Will I Eventually Need a Facelift After Years of Dermal Fillers?

As we age, the signs of facial aging become more noticeable, leading many people to explore cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers. However, a common question that is asked is whether dermal fillers alone can provide long-term results or if a facelift will eventually be necessary. Not only that, but people also wonder whether long-term filler use may stretch the face and lead to the eventual need for a facelift. At VIP Plastic Surgery, top Las Vegas board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi is dedicated to helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Below, we’ll discuss the relationship between dermal fillers and facelifts — and you may be surprised.

Are fillers a permanent solution for facial aging?

Dermal fillers are a popular nonsurgical option for addressing common signs of aging, including:

• Lines
• Wrinkles
• Facial folds
• Sunken cheeks
• Circles under the eyes
• Thin lips
• Volume loss

While filler injections do offer almost immediately noticeable results, it's important to understand that fillers are not a permanent solution. Over time, fillers gradually break down, and visible signs of aging return, meaning repeat maintenance injections are needed to maintain a consistent look over time.

Can dermal fillers delay the need for a facelift?

Dermal fillers can be an excellent option for patients looking to enhance their appearance and delay the need for a surgical facelift in the short term. By restoring lost volume and minimizing wrinkles, fillers can provide a rejuvenated and refreshed look. In some cases, consistent and strategic use of dermal fillers can help individuals maintain a youthful appearance for many years or even decades before a facelift may be needed. However, it is also important to consider the unwanted side effects of long-term filler use, including the need for a facelift earlier than expected, which can occur in some cases.

Can prolonged use of dermal fillers stretch the skin?

While dermal fillers offer temporary improvements by restoring volume and reducing wrinkles, there is a possibility that prolonged filler use may stretch the skin. As fillers are repeatedly injected into the same area, the skin may become stretched, leading to a loss of skin elasticity over time. This is particularly true for patients who use larger volumes of fillers. When this occurs, many patients turn to facelift surgery — which can happen earlier than expected. In fact, more and more patients in their 30s and 40s are now undergoing facelift surgery due to early, dramatic, and/or long-term filler use.

What can I do to avoid fillers stretching my skin?

While it may not always be possible to prevent fillers from stretching out the skin, there are some things you can do to slow the process and encourage healthy, firm skin overall, including:

• Use small amounts of fillers, increasing very gradually over time
• Delay starting the use of fillers
• Practice proper skin care
• Keep the skin moisturized and protected from the sun
• Do not smoke

Learn more about fillers, facelift surgery, and aesthetic anti-aging treatments in Las Vegas, NV

While dermal filler use is not necessarily discouraged, it is important to understand best practices for filler use and to choose a provider that understands the complex relationship between filler use, skin laxity, and early facelift surgery. To learn more about preserving your youthful look for longer, call VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Las Vegas, NV board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today.