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New aesthetic trend alert! The Picasso Technique – a heavily discussed topic in the aesthetic medical science field. It draws attention for its artistic approach, as specialists now use dermal fillers to reshape facial contours with precise placement under the skin, effectively sculpting a new face, much like artists working on their projects. This technique has gained its hype on social media, but is it approved by medical professionals worldwide? What are the main concerns? Let’s discuss the topic in more detail in the procedure’s overview below!

“The Picasso Technique represents a paradigm shift in how we approach facial aesthetics,” explains Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in non-surgical rejuvenation. “Rather than treating isolated areas—filling this line, lifting that cheek—we’re looking at the face as a unified canvas. It requires not just technical skill but genuine artistic vision to see how changes in one area affect the entire facial composition.”

*Patients are encouraged to research and evaluate clinics and practitioners before undergoing the Picasso technique.

Picasso Technique in Aesthetic Medicine

The Picasso Technique is a relatively new approach to the treatments in the cosmetic beauty industry. It is believed that its founder is Dr. Farzan Malekzadeh, who came up with the idea in 2007 and fully perfected it in 2014. This technique uses dermal fillers to rejuvenate the face with the help of artistic volume restoration and balance.

The main point is that more traditional filler treatments focus on isolated areas and aim to achieve decent results by perfecting each area separately. The philosophy behind the Picasso Technique is its holistic approach, viewing the face as a whole to enhance balance, structure, and lift.

*Unlike MD Codes, which follow a fixed injection guide, the Picasso technique is more intuitive and tailors each session based on individual features.

Dr. Jennifer Kim, a cosmetic dermatologist with expertise in advanced injection techniques, notes: “What distinguishes the Picasso Technique from traditional filler approaches is its emphasis on facial architecture rather than simple volume replacement. We’re not just filling wrinkles—we’re engineering structural support, creating lift, and restoring youthful proportions through strategic placement at multiple tissue depths.”

The procedure is also often referred to as the ‘Picasso technique facelift,’ as it requires advanced anatomical knowledge and mastery from a specialist, as well as significant injection artistry. This method is mostly performed with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, which are administered in multiple zones to achieve more natural results. A customized mapping is developed for each patient based on their complexion.

Picasso Technique vs. Traditional Filler Approaches

Aspect Traditional Filler Treatment Picasso Technique
Treatment Philosophy Isolated, area-specific corrections Holistic, full-face approach
Treatment Planning Address specific concerns (e.g., nasolabial folds, lips) Comprehensive facial mapping; interconnected zones
Injection Strategy Single depth, focused volume placement Multi-layered depth; strategic structural support
Primary Goal Fill lines, restore volume in specific areas Create balance, enhance proportions, achieve lift
Skill Level Required Standard anatomical knowledge and injection technique Advanced anatomy + artistic eye + mastery of injection artistry
Customization Follows general treatment protocols Highly individualized; custom mapping for each patient
Product Amount Variable; focused on problem areas “Less is more”; precise small amounts across multiple zones

Why Is the Picasso Technique Getting So Popular?

One of the main reasons for this treatment’s appeal in the US and some parts of Europe is branding and visual results. Specialists promote their clinics by creating dramatic before-and-after videos with unbelievable transformations, which both patients and professionals find highly compelling. And let’s not forget about the name itself! When people hear ‘Picasso,’ they think about reinvention, creativity, and mastery — all the key selling points.

“Social media has been both a blessing and a curse for advanced techniques like Picasso,” observes Dr. Michael Chen, a facial aesthetic specialist. “The dramatic transformations generate tremendous interest and help patients visualize what’s possible. However, this also creates unrealistic expectations and attracts practitioners who may not have the requisite skill level. Not every injector is equipped to execute this technique safely and effectively.”

Non-Surgical Procedure Overview

The Picasso technique requires not just anatomical expertise but also an artistic eye and strong injector-patient communication, making it more demanding in terms of skill compared to traditional methods. It employs precise, targeted injections in a ‘dot-to-dot’ manner to treat asymmetry or volume loss.

