Liquid facelift with arrow system (face contouring)
On this page
At a glance
- Goal: Firmer contours without surgery, especially the jawline, cheek line and transition to the temple.
- method: Special hyaluronic acid is introduced along defined points using an arrow technique - with a pulling direction against gravity.
- Operating principle: Lifting and stabilizing, not “plumping”. The face appears contoured, not rounder. No surgery, no facelift, but an effect that can achieve up to approx. 50% of a surgical facelift (as a guide in the step concept).
- Downtime: Usually none. Small bruises are possible.
- durability: Often 12–18 months, sometimes longer; Refresher individually.
At a glance
Many of our patients want a visible tightening but do not want surgery. There is often skepticism about classic fillers and fear of an unnaturally sprayed look or a “football face”.
The Liquid Facelift at artethic is a face contouring method: A special hyaluronic acid is placed along so-called “arrows” (lines) up to the temple. In this way, the facial contour is supported against sagging and slightly raised. The result brings structure and firmness, no volume and no changed facial features.
This technique was developed by Dr. Karl Schuhmann developed and is carried out in this form exclusively at artethic. Dr. Karl Schuhmann is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery with many years of specialization in surgical and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation. He is one of the leading facelift specialists worldwide.
💡 The liquid facelift with arrow system: The tissue is lifted along the contour. Jawline and saggy cheeks are tightened.
When is the liquid facelift with arrow system suitable?
We particularly recommend the Liquid Facelift with arrow system if:
- the skin begins to sag, typically between 30 and 50 years, depending on tissue quality,
- Contours become softer: jawline, cheeks, outer face,
- a maximum effect without surgery is desired,
- previous filler experiences are perceived as too round or too visible,
- A thread lift is being considered, but a more stable result is desired.
The method is less suitable if there is pronounced sagging with significant excess skin or the goal is comprehensive rejuvenation, which only a surgical facelift can achieve.
Liquid Facelift Arrow System vs. Thread Lift
The majority of patients who are initially interested in a thread lift decide on the arrow system after the consultation. Some have already had a thread lift with unsatisfactory results. Typical comments: "My skin only looked tight for a few weeks, then it started sagging again."
Face contouring (liquid facelift) is almost always the better choice. The reasons:
- The arrow system is an injection technique that stabilizes the contour in a clear direction of pull.
- The shelf life is significantly longer at 1 to 1.5 years or more.
- In our practice, we follow a step-based concept that matches the current condition of the skin (the degree of slackness is important) and the desired tightening.
The step concept according to artethic for face contouring
Level 10 stands for the surgical facelift with maximum tightening.
The arrow system realistically covers levels 1 to 5, depending on skin quality and degree of sagging.
Up to level 3, convincing contour tightening can often be achieved using the arrow system alone.
Levels 4-5 often become more stable if additional biostimulation is included, e.g. B. with Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid), either in the same session or at a different time.
Typical treatment areas
- Jawline / chin-jaw contour
- Hangy cheeks
- external face with loss of contour up to the temple
- optical "softness" in the lateral midface
Depending on the goal, nanofat can also be used to smooth the midface. Nanofat has a primarily regenerative and skin-building effect (collagen stimulation). The lifting can be seen immediately, the maximum skin quality effect develops gradually.
Filler is not the same as volume. With the right product and the right technology, hyaluronic acid can also be used for structural support.
This requires more material than a small wrinkle injection. This is necessary to create sufficient tension along the contour.
Durability and refreshments
A shelf life of 12 to 18 months is typical. For some people the tightening lasts longer, for others a partial refresher makes sense earlier.
Side effects
Immediately after treatment, most patients can return to their everyday activities. Minor bruising or localized swelling is possible.
Remember: Hyaluronic treatments belong in experienced hands. The individual anatomy and the correct technique are crucial for a natural result. We explain contraindications, risks and alternatives before each treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the tightening effect compared to a surgical facelift?
The liquid facelift with arrow system can achieve up to around 50% of the effect of a surgical facelift. It does not replace surgery, but creates a clearly visible contour lift without incisions or downtime. The decisive factor is the degree of slackness of the skin.
Why does the arrow system often last longer than a thread lift?
Many patients report that the visible effect wears off significantly after a few weeks, sometimes after about a month. The arrow system stabilizes the contour using a structured injection technique along defined lines. A structural pull and support for the tissue is created. This means that the shelf life is usually significantly longer.
Will I look “sprayed” after the treatment?
No. The goal is a gentle tightening along the contours of the face and, if necessary, also in the midface. There are no rounded cheeks or over-emphasized areas. The facial features remain intact, but appear more streamlined.
How much hyaluronic acid is needed?
More hyaluronic acid is required for contour tightening than for classic wrinkle injections. This is necessary to build sufficient stability along the entire contour of the face. The exact amount depends on the individual skin condition.
You might also be interested in
As a renowned thread lift expert in Berlin and Düsseldorf, I combine more than 24 years of experience as an aesthetic plastic surgeon with an unwavering pursuit of excellence. During my 18 years as Chief Physician, I have guided countless patients on their journey towards natural beauty
Natural lip enhancement for a fresh, harmonious appearance
Minimally invasive lifting: natural effects, gentle, long-lasting The MACS Facelift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) is minimally invasive and therefore one of the gentlest lifting techniques available. The incision pattern differs from that of the SMAS or surgical Full Facelift: it is made through a comparatively
The mid facelift firms the cheek area and lifts age-related sagging in the midface and lower eyelid region while preserving natural expression.