There are not many women over 40 that aren't searching for age erasing skincare solutions. A good regime will keep your complexion looking healthy, and clever makeup techniques mask the look of ageing. However, to boost hydration from the inside out a Liquid Face Lift is life changing. Editor Trudi Brewer explains.
Before and after the Liquid Face Lift at Clinic 42 in Auckland.
I have written about this treatment before, which prompted some interesting comments on social media about the before and after shots. Since then I have had so many requests to demonstrate how it works, if it hurts and what it can do to refresh your face. Dr Joanna Romanowska from Clinic 42 in Auckland has perfected this appearance medicine technique using hyaluronic acid fillers (namely Restylane and Emervel) to refresh, and ultimately lift the look of an ageing face.
What I love about this treatment is that you still look like you but a better version of yourself - the finished result is that you will look rested, like you do after a long summer break (without the sun damage). "Injectables are not supposed to make you look years younger, they certainly can, but for my patients I want them to look and feel fabulous. The aim is to create the best version of themselves, and not look peculiar. I want my patients to appear healthy and well rested, which often results in them looking younger, but my aim is not necessarily to make women look ten years younger with fillers," says Romanowska.
For me weight loss, combined with the look of general fatigue (I am an early riser and like to run) has hollowed the contours (that you see on a youthful face) leaving my face drawn and tired-looking. Drooping brows and a slackening jawline are also starting to appear, all part and parcel of the inevitable ageing process. So, with some idea of how this treatment works, here you can see me makeup free (hair pulled off my face) and view the results and what to expect when having this skin treatment.
Clinic 42 co-owner Joanna Romanowska preforming the Liquid Face Lift.
Here's a step-by-step of the Liquid Face Lift.
Step one
Makeup is removed and the hair is pushed back from the face. Then, before and after shots are taken. Then skin is prepped with an alcohol pad and a numbing cream is applied to the area that is treated, you need to wait around 10 -20 minutes for this to take effect. In my case the lower face and cheekbones were treated. However this can change depending on your face shape and expression. "Seeing how your face moves, how your cheeks plump when you smile, and all the other things that make your face uniquely yours is what I am keen to enhance. It's those expressions and quirks that make each of us beautiful and unique; I don't want to change that, just refresh the look of the face," says Romanowska.
Step two
The filler is used to plump out the nasolabial wrinkles or folds that run from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth. This technique helps lift the cheek contours and smooth out crepey-looking skin on the lower part of the face. Romanowska explains. "The placement of the filler is just under the muscle to give a natural-looking contour rather than visible ridges of filler. This helps the muscle to continue to move, which is why the treatment appears natural-looking once complete."
Step three
The next step, filler is applied to the cheek area to help rebalance and lift the face. "This subtle change helps bring the focus back to the eye area and the centre of the face and give that youthful triangle," says Romanowska. This has the most impact on how your face looks. Reinstating the look of high cheekbones is youthful and is what leaves the face looking well-rested and rejuvenated. Once the cheek area is filled, there is some gentle pressing to smooth the filler out under the skin.
Step four
The entire treatment takes around 40 minutes, and while it is not pain-free, (the sound of squelching as the filler runs under the skin is what you will notice most), there is a feeling of pressure and slight discomfort. The other tip to remember if you are needle-shy, Emervel filler contains lidocaine anaesthetic that works within a few minutes of the first shot. Uncomfortable at best is how I would describe this treatment. And while I had a little bruising at the corner of my mouth and jawline it was easily covered with mineral powder.
The result
It was amazing to see the change with only one side of the face treated, and the difference it made. My face appeared lifted and firmer. For anyone who is needle shy this treatment does require a syringe, however the pain and down time is minimal (honestly). The most satisfying part of this treatment is that you leave looking and feeling great! And the results improve day by day - I am sold.
This treatment lasts between 12 to 18 months. Expect to pay $1700.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.