You have likely seen it on social media: the 8-point lift is a series of injections—usually placed in the cheeks, around the mouth, and along the jawline—that results in a more sculpted, striking appearance. While we love the results it can achieve, an 8-point lift isn’t a perfect injection “formula” that works for every face.
At Mountain Radiance in Asheville, we listen to you first and make sure we understand the look you’re going for before we recommend the exact areas for dermal filler injections. It’s unlikely the same 8 injection zones are going to end up in everyone’s plan, so it’s key to do your research and find an injector you trust before you end up with a cookie-cutter 8-point lift that may or may not be right for you. Below, we discuss everything you need to know before you schedule your appointment.
What is an 8 point lift?
The eight point lift is an injection trend that began in the UK and gained popularity on social media. It refers to using a hyaluronic acid-based injectable dermal filler in 8 key areas of the face that can, for the right patient, create an overall improved facial contour.
The 8 areas of injection may vary based on your injector’s training and experience, and you’ll notice that different injectors on TikTok use slightly different methods. Generally speaking, 8 point facelift injection points are often some combination of these areas:
- The cheek “apple”
- The upper cheek apex
- Along the cheekbone
- Below the eyes (tear troughs)
- Naso-labial folds, which extend from nose down toward the sides of the mouth
- Corners of the mouth
- Jowl area, at the front of the jawline near the chin
- At the back of the jawline, near the ear
Since filler adds volume, this is an additive contouring procedure that works by enhancing your face’s existing contours, extending the cheekbone line and jawline to draw attention to its shape, and softening any nasolabial folds.
In this video, our nurse injector explains the injection points for filler she has planned with our Asheville patient who is receiving BOTOX® and an 8-point lift:
What results can I expect from an 8-point facelift with filler?
You can expect to see a more distinctive, model-like cheek curve and sharpened jawline, and subtle improvements in any sagging around the mouth and chin. This procedure both corrects wrinkles and helps the bone structure of your face catch the light.
The 8 point filler technique is helpful in combating some early signs of aging. If you have very pronounced naso-labial folds, smoothing this area helps you look more refreshed, and the lift also replaces lost volume in the cheeks and jawline.
What are the benefits of an 8 point lift?
The eight point lift requires very little to no downtime; common side effects of swelling and bruising usually resolve within a few days. An 8 point lift is long lasting, yet it isn’t permanent, which allows our clients to “try on” a new look without committing long-term. It also can provide very subtle results for those who want to conceal that they “had work done.” Finally, hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler promotes collagen production in the injected areas, meaning that long-term, you may see firmer, smoother skin in the treatment areas, even after your filler dissolves.
Am I a good candidate for an 8 point lift?
A good candidate for an 8 point lift with filler identifies with the following:
- You have good skin elasticity
- You see some mild volume loss throughout the face
- You do not have very progressed signs of aging
- You want a subtly “lifted” look
- You are a good candidate for dermal filler injections
The results of an 8 point facelift are somewhat subtle, and, despite the name, they do not rival the results of a surgical facelift. Thus, to be a good candidate, you should have early signs of facial aging; if you have more progressed facial aging or skin laxity, you will likely find the results unsatisfactory.
How long does an 8 point lift last?
The dermal fillers injected during an 8 point lift will last anywhere from 9 months – 2 years. Filler dissolves over time, and how long it lasts in your skin depends on many factors, including the specific filler formula used, how active those facial areas are, and your metabolism.
What is the average cost of an 8 point lift?
The cost of your 8 point lift depends on the filler formula that your injector determines is most appropriate to achieve your goals, as well as how much filler is needed. Each syringe of Juvéderm® filler used in an 8 point lift costs $650-$800 (the cost varies by formula), and you may require anywhere from 1 to 4 syringes depending on the injection volumes and areas.
8 point lift vs. Liquid Facelift
An 8-point lift is a catchy term that has gotten some recent traction on social media, but in practice, we treat patients who ask us for an “8 point lift” similarly to patients who come to us requesting a “liquid facelift.” An 8 point lift simply comes with recommended injection areas, but in each case, we believe in using a personalized combination of BOTOX® and filler to achieve our patients goals—not to give anyone the same injections they saw online.
How do you avoid “pillow face” after filler?
Many patients ask us how they can avoid a bad result or having too much filler, colloquially called “pillow face.” To get a natural-looking result from filler, we generally recommend avoiding any practice that offers the same “8 point lift package” to every patient—or whose social media presence seems more important than reaching individual patients’ goals.
We don’t do cookie-cutter injectables at Mountain Radiance: every treatment is carefully customized to your facial anatomy and your goals for your appearance. It’s very rare that two patients require the same 8 injection areas with the same amount of filler, so while an 8 point lift can offer a nice contoured appearance, your friend’s 8 point lift will not be performed exactly the same as yours. (Plus, we usually recommend some Botox in the upper face as a first line of defense against facial wrinkles—and Botox is not included in most 8 point lifts you see online!)
Visit the credentialed, experienced injectors at Mountain Radiance medical spa in Asheville
When you’re ready to learn how injectables can work for you, Dr. Chandler and our highly skilled licensed nurse injectors are ready to help. Schedule your injectable consultation by calling (828) 627-2711 or contacting us online today.
