By Ricky Allen and Bronwyn Watt
It’s the hottest thing in anti-ageing aesthetics and it’s completely surgery-free. We spoke to two of Australia’s top clinical experts for the lowdown on liquid facelifts.
Are you time poor but still want to look as though you have hours free each week to devote to a youthful beauty regimen? If so, a liquid facial might be the quick solution you’re looking for. By combining high-performance clinic-only skincare brands such as iS Clinical, Medik8, SkinCeuticals and Revision Skincare with the latest tech, therapeutic devices and injectables, aesthetic experts can deliver a facelift that’s natural but results-driven.
INSIGHT ONE: This is one of the fast-growing areas of clinical cosmetics.
According to Dr Frank Lin, a cosmetic plastic surgeon at Eastern Plastic Surgery in Melbourne, the non-surgical area of clinical aesthetics has grown six-fold globally in the past 10 years. Surgical numbers, however, have generally remained steady. This is partly because of developments in science-based cosmeceuticals with proven results, says Dr Lin. It’s also the first step for those already considering surgical solutions or nervous about more invasive methods. For example, many of his Asian patients would never contemplate facial surgery, so the liquid facelift is perfect for them.
INSIGHT TWO: It’s an ideal option for those under 50 not wanting surgical intervention.
Dr Joseph Hkeik, clinical director at All Saints Skin Clinics in Sydney, is another cosmetic physician whose patients see great liquid facial results. In fact, it’s fast becoming the most popular procedure in his practice, given the results look striking but still natural. While patients seeking the procedure at his clinics range all the way from age 20 to the 80, it most commonly attracts patients aged 30-50 years old.
INSIGHT THREE: It involves a combination of injectables and device therapy.
Any clinician performing a liquid facial must have expert knowledge of facial anatomy and a strong eye for detail and for what is aesthetically acceptable within the boundaries of each person’s face. They should also be experienced with injectables, fillers and muscle relaxants, as well as the contouring devices used such as Ultherapy, Thermage or Ultraformer, which all offer lifting, tightening and sculpting results.
INSIGHT FOUR: Even challenging areas such as the neck can be treated.
The liquid facelift procedure can also extend to the neck, using dermal fillers such as Radiesse, which work well to stimulate collagen and elastin. These injectables are often used in conjunction with contouring devices.
INSIGHT FIVE: Your treatment should be unique to you.
Each treatment is bespoke, expertly designed to address an individual patient’s need, and sometimes more than one session is needed. But there’s one thing that’s a constant, say both Dr Lin and Dr Hkeik: liquid facelifts are the near future of aesthetic treatments and show impressive results.
