Benefits of Liquid Collagen?

You are correct in your understanding that collagen is an essential ingredient in the structural framework of the skin, the concentration of collagen has a significant impact on the elasticity of the skin. Unfortunately, when you drink collagen, it will be digested by enzymes in your stomach, and will not result in any material improvement of the wrinkles on your face. But hey, you may pioneer new form of smoothie!

Collagen is a protein and the digestive acids in your stomach and intestines will break that protein down into it smaller components, amino acids. These amino acids may be used to build other proteins for your body but will not necessarily go directly to your wrinkles to make them any better. There are, however, other options to treat the wrinkles which you can address with your plastic surgeon.  Best wishes. 

Although collagen makes up the fabric of the skin and deeper structures drinking liquid collagen in people with a balanced diet should have no effect and not worth the effort. 

This is an interesting question that, in my facelift practice, actually never came up nor have I heard about collagen shakes.

Given that collagen is a protein which will be broken down into its building blocks (amino acids) within the digestive system, I would suggest that it will not do any harm. Whether it will make the end result better, I truly do not know.

I'm not sure where you got the idea of drinking collagen. Collagen is a protein that will be denatured by the acid in the stomach. Taking it by mouth makes no sense.

Unfortunately, drinking collagen will not influence your facelift recovery. Your recovery starts well before your surgery.  Good skin care is undervalued.  A simple routine of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), Retin-A (helps organize skin and helps retain moisture) and a good moisturizer (self explanatory). Healthy skin prior to surgery will respond well to surgery.  This continues after your recovery.  Skin care is a lifestyle change not a quick fix.

Dr. ES