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New Liquid Facelift May Last Two Years
Los Angeles When Paige Andree thought about facelifts, all she knew was tight, unnatural results. She didn't want either.
"I've always been against it," Andree said. "So I've been waiting and waiting."
The wait ended when Andree met anesthesiologist Gail Humble, who suggested a completely different solution --what the doctor calls a liquid facelift -- for what Andree thought were sagging areas beneath her eyes, nose and mouth.
It's not surgery, so it doesn't carry any of the risks of general anesthesia.
It's done with a new substance called Sculptra. Sculptra was originally used to improve appearance for AIDS patients who lost facial volume due to their disease. Since everyone loses volume as they age, it's now being used for many other people.
"It can be used to revolumize the face," said Humble. "That's where it's different from other fillers."
First, the doctor marks up the area to be treated. Then a nurse numbs the face with a special gel. The patient remains awake and pain-free as the Sculptra is injected.
The substance is made out of the same material used for absorbable sutures. It is synthetic, which provides a number of advantages.
The substance is not placed under a wrinkle where it plumps and then goes away, but rather, it is put deep in the skin called the dermal layer.
Clinical studies show it stays there and lasts two years.
Humble said that's nearly eight times as long as collagen, and nearly twice as long as some other fillers.
Andree's treatment took just 20 minutes.
"I feel great," said Andree, following the procedure. "It was the easiest thing I've done. And I've had other things done. This was easy."
Three weeks later, she was even happier.
"I'm amazed," she said. "Absolutely amazed. I'm not kidding. I woke up and all this smoothed out my lines. Everything started lifting. My husband said 'I can't believe you're doing this.' Now he wants to sign up," Andree said.
Hensel said the cost depends on how many areas are done. It ranges from $800 to $2700.
Some patients report a lumpy appearance after Sculptra is used. Humble said that happens only rarely.
"It needs more study and it is not the answer for all wrinkles and sags," Hensel said. "If your problem is mild, it is a new option."
Many doctors use this procedure. Interested patients should ask their doctor for a referral.