only. Do not use the information to diagnose or treat your plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery problems. Please contact your plastic surgeon with all questions and concerns. 

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