Dermal fillers are one of the most popular nonsurgical anti-aging treatments. They help rejuvenate the appearance by restoring lost facial volume and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Fillers are effective in treating forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds. Though fillers are a temporary solution, they can last from several months to over a year. This may enable people to postpone facial surgery. Patients see their results immediately, and there is very little downtime. What many people don’t realize is that fillers have benefits both before and after a facelift.
Benefits of a Facelift
People with moderate to severe skin sagging in the mid to lower facial region, deep creases, and jowls are good candidates for a facelift. Other areas a facelift addresses are sunken cheeks and loose skin on the neck, or neck bands. During the surgery, skin and facial muscles are tightened or repositioned, and loose skin and extra fat in the neck are removed. Dermal fillers alone can’t adequately address these aspects of aging. A skilled plastic surgeon is able to achieve natural looking results with a facelift that helps a person look years younger.
Are there benefits to pre-facelift fillers?
The answer depends on the timing, location, and amount of filler used. In some facial areas, the filler may distort the face, making it more difficult for the surgeon to assess natural facial volume and achieve symmetry. Filler injected into other areas may have little impact on facial surgery. The ideal timing and potential impacts of using dermal fillers before a facelift should be discussed with the surgeon.
Benefits of Fillers Post Facelift
Many patients assume they will never need further anti-aging treatments after a facelift. That is a common misconception. While a facelift can do wonders, there may be areas of the face that still need to be smoothed out. Though the skin will be tightened, it may still need volume. In addition, the patient will continue to age, and sagging will continue to occur.
Most plastic surgeons recommend that facelift patients consider fillers and injectables as part of their anti-aging routine. The key is in the timing. Postsurgical swelling needs to subside before any dermal fillers are used. The surgeon will determine when the timing is right, but most patients are ready within 3-6 months. Areas of concern can be “spot treated”, with the amount of filler needed generally being less than before the facelift. Dr. Cristina Keusch recommends the Juvederm® family of fillers to meet the needs of her patients.
Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center
If you have questions regarding dermal fillers or whether a facelift will address your concerns, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Keusch. Her individualized approach to plastic surgery and anti-aging treatments will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.