How Much Does a Liquid Face Lift Cost?
Unfortunately, there are far too many variables to give an accurate estimate of cost of how much a liquid face lift will run you. These variables include number and location of injection sites, type(s) of dermal filler(s) used, degree of existing facial volume loss, maintenance costs, physician experience, geographic location, and more. Costs can vary anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.While I can’t give you a number, I can give you a couple of tips that you should keep in mind when considering cost:
- Many doctors will offer a discount for routine touch-up treatments because they know that returning for touch-ups is key to increasing overall patient satisfaction. Speak to your doctor about this during your first visit.
- With this type of procedure, differences in price from one doctor to another can be deceiving. A doctor who uses advanced injection techniques and correct placement of just the right mix of products can significantly reduce the number of touch-ups needed, as well as the amount of filler necessary to maintain the results.
How Can I Find Out More?
Because there are so many different products currently in use as dermal fillers, you do need to do your research. Some last longer, some are best suited for different areas of the face, and some have been around a little longer and, thus, are a bit more “proven.” Some may even seem distasteful to certain prospective patients. For instance, some patients may be uncomfortable with the idea of having fat that has been harvested from their buttocks injected into their faces.Just as is recommended with any cosmetic surgery, you should consult with several doctors before making your decision. Ask about the advantages and disadvantages of the different dermal fillers available. The best doctors will offer more than one option that can be used to meet a patient's needs.
Of course, there are certain questions to ask and steps to take when considering any type of cosmetic procedure. Connecting with others who have undergone procedures can also be helpful, as you can get opinions from those who have had the experience you're considering. Visit the About.com Plastic Surgery Forum to do just that.
Finding an Experienced Liquid Face Lift Physician
Although word of mouth can be quite helpful, it should not be your only method of determining who is right to perform your procedure. Verifying experience and credentials is a must, since there are unfortunately a number of phony “doctors” who are hosting "injection parties" (also called “plumping” or “pumping parties") all over the world.It’s always a good idea to start with professional organizations and certifying bodies, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To find a physician who is specifically trained and experienced in the use of dermal fillers, you may wish to check with the Liquid Face Lift Association (LFLA), where physician members are required to have performed at 1,000 documented dermal filler procedures, with the average member having performed over 5,000 of these procedures. Members of the LFLA have also been subjected to verification of their medical credentials before being accepted as members.
Face Lift of the Future?
The liquid face lift seems to be a good option for addressing the signs of aging without going under the knife. In many ways, the risks seem less than those of surgical approaches, and the results can be quite impressive from an aesthetic standpoint. However, only you can decide for yourself if it’s worth it to go in for a touch-up periodically to maintain your results, or to take a chance on medical technology that some say is years away from being truly proven in terms of long-term safety.Sources: Dermal Fillers, Consumer Information Sheet, American College of Osteopathic Dermatology; http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/dermal-fillers.html
Injectable Fillers, Consumer Information Sheet, American Society of Plastic Surgeons; http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/InjectableFillers.cfm?CFID=96995662&CFTOKEN=62483386
Product Information Sheet on Brand-Name Dermal Fillers, Liquid Face Lift Association; http://www.liquidfacelift.com/liquidfaceliftproducts.asp
