THE T&C 2022 Procedure Guide

Fifth Avenue facelifts are approaching the $100K mark, and there are yearslong waitlists for top lipo docs. But do we really need them? A roster, of new, noninvasive anti aging options can effectively stop or at least slow the clock

- EMILY DOUGHERTY

THE #NOFILTER FILLER

Contrary to what greenwashing beauty brands would have us believe, the FDA doesn't just say yes to new ingredients and devices willy-nilly. It can take tens of millions of dollars, thousands of punch biopsies, and many, many years for a dermatologic breakthrough to receive a stamp of approval. Case in point: the "beauty booster" Juvederm Volite. Available in Europe since 2017, this easy in-office treatment (also known as a "hydrolift") has become as much of an international skinfluencer staple as Augustinus Bader and Botox. Hundreds of microdroplets of Volite-a less viscous version of the hyaluronic acid fillers that have been available in the States-are injected just under the skin, smoothing fine wrinkles, jump-starting elastin and collagen growth, and, as a literal injectable moisturizer, increasing the baseline levels of skin hydration for up to nine months. The laid-back texture of Volite "allows you to inject into the very superficial dermis, and it has a lasting rejuvenating effect, specifically on fine lines," says New York-based dermatologist Macrene Alexiades. "Volite's FDA approval opens up a whole new genre for treatment with fillers. Volite gives a resurfacing-laserlike result to the patient, without having to use lasers."

ELLACOR: A KNIFELESS FACELIFT?