Why You Should Still Get Fillers after a Facelift

Facial aging has been a frustrating problem faced by the many generations that came before us. It has taken centuries for us to develop proven strategies that get lasting results. For a time, the most effective strategies involved surgery. In recent history, several nonsurgical techniques for cosmetic correction have been developed. These include a sea of injectable products, such as Botox and dermal fillers. When these convenient approaches became available, many people were led to believe that they held their own against surgical lifts. They might, but they won’t replace them forever. Interestingly, we find that the best results often come from a combination of facelift surgery and dermal fillers. This is why.

The Effects of Aging

When we age, we make less collagen than we did when we were young. This is a well-known and often-mentioned fact. More than that, though, the collagen strands that exist in the dermis also degrade. They break down as a result of chemical changes, hormones, sun exposure, and even stress. There’s even more. Studies show that, as we get older, our bone structure changes. The cheekbones degrade and the orbital sockets around the eyes widen. These changes to the very foundation of the face have a profound effect on appearance. They also need to be a guiding factor in how we address cosmetic aging.

What a Facelift Does

A surgical facelift is a technique in which the muscle and connective tissue in the deeper plane of the face, usually the mid-face, are repositioned. Through small incisions at the very outer edges of the face, tiny instruments are inserted to lift this plane of tissue and secure it higher on the cheekbones. After underlying tissue is secured, excess skin is trimmed and incisions are closed. One might think that this process can resolve all of the issues on the mid and lower face. It doesn’t, at least not for everyone.

Fillers Pick Up Where the Facelift Leaves Off

The purpose of dermal fillers is to enhance the volume of the dermis. Enhancing volume means that the contours of the face are improved. Fine lines and creases, those that may not be eliminated by a facelift, can be smoothed quickly with soft dermal fillers. The cheeks can be accentuated so they “pop” and are easier to contour with (or without!) makeup. After a facelift, dermal fillers can be the cherry-on-top that refines the face in subtle yet important ways.

Dr. Salzman has happily served the Louisville area for the past several years. Facelifts are one of his specialties, and each is personalized to the patient’s unique needs. Learn more about the valuable combination of facelift and fillers at 502-425-5200.