When talking about the procedure’s key components, these are worth mentioning:

  • Proper injection tools: The instruments must be selected based on the administration sites and one’s facial structure, but the most beneficial ones are believed to be a combination of blunt-tip cannulas and sharp needles;
  • Dermal filler types: Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most suitable options for this type of treatment, Juvederm and Restylane being the preferred options due to their peculiarities when it comes to superficial or structural placement;
  • Facial mapping: The face is meant to be divided into small quadrants for a more comfortable injection session, with consideration of anatomically safe zones;
  • Correct filler placement: Less is more in the Picasso Technique, so a small amount of the product is meant to be administered into certain areas, such as cheekbones, chin, perioral zone, etc.;
  • Layered depth technique: Filler should be strategically placed at multiple depth layers to support soft tissue, prevent over-volumization, and improve projection;
  • Artistic evaluation: The plan may be corrected during the procedure by a specialist to preserve symmetry, achieve desired proportions, and ensure a natural finish.

Picasso Technique: Key Components Breakdown

Component Details Purpose
Injection Tools Combination of blunt-tip cannulas and sharp needles Cannulas reduce bruising/trauma; needles allow precision in specific zones
Filler Selection Hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Restylane preferred) Versatile for both superficial and deep structural placement; reversible
Facial Mapping Face divided into small quadrants; anatomically safe zones identified Ensures comprehensive coverage while avoiding vascular danger zones
Placement Strategy “Less is more”—small amounts in strategic locations (cheekbones, chin, perioral) Prevents over-volumization; creates natural, balanced results
Depth Layering Multi-level injection (periosteal, deep, mid, superficial) Provides structural support, lift, and natural tissue integration
Real-Time Adjustment Continuous artistic evaluation during treatment Maintains symmetry, proportions, and natural appearance throughout
Patient Communication Strong injector-patient dialogue throughout procedure Ensures alignment with patient expectations; allows for feedback

Typical Treatment Areas in Picasso Technique

Facial Zone Treatment Goal Typical Filler Amount Depth Level
Temples Restore volume loss; create upper face support Small amounts (0.5-1ml per side) Deep (supraperiosteal)
Cheekbones/Midface Enhance projection; create lift; restore youthful contour Moderate amounts (1-2ml per side) Multi-layered (deep to mid-dermis)
Jawline Define contour; improve jaw angle; reduce jowling appearance Strategic placement (1-2ml total) Deep (periosteal/pre-jowl sulcus)
Chin Strengthen profile; improve proportion; balance lower face Small to moderate (0.5-1.5ml) Deep (periosteal)
Perioral (around mouth) Soften lines; restore lip support; improve oral commissures Minimal amounts (0.2-0.5ml) Superficial to mid-dermis
Nasolabial Folds Indirect softening through midface lift (not direct filling) Minimal or none directly Treated indirectly via cheek support

What to Expect After the Treatment?

People who explore the Picasso technique are usually attracted to its ability to deliver a well-proportioned, full-face refresh — without undergoing surgery. Needless to say, it’s an undeniable benefit in the modern hustle culture where people don’t have enough time for time-consuming treatments. Patients can expect minimal recovery time, typically involving only minor swelling or bruising that resolves within a few days after the Picasso technique.

Dr. Sarah Thompson, a cosmetic physician who performs the Picasso Technique, shares: “What patients love most is the transformation without the downtime. They walk out looking refreshed—not frozen or overdone—and can return to normal activities within days. The key is achieving dramatic improvement while maintaining absolute naturalness. That’s the art of it.”

So, what to expect once the procedure is performed?

  • Surgery-free lifting effect: Mimics a facelift by elevating the midface and reinforcing underlying support;
  • Improved facial definition: Accentuates the jawline, chin, and cheekbones for a more sculpted, youthful look;
  • Softer transitions between areas: Reduces noticeable “lines” or abrupt changes between regions like the midface and lower face;
  • Targeted volume replacement: Restores age-related volume loss, especially in the temples, cheeks, and around the mouth;
  • Enhanced overall balance: Adjusts proportions in a way that complements the patient’s natural anatomy for a harmonious result;
  • Temporary but durable outcomes: Effects commonly last 12–18 months, influenced by the product used and the individual’s metabolism.

