First let's start with explaining what causes a "sagging" face. As we age our facial fat pads shrink and start to fall downward. Our bone structure changes with age, the jawbone gets smaller, the maxilla shrinks, teeth shift, the eye sockets enlarge, the facial muscles that pull downward seem to get stronger, and the connective fascia that is mostly collagen starts to increase in laxity. All of these things combined make our faces start to look square, harsh, sad, angry and less youthful.
Although nothing "lifts" a face more than a perfectly executed surgical facelift, a lot of the time using dermal fillers can restore a youthful look. By using fillers we can replace lost volume. The most common type of filler being used is a hyaluronic acid gel. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that is naturally found in our body. It acts as a cushion and lubricant in our joints and other tissues. Hyaluronic acid holds water which plumps up the area and adds hydration and structure to the skin.
There are many different brands of hyaluronic filler, each of them are unique and have their own properties. They come in different viscosities that are appropriate for different areas and skin types. An experienced injector will be able to choose which is appropriate for your goals and need. When the filler is injected into the appropriate area using good technique, the outcome can be an incredible. When the lost volume of the face is restored, the face can appear lifted.
During my 14 years of injecting I've learned that treating the cause of the lines and treating more than one area, gives the most natural, balanced result. Below are examples of a technique that has been coined "the 7 or 8 point lift".
As always, I welcome any questions that you may have regarding your skin care regime, fillers or any injectables that you may have. I'm here to help!
