Watch a Liquid Facelift: Instant Results, No Knife

WARNING: This video is graphic!

Despite the poor economy, cosmetic surgery continues to thrive in the United States. Innovative products have allowed patients to forgo surgical procedures for less invasive and theoretically less risky alternatives. We spoke with Dr. Victoria Karlinsky, a cosmetic surgeon, about the pros and cons of having a "liquid facelift."

Karlinksy says that by using a combination of fillers (Radiesse) and botulinum toxin (Dysport), she can add volume to the face and smooth out wrinkles, achieving results similar to a surgical facelift without the risks of anesthesia and a lengthy recovery. In the video above, see Dr. Karlinsky performed a complete liquid facelift on a woman who complained of "an aging face." The entire procedure took less than an hour, and as you will see, it provided instant results due to the filler, with the effects of the Dysport settling about a week later. Other than some small bruising near the injection sites and some mild swelling, the patient showed very little evidence of having had a cosmetic procedure.

While a liquid facelift is theoretically less risky and requires little to no downtime, it does require maintenance, which can be time consuming and pricey in the end. The Liquid Facelift Association, a non-profit association of licensed physicians, adds that the lasting benefits of the procedure are dependent on the products used and where they are placed. Botox results last from 3-6 months, and Radiesse and Juvaderm (fillers) last up to a year before touch-ups are needed.