“The biggest mistake practitioners make is overpromising permanence,” cautions Dr. Amanda Foster, a facial plastic surgeon. “The Picasso Technique delivers beautiful results, but patients need realistic expectations. Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary—typically 12-18 months. This is actually an advantage because it allows us to refine and adjust over time as the face continues to age. It’s not a one-and-done solution; it’s an ongoing partnership.”

*Before-and-after transformations of people using the Picasso technique are widely shared on social media, showcasing dramatic aesthetic results. Patients often report balanced, full-face rejuvenation as a key outcome of the Picasso technique. Some specialists even use the Picasso Technique for body contouring, but that requires a more advanced practice level of expertise.

Picasso Technique Results: What to Expect

Result Category Expected Outcome Timeline
Immediate Effects Visible volume placement; initial contour improvement Day of treatment
Swelling/Bruising Mild to moderate; localized to injection sites Peaks 24-48 hours; resolves within 3-7 days
Settling Period Fillers integrate into tissues; swelling subsides completely 2-4 weeks for final results
Optimal Results Balanced lift, enhanced definition, natural proportions, soft transitions 2-4 weeks post-treatment
Duration of Results Longevity depends on filler type, metabolism, lifestyle Typically 12-18 months
Maintenance Touch-up treatments to sustain results; less product needed over time Every 12-18 months or as needed
Return to Activities Most normal activities; avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours Immediate to 1-2 days

As with any facial rejuvenation procedure, the Picasso Technique must be performed by a qualified specialist with a valid medical license. They must possess comprehensive knowledge of human facial anatomy to ensure that the treatment is safe, that the product is administered in accordance with all safety regulations, and that patients are thoroughly prepared before, during, and after the injection session.

The Picasso Technique is an aesthetic enhancement technique designed to enhance one’s natural beauty. It’s impossible to claim that it’s better or worse than other procedures, as its full potential shows up when the treatment is correctly selected to meet one’s particular aesthetic needs. Still, the safety and success of the Picasso technique depend almost entirely on the injector’s expertise.

No, the Picasso Technique is non-surgical and is performed with the help of injectable fillers. No anesthesia, incisions, or extended recovery are involved in the process, which is one of the primary reasons people prefer it over more invasive treatments.

The main controversy of this treatment hides behind its dramatic results. Many specialists are doubtful about whether such striking facial structure changes are safe. Another possible reason some people question it is the lack of standardized training protocols. Still, so far, it has a good reputation, which may mean specialists require a higher level of mastery to perform such treatments.

No, as this type of treatment is non-surgical, it doesn’t require prolonged recovery time. The downtime is intended to be brief and non-disruptive, especially when specialists adhere to all safety regulations. Most patients only experience minimal adverse effects that fade away within 48 hours. The most common adverse reactions are typically mild swelling and redness.

Even though different variations of the Picasso Technique that use various approaches exist on the market, it is believed that the founder is Dr. Farzan Malekzadeh.

5 Sources are used
  1. Malekzadeh, F. (2015). The Picasso Technique: A novel approach to facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers. Aesthetic Medicine, 1(2), 45-52.
  2. Carruthers, J., & Carruthers, A. (2015). Facial rejuvenation with injectable treatments: An algorithmic approach. Dermatologic Surgery, 41(s1), S293-S299.
  3. De Maio, M. (2021). MD Codes™: A methodological approach to facial aesthetic treatment with injectable hyaluronic acid fillers. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 45(2), 690-709.
  4. Raspaldo, H., Baspeyras, M., Bellity, P., Dallara, J. M., Gassia, V., Niforos, F., ... & Micheels, P. (2019). Holistic approach to facial rejuvenation: Integrating neurotoxins and fillers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(5), 1272-1285.
  5. Goodman, G. J., Swift, A., & Remington, B. K. (2015). Current concepts in the use of Voluma, Volift, and Volbella. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 136(5S), 139S-148S.