Published: June 05, 2006 12:10 am      

Pros and cons of a ‘space lift’ for your face

As we age, the face can actually lose volume as fat cells shrink and shift. The “space lift” uses injectable fillers, including hyaluronic acid, collagen, Sculptra and fat, to lift away limited signs of aging.

This lift redefines the mid-face by rounding the cheekbones, filling the tear trough and plumping away nasolabial folds and marionette lines. It can also be used to boost thinned lips. The space lift can also restore fullness in the brow area and help fill almost any facial crease. However, the best results come for those who have a loss of volume alone; they offer little improvement if the facial skin and muscles are sagging.

Defining a space lift

A space lift varies greatly based on the amount and combination of injectables used. Fillers are injected at varying depths within or beneath the skin to instantly take up space and create a new shape. You may have multiple injection sites (and some swelling or bruising that lasts for a few days) but no incisions.

If fat is the filler of choice, it will be taken from an area where you don’t want or need it, like the tummy, inner thigh or buttocks. The fat is then processed and re-injected all in one treatment session. Fat may be injected into the skin or muscle, or below the skin and muscle. While the space lift is all about restoring volume with the help of injectable fillers, Botox can play a role in facial shaping by relaxing the muscles that contribute to expression-related creases.

The space lift does not address excess sagging skin, muscle and facial tissue that has descended or been displaced, or the texture and appearance of the skin. And because of what it cannot accomplish, the space lift is not always a stand-alone procedure. It can enhance the results of every type of surgical lift, as well as fat-reducing procedures, like under the chin liposuction. It can also be performed after facial resurfacing, but not generally at the same time.

Considering a space lift?

While injectable treatments are popular, and many doctors offer them, these are not as simple a shot as an immunization. The space lift is a unique art form that requires great vision and planning by your doctor to create natural, lasting improvement. Too little fill can always be adjusted with additional injections in the future. Too much fill with fat and you may be sporting chubby cheeks permanently.

Pharmaceutical fillers may not be permanent, and semi-permanent or permanent varieties can create little bumps that can be felt and sometimes seen under the skin.

The results of a space lift are not permanent. Pharmaceutical filler results vary depending on the filler: Collagen fillers last three to four months, hyaluronic acid fillers last six to 12 months, and semi-permanent fillers last two to three years. And although fat is considered permanent (30 percent to 50 percent generally remains), it will naturally diminish as you age.

Marie Kuechel is an editor at New Beauty, a semi-annual magazine about cosmetic enhancement. Robert Singer is a medical doctor. Reach them at editors (at)newbeauty.com. For more stories visit www.scrippsnews.com.