Do you really wish that you could recapture the look of a younger you? Do you cringe at the prospect of a major surgery and scalpels? You've tried every lotion, potion and cream on the market and the results just aren't drastic enough for you. Luckily, you have an option- the liquid facelift. No, you don't get to drink a magic potion every morning, but it is almost as simple as that. Your certified doctor uses tiny needles to inject filler called Scultpra into the affected areas to smooth out and plump up the face.



What is Sculptra? Chemically, it is a poly-L-lactic acid. Though it is synthetic, it is similar to lactic acid which is naturally produced in the muscles of the body. Because of this, it is biocompatible and safe.

What does it do? When the product is used in a liquid facelift, it is injected under the skin with tiny needles. It fills the empty spaces where fat used to be and fills in where the skin has lost elasticity and has started to sag. It is special as filler because it also encourages the production of collagen and tissue which also adds to a more natural fuller face. It is also popular because its results can last up to two years with only minor maintenance in between.

Why get a liquid facelift? As you age, your skin loses tone and elasticity as well as tissue and fat under the skin. This results in wrinkles and lines throughout the face. It can also create a hollow look. You have seen people with sunken cheeks and eyes. This is a result of a condition called lipoatrophy. This facial wasting condition can be the symptom of many things and a liquid facelift can help reverse the damage. Injections into the wasted sites fill out the area and return the facial features to normal.

How much will it cost? On an average, treatment is about $800. Of course, the price is determined by your geographic location and your doctor. You will not know until the swelling has gone down, if you will need additional treatments to achieve the look you want. It is possible that your doctor will recommend the use of Sculptra in conjunction with other injectables to obtain your desired result.

Even though this procedure is not considered major surgery, there are still risks involved. Always disclose any medications you are taking, existing health problems and allergies to make sure there are no adverse reactions to the filler or the local anesthetic. As with any cosmetic procedure, you should verify your doctor's credentials and make sure he is board certified to perform your procedure.

Just remember that any procedure that you have done is temporary. You will still age and wrinkles do come back. The best way to combat this along with your cosmetic procedure is to live a healthy lifestyle. Drink lots of water to hydrate the skin. Always wear sunscreen and moisturizer. Eat fruits and vegetables. Don't smoke. And yes, exercise is also good for the skin. If you keep your insides healthy, it will show on the outside.