Ligament Lift in Singapore: Lifting the Face from Its Foundation
By Dr Elias Tam, Medical Director, EHA Clinic Singapore | Clinical Lecturer, University College London's Master of Surgery in Aesthetic Medicine programme | World President-Elect, International College of Surgeons | Last updated: 16 June 2026
Quick answer
Ligament Lift is a doctor-led injectable approach that restores structural support at the face’s retaining ligaments, rather than adding volume to the surface. By injecting underneath specific ligament anchor points along the cheek, nose, eye and jaw, it aims to lift the face from its own anatomical foundation. Results vary between individuals, with one session typically sufficient and minimal downtime.
Why does the face sag with age?
Facial ageing is not caused by skin alone. It happens across three layers at once: the skin becomes thinner and less elastic, the deep fat and bone support reduce, and the retaining ligaments that anchor the face to bone lengthen and lose tension. When the ligaments weaken, facial tissue descends, and definition is lost around the cheek, jawline and mouth, even when skin quality still appears good.
Many anti-ageing approaches target only one layer. Ligament Lift focuses on the often-ignored layer: the structural support.
What is Ligament Lift?
Ligament Lift is a doctor-led injectable approach that reinforces specific anchor points on the face. Instead of focusing on lines or surface volume, the goal is to:
- Reinforce the face’s key ligament anchor points.
- Restore the face’s internal support system.
- Produce a lifting effect through structure rather than filling.
At EHA Clinic Singapore, Ligament Lift is not a one-size treatment. Each plan is matched to your facial anatomy, degree of ligament laxity, and overall skin condition during a clinical assessment with Dr Elias Tam and his team of dedicated doctors and staff.
Which ligaments are targeted?
Dr Elias Tam and his team of doctors work with four specific ligament anchor zones, each of which lifts a different area of the face:
- Zygomatic ligament over the cheek. Identified at a small depression on the cheekbone. Supports the mid-face and the apple-muscle / cheek contour.
- Maxillary ligament at the piriform fossa, next to the nasolabial fold. Supports the nasolabial fold area.
- Orbital retaining ligament around the outer eye orbit. Supports the brow and improves the under-eye hollow.
- Mandibular ligament near the marionette line. Improves the jawline and supports the marionette area.
Dr Elias Tam, Medical Director of EHA Clinic Singapore and Clinical Lecturer at University College London’s Master of Surgery in Aesthetic Medicine programme, approaches Ligament Lift as an anatomy-first procedure: the treatment plan is built around each patient’s specific ligament positions and the degree of laxity at each anchor zone. The four retaining ligament zones (zygomatic, maxillary, orbital, and mandibular) vary in depth and position between individuals, which is why accurate subligamentous placement, confirmed through anatomical knowledge rather than a standardised injection grid, is the primary clinical determinant of how effectively the lift holds.
How is Ligament Lift different from a regular filler?
Conventional fillers focus on filling the space where volume has been lost. Ligament Lift focuses on lifting the structure by injecting underneath specific facial ligaments. The placement is different and the goal is different: support rather than fill.
Placement. Most filler is placed on top of or alongside ligament structures. Ligament Lift targets the anchor point from beneath, as Dr Elias explains:
“Inject underneath the ligament to support it, not on top. If you go straight in and inject, you may get a little bit of lift, but that is because there is just a volume pushing up the skin — not a true ligament suspension.”
— Dr Elias Tam, Medical Director, EHA Clinic Singapore
Injecting beneath the ligament uses less filler and tends to last longer, because the support is structural rather than volumetric. A sharp needle is used for precise placement at each anchor point.
Product selection. Ligament Lift uses high G prime and high E prime hyaluronic acid fillers, highly cross-linked formulations that resist both shearing and compression forces. G prime measures resistance to lateral shearing (from facial movement); E prime measures resistance to vertical compression (from tissue weight). A filler at a ligament anchor point faces both forces, which is why a soft, low G prime and E prime filler would deform and lose its structural effect over time.
What does a Ligament Lift session involve?
At EHA Clinic Singapore, the treatment plan is confirmed at a clinical assessment. High G prime and E prime hyaluronic acid fillers are placed deep, along the bone and beneath specific ligaments, to provide immediate structural support. These formulations resist both shearing and compression forces, maintaining their position at the anchor point over time.
How long does the lift last?
On average, around nine months. Some patients find it lasts longer if the body absorbs the material more slowly. Maintenance, if any, is decided at follow-up.
Is there any downtime?
Usually none. There are small puncture marks at the injection points, which can be covered immediately. Avoid strenuous exercise and facial massage for 48 hours to prevent contamination of the puncture sites. No facial massage, no aggressive cleansing, and avoid unnecessary contact with the treated area during this period.
How soon will I see results?
Results vary between individuals. Both sides are treated within the same session. Many patients ask to see one side done first so they can assess the lift before the other side is completed.
How many sessions are needed?
Typically just one. A review is offered around two weeks later in case a touch-up is wanted, but most patients do not need one.
Am I an ideal candidate for Ligament Lift?
You may be suitable for Ligament Lift if you:
- Notice early to moderate sagging in the mid-face or jawline.
- Prefer a structural approach without heavy volumisation.
- Are looking for a preventive or structural approach to facial ageing.
- Prefer a treatment approach based on anatomical assessment rather than a standard protocol.
Suitability and the right combination of support are confirmed at a clinical assessment with Dr Elias Tam and his team of dedicated doctors and staff.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor if you are noticing definition loss around the cheeks, jawline or marionette lines, particularly if it is asymmetric, progressing. Because Ligament Lift depends on accurate anatomical placement, it should be performed by a doctor experienced with facial anatomy.
About Dr Elias Tam
Dr Elias Tam is the Medical Director of EHA Clinic Singapore. With over 30 years of medical experience and more than 20 years in aesthetic medicine, he serves as a Clinical Lecturer at University College London’s Master of Surgery in Aesthetic Medicine programme and is World President-Elect of the International College of Surgeons. He is the founder of the MyFace Cadaveric Workshop, which has trained doctors internationally since 2010.
To arrange a clinical assessment for Ligament Lift, message EHA Clinic Singapore on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ligament Lift?
Ligament Lift is a doctor-led injectable approach that restores structural support at the face’s retaining ligaments. Rather than filling the surface, it places material underneath specific anchor points to lift facial tissue from its anatomical foundation.
How much does Ligament Lift cost in Singapore?
Cost is confirmed after a clinical assessment. Message EHA Clinic Singapore on WhatsApp to arrange a consultation and discuss what a plan would involve.
Is Ligament Lift painful?
Most patients tolerate the treatment well. You may feel small puncture sensations at the injection points, and numbing cream can be applied where needed. Sessions are usually short.
Am I a good candidate for Ligament Lift?
Ligament Lift may be suitable if you have early to moderate sagging in the mid-face or jawline, prefer a refreshed look without heavy volumisation, or want a structural rather than surface approach to facial ageing. Suitability is confirmed at a clinical assessment that evaluates your ligament support, tissue quality, and overall facial balance.
How long do the results last?
On average around nine months, with longer duration in some patients. Maintenance schedules are confirmed at follow-up.
How long is the downtime?
Typically none beyond a few small puncture marks. Avoid strenuous exercise and facial massage for 48 hours after treatment. Mild transient swelling may occur and usually settles within one to two weeks.
How soon will I see the results?
Results vary between individuals. Both sides are treated within the same session — one side is often done first so you can assess the lift before the other side is completed.
Disclaimer
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Treatments are carried out only after a clinical assessment, and suitability and response vary between individuals. Please consult a doctor about your specific concerns.
