Aging is not just about wrinkles—it’s a holistic process involving physical, emotional, and energetic shifts. In my clinic, where I integrate modern medicine with traditional wisdom, I view the face not merely as an aesthetic canvas but as a visible reflection of one’s health, emotions, and life journey. Today, I’d like to introduce you to a technique that has delivered remarkable results in recent years: the liquid facelift.
What Is a Liquid Facelift?
The liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure designed to restore facial volume, redefine contours, and refresh one’s overall appearance. It involves strategic injections of dermal fillers, collagen stimulators, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), mesotherapy blends, and occasionally botulinum toxin.
Rather than simply smoothing wrinkles, I approach this treatment by understanding the natural aging dynamics of the face. The intervention often includes areas such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, temples, forehead, and the eye area.
Why Is It Called “Liquid”?
One common question I receive is: “Why is it called a liquid facelift?” The answer is both practical and symbolic. All the materials used are in liquid or gel form, allowing for smooth, targeted application. But beyond physical consistency, the term “liquid” reflects the adaptable, layered, and personalized nature of this approach.
Just as the body relies on fluid balance, the face requires harmonious distribution of volume across different anatomical layers. With this technique, we aim to restore that balance in a subtle, natural way.
Aging Affects More Than Skin
Facial aging is not limited to the skin. It affects muscles, connective tissue, fat compartments, and even the bone structure. Subcutaneous fat shifts, bone density diminishes, and muscle tone declines—leading to sagging and a tired expression. Traditional facelifts address only the skin, but the liquid facelift works from the inside out by restoring lost volume and supporting facial structure.
In essence, we’re not creating a new shape—we’re calling back the original form. It’s like reactivating the body’s memory of youth through a biological invitation to reorganize and renew itself.
What Products Do I Use?
I tailor each treatment to the patient’s unique needs using a combination of the following:
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Known for their water-binding capacity, these add volume and hydration, especially effective in the midface and nasolabial folds.
- Collagen Stimulators (Biostimulators): Agents such as calcium hydroxyapatite or polycaprolactone stimulate natural collagen production over time.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Derived from the patient’s own blood, PRP contains growth factors that initiate tissue regeneration and rejuvenation.
- Mesotherapy & Youth Boosters: These include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and hyaluronic acid to nourish and revitalize the skin.
- Botulinum Toxin: Used strategically to relax overactive muscles while preserving natural expressions.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Our first session involves a detailed facial analysis—assessing skin quality, bone structure, muscle activity, and volume loss. Based on this, I create a personalized treatment plan.
The procedure itself involves precise injections using fine needles or blunt-tipped cannulas. Most products contain local anesthetics, making the process minimally uncomfortable. It usually takes 30–45 minutes, with little to no downtime. Mild swelling or bruising may occur but typically resolves within a few days.
Natural Results Above All
My philosophy is simple: looking younger without it being obvious that anything was done. Expressions, unique facial features, and personal “life lines” should be preserved—not erased. The most frequent feedback my patients receive? “You look amazing—but I can’t tell what’s different.”
That’s the hallmark of a well-executed liquid facelift.
Supporting Rejuvenation from Within
In holistic and integrative medicine, every external sign is considered a reflection of internal health. That’s why I recommend complementary practices alongside aesthetic treatments:
- Nutritional supplements that support collagen production (e.g., bamboo silica, vitamin C)
- Balanced sleep and eating patterns
- Breathing exercises and acupuncture for energy regulation
- Stress-reducing practices such as aromatherapy or meditation
Aging is not just an aesthetic process—it’s metabolic, emotional, and energetic.
Aging Gracefully, Not Fighting Time
The liquid facelift is not about freezing time but about flowing with it—gracefully. When we combine modern techniques with the wisdom of natural balance, true beauty emerges: one that radiates both from within and without.
To me, this treatment is more than a cosmetic procedure—it’s a personal renewal ritual. Our faces are the books others read us by. And these pages need not fade with time. With conscious, gentle, and balanced approaches, it’s possible to maintain a radiant and healthy expression at every age.
Dr. Hülya Ettekin
Non-Surgical Aesthetic & Traditional Complementary Medicine
