What Is a Liquid Facelift?
Liquid facelift is the name given to an approach that uses injection techniques, without any surgical incision, to balance facial volume loss and the sagging that goes with it. Hyaluronic acid fillers are generally used; in suitable cases, botulinum toxin or products that stimulate collagen production may also be added to the plan.
With age, the supportive tissue in areas such as the cheekbones, temples and chin decreases. When this support is restored at the right points, a sense of lifting may appear along the cheek and jawline. In other words, a liquid facelift works not by stretching the skin but by replacing the support that has been lost.
The product and amount to be used are determined by skin thickness, bone structure and the degree of volume loss. The whole face does not need to be treated in a single session; starting with priority areas and progressing gradually often gives a more natural result.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- People who look tired or hollow because of facial volume loss
- Those who have lost support at the cheekbones, temples or jawline
- People with mild to moderate sagging together with noticeable volume loss
- Those who are not considering surgery and prefer a gradual approach
When marked excess skin is the main issue, a liquid facelift with filler may not be a suitable solution; too much filler can lead to an unnatural appearance.
How Is the Procedure Done?
- At the consultation, facial proportions, areas of volume loss and facial expressions are analyzed.
- Which product will be used where, and in what amount, is planned; if needed, the treatment is divided into several sessions.
- For comfort, numbing cream is applied and the skin is cleansed with an antiseptic.
- The filler is placed at the planned depth and points with a needle or cannula.
- At the end of the procedure, symmetry is checked and the area is gently shaped.
What Should You Pay Attention to Afterward?
- On the first day, avoid pressing on or massaging the treated area.
- It is recommended not to wear makeup for the first 24 hours and to avoid alcohol and intense exercise.
- Avoid saunas, steam baths and very hot environments for a few days.
- If you notice whitening of the skin, increasing pain or a color change, contact your doctor without delay.
Swelling and bruising usually decrease within a few days; the filler settling into the tissue and reaching its final look may take a few weeks. For this reason, a follow-up visit is planned to evaluate the result and make small adjustments if needed.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
Swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising are common effects and usually decrease within a few days. Asymmetry, small lumps or irregularities may occur. A rare but serious risk is filler entering a blood vessel or pressing on one, which requires emergency treatment; for this reason, it is important that the procedure is performed by a doctor who is thoroughly familiar with facial anatomy.
The procedure is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when there is an active infection or cold sore in the treatment area, in people with a known allergy to the product used, or during the active phase of certain autoimmune conditions.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
In Dr. Fulya Koç’s view, real aesthetics means a person looking healthier and more rested without losing their own expression. In a liquid facelift, this means giving support at the right points with as little product as possible.
The treatment is usually planned gradually, and the need is reassessed once the result has been seen. Sometimes it may be more appropriate to proceed with methods that support collagen production instead of filler, and these options are discussed openly at the consultation.
With filler procedures, safety is as important as the aesthetic result; for this reason, every step, from product selection to injection technique, is planned carefully.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
The duration of the effect varies with the structure of the filler used, the area treated and the person’s metabolism. Because hyaluronic acid fillers are gradually absorbed by the body, the result is not permanent; repeat treatment is planned if needed.
A liquid facelift provides support by replacing lost volume, while a thread lift supports the tissue mechanically upward. When volume loss is the main concern, a liquid facelift may stand out; when tissue descent is the main concern, a thread lift may stand out. In some people, the two methods can be planned together.
An unnatural look is mostly related to using too much product or choosing the wrong area. A measured and gradual plan reduces this risk. Swelling seen in the first days is temporary.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved when necessary with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This is an important safety advantage, especially in the case of an unwanted result or a complication.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
