How Much Does a Liquid Facelift Cost?
A liquid facelift costs $2,325 on average, though the price can range as high as $4,000, according to 90 from RealSelf members.
Read on to find out if actual patients think a liquid facelift is worth the investment and why the cost can fluctuate so much.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About a Liquid Facelift
Is a liquid facelift worth the money?
RealSelf members give liquid facelifts a 92% Worth It Rating, so a majority say their results were worth the investment.
That said, it's not the best choice for everyone. A liquid facelift (also marketed as a "Y Lift") is sometimes promoted as an alternative to a mini or traditional facelift. But unlike facelift surgery, this nonsurgical procedure uses a combination of injectable fillers and neuromodulators like Botox to restore volume and smooth fine lines, wrinkles, creases, and folds.
“A number of different fillers are used in the cheek area, along the jawline, and in the nasolabial folds, lips, and temples,” says Dr. K. Roxanne Grawe, a plastic surgeon in Powell, Ohio.
The best candidates are in their 30s or 40s, with good skin elasticity. While it can improve fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, and slight jowls along the jawline, this noninvasive cosmetic procedure can’t fix significant laxity or sagging caused by excess skin.
Another factor to consider: The results from a liquid facelift last between six months and two years (depending on the type of filler used and how quickly your body metabolizes it), with touch-up treatments along the way.
The high end of the cost range for this minimally-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment isn’t much less than the average cost of mini facelift surgery, which can delivers more dramatic results (focused on the lower face and jawline).
A full surgical facelift can last 10 years or more, while mini facelift results often last around eight years.
So while a liquid facelift costs less than surgery up-front, you could easily pay more to maintain your results over the next several years.
What affects the cost of a liquid facelift?
A number of factors can cause the cost of this cosmetic procedure to fluctuate, including:
1) Your injector’s credentials and level of expertise.
Every state has its own laws regarding who can legally administer dermal fillers and other injectable treatments, but you should expect your liquid facelift provider to be a licensed medical professional.
These include registered nurses, physician's assistants, and physicians, such as dermatologists, facial plastic surgeons, and plastic surgeons.
Booking with a doctor, especially one who is board certified with many years of experience, will be more costly than scheduling a treatment with a nurse injector. (You may also find that nurses and physician's assistants working in dermatology or plastic surgery practices will charge more than those at medspas, as they often have more advanced training.)
Injectables are regarded as safe in experienced hands, but they all come with risks, including muscle weakness and tissue death (if dermal filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, and not quickly dissolved).
For the sake of your safety and optimal results, take the time to find an experienced injector who specializes in liquid facelift procedures. This isn't a situation where it's smart to bargain shop.
2) Their practice location.
Providers in major cities with higher costs of living will charge higher rates (after all, doctors have to pay rent, too).
Costs can vary even between ZIP codes, so it may be worth your time (and consultation fees) to get a treatment plans and price quotes from more than one qualified provider in relatively affordable areas. Many providers even offer complimentary consultations or apply the fee to your treatment.
3) Which injectable treatments you get and how much you need.
A liquid facelift uses a customized combination of neurotoxins and dermal fillers to create a more youthful appearance.
Botox can be a little pricier than Dysport, though not by much.
Hyaluronic acid-based injectable fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane tend to cost less than longer-lasting, collagen production-stimulating fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse.
During your consultation, ask which types of injectables they recommend, how many areas of the face they'll treat, and how many units or syringes you'll need to achieve your desired result.
Then work with your injector on a treatment plan that suits both your budget and your aesthetic goals.
Your specific concerns will influence the treatment plan and cost. For example, adding facial volume to the cheek and temple hollows can create a more youthful look. But the more severe your volume loss and skin laxity, the more syringes filler your provider will need to use, which can have a big impact on your final bill.
4) Any other cosmetic procedures you get at the same time.
Liquid facelifts can pair well with other facial rejuvenation treatments, such as a chemical peel or thread lift.
Getting multiple treatments in one session will increase your cost, but some providers offer a discount on any add-on treatments, so ask if there are any savings to be had here. (Also keep in mind that not all combinations are compatible, including fillers and laser resurfacing.)
5) Touch-ups or maintenance treatments.
The various treatments used during a liquid facelift treatment last for varying amounts of time.
For example:
- neuromodulators like Botox tend to last three to four months
- lip filler lasts up to a year, but some people metabolize it more quickly
- cheek filler injections can last for up to two years
If you want to maintain the youthful appearance created by a liquid facelift, you'll need to budget for ongoing touch-up treatments, which can add up over time.
6) Specials or discounts.
Providers occasionally offer specials on liquid facelifts, so if you're looking to book this treatment on a budget, follow your favorite providers to make sure you don't miss a deal.
You may also see discounts for purchasing multiple vials or booking both neuromodulator and injectable treatments simultaneously.
Discount or coupon sites also offer deals. If you go this route, just be sure you know who the injector will be, so you can research their patient reviews and before and after photos.
A skilled provider is not only more likely to give you a good result, but they'll also reduce the likelihood of complications or side effects.