What Is a Liquid Facelift? The Method, Its Limits and How It Differs From a Surgical Facelift

A liquid facelift is not a surgical facelift; it is a term for supporting the volume loss that develops in different areas of the face with age by using fillers. The face is assessed as a whole and filler is applied to several areas in a planned way. This article explains how a liquid facelift is done, what its limits are and how it differs from a surgical facelift.

How Is a Liquid Facelift Done?

The doctor first assesses the face as a whole, looking at the areas of volume loss and the proportions of the face. Areas such as the cheekbones, the temples, the transition between the under-eye area and the cheek, the chin and the jawline are planned. The procedure is usually performed with an anaesthetic cream or local anaesthesia, and the filler is placed in small amounts with a fine needle or cannula. If necessary, the treatment may be divided into more than one session.

Fillers Used

Fillers containing hyaluronic acid are most often used. These fillers are broken down by the body over time and can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if necessary. In some areas the doctor may prefer other types of filler. Filler treatments should be performed by a doctor.

What Can and Cannot It Correct?

A liquid facelift can help reduce the hollows and tired appearance caused by volume loss in the face. However, it cannot remove marked sagging of the skin, looseness of the neck or excess skin; in these cases methods such as a surgical facelift may be more suitable. Surface problems such as fine wrinkles and pigmentation may also need different treatments.

Who Is It Suitable For?

It may be considered for people with mild to moderate volume loss, no marked sagging of the skin and who do not want surgery. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, if there is an active infection at the treatment site, or if there is a history of allergy to the filler, the procedure is postponed or not performed.

Recovery and How Long It Lasts

There may be swelling, redness and bruising for a few days after the procedure. Whether the treated areas should be massaged, and for how long, is decided according to the doctor's instructions. Because the filler is broken down over time, the result is temporary; how long it lasts depends on the filler used, the area treated and the person.

Possible Risks

Swelling, bruising and tenderness are usually temporary. Less commonly, infection, irregularity, allergic reaction and blockage of a blood vessel by the filler may occur. Because several areas are treated, a good knowledge of facial anatomy is important. If increasing pain, whitening or purplish discolouration of the skin, or any change in vision is noticed, a doctor should be contacted immediately.

How It Differs From a Surgical Facelift

In a surgical facelift, sagging tissue and skin are repositioned and excess skin is removed; the results are long-lasting, but recovery takes longer. A liquid facelift only supports volume; recovery is short and the results are temporary. Which method is suitable is decided at the consultation. For more information you can visit our face filler and face lift pages.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın