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Signs of aging for men and women are subtle enough around the age of 30, but generally become more noticeable over time. The truth is, collagen production begins to decline in your mid-20s. Women may lose up to 30% of skin collagen within the first five years after menopause.
You may begin to notice a change in collagen production if the area around your eyes appears darker and more sunken than before. Perhaps your usual foundation or concealer begins to set in, causing fine lines and wrinkles to be more prominent. Or, you may simply be ready to address the looser skin around your jawline or neck that always seems to stand out in photos or videos without committing to surgery.
Dr. Sanaz Harirchian is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Houston with extensive knowledge in facial fillers and injectables—tailoring the “liquid facelift” approach for patients to target their concerns with safe and effective treatments. Experience firsthand how subtle, natural-looking results can refresh your appearance without surgery.
What is a Liquid Facelift?
A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical approach that lifts sagging skin and smooths wrinkles with injectables and dermal fillers rather than with surgery. With a tailored approach based on your goals, Dr. Harirchian uses one or a combo of injectables and dermal fillers to:
- Brighten and rejuvenate the under-eye area
- Lift and firm sagging skin without surgery
- Refine the nose for a balanced profile
- Restore lost facial volume
- Smooth uneven or textured skin
- Soften fine lines and wrinkles
Benefits of a Non-Surgical Facelift
Surgery isn’t the only way to achieve a natural facelift. A nonsurgical facelift or “liquid facelift” is an advanced non-surgical facial procedure that helps patients gain a more youthful appearance. All without surgery, strategically placed facial fillers and injectables can create a natural fullness and:
- Achieve results at a lower cost than surgery
- Boost confidence
- Customize your appearance with subtle, natural enhancements
- Produce gradual, adjustable results that evolve with you
- Return to daily life with minimal downtime for a quick return to daily life
- Target specific areas for precise improvement
Who is a Good Candidate?
A nonsurgical facelift with fillers is ideal for someone:
- In their 30s, 40s, and 50s with signs of facial aging
- Who is in good overall health with no medical conditions that could affect healing
- Looking to ease into the world of cosmetic treatments
- Searching for a non-surgical alternative to a full or mini facelift
What Areas Can Be Treated?
A liquid facelift is capable of targeting one or several concerns for patients looking to improve their appearance. A nonsurgical facelift can:
- Add fullness and volume to the lips
- Create smoother, more defined hollows along the jawline (prejowl sulcus)
- Enhance cheekbone definition and placement
- Brighten tired eyes through under-eye hollow correction
- Minimize the visibility of acne scars and pitted scars
- Restore hollow temple volume
- Sculpt the nose via bridge-building techniques to smooth the profile, refine the tip, or add definition
- Soften facial lines (e.g., nasolabial folds, marionette lines, smoker’s lines)
- Target uneven skin and soften acne scars
What to Expect for The Liquid Facelift Procedure
Personalized Consultation
Discuss your facial concerns and desired outcomes with Dr. Harirchian, so she can create a treatment plan that works for you.
To prepare for your nonsurgical facelift, you should:
- Undergo a medical evaluation
- Share all medical conditions and medications
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications or supplements like aspirin or fish oil, if advised
The Procedure
A nonsurgical or liquid facelift is typically done in-office and performed using injectable fillers and neuromodulators with minimal discomfort. During the treatment, Dr. Harirchian:
- Strategically injects dermal fillers in key areas of the face.
- Uses neuromodulators to relax targeted muscles.
- Provides guidance on aftercare for optimal, long-lasting results with minimal downtime.
Recovery and Aftercare
A nonsurgical or liquid facelift typically involves minimal downtime compared to traditional surgery. Most patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites, which usually resolves within a few days. Patients are often able to resume normal activities immediately or the next day. Aftercare generally includes attending follow-up appointments while avoiding:
- Strenuous exercise
- Alcohol
- Excessive sun exposure for 24-48 hours
Liquid Facelift vs Traditional Facelift
A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical option to improve the facial structure and appearance using injectables and dermal fillers rather than surgery. A traditional facelift requires local or general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort during the procedure. Compared to a traditional facelift, a liquid facelift:
- Carries minimal risks for bruising, swelling, or temporary asymmetry
- Eliminates the need for incisions
- Is customizable and adjustable over time
- Offers a lower upfront cost than surgery while still delivering noticeable rejuvenation
- Provides temporary results that typically last 1–2 years
- Requires minimal downtime, with most patients returning to daily activities immediately
- Subtly lifts, restores volume, and smooths rather than tightens
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Liquid Facelift Last?
A liquid facelift provides temporary results with dermal fillers lasting 6-18 months (sometimes up to 2 years) and Botox® 3-4 months. To maintain optimal results, you should undergo maintenance treatments every 6-12 months.
What’s the Difference Between a Liquid Facelift and Fillers?
Fillers alone only restore volume in targeted areas. A liquid facelift combines fillers and neuromodulators such as Botox® to address volume loss and wrinkles. Dr. Harirchian transforms her patients’ appearance using one or several neuromodulators:
- Belotero®
- Botox®
- Juvederm® Ultra & Ultra Plus
- Juvederm® Volbella
- Kybella®
- Radiesse®
- Restylane® Defyne
- Restylane® Lyft
- Restylane® Refyne
- Restylane® Silk
Can I Combine a Liquid Facelift with Other Procedures?
Yes, a liquid facelift can be combined with Botox®, laser treatments, or even microneedling to enhance results and diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring.
Why Dr. Harirchian is Houston’s Choice for Facial Procedures
Whether you’re new to cosmetic corrections or prefer more subtle changes than a full facelift can provide, Dr. Harirchian offers personalized nonsurgical options to help you look refreshed and natural, taking the time to understand your goals and applying her expertise in the latest techniques for facial symmetry and rejuvenation. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to put your mind at ease and establish a treatment plan with your goals in mind.