The Role Of Previous Fillers In Facelift Surgery: What You Need To Know

Did you know that previous filler treatments can play a significant role in your facelift results? Whether you've had hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, collagen-stimulating biomodulators, or even fat grafting, these treatments impact skin quality, volume, and overall facial structure. Understanding how past injectables influence facelift surgery is essential for achieving the best possible outcome.

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How Fillers Affect Facelift Results

  1. Changes in Skin Quality
    Some fillers, particularly collagen stimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse, work by triggering the body’s natural collagen production. Over time, this can lead to thicker, more resilient skin, which may affect how a facelift is performed. Surgeons must assess how these changes influence skin elasticity and healing.

  2. Altered Facial Volume
    Fillers are commonly used to restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks, jawline, and temples. While they provide a non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation, they can also mask the extent of true age-related volume loss. A plastic surgeon will need to evaluate whether residual filler remains and how it impacts facial contours before repositioning tissues.

  3. Potential Complications
    Long-term fillers, such as Radiesse or permanent fillers, can leave behind deposits of calcium or fibrosis in the skin. These can present challenges during surgery, as seen in some patients who have calcium deposits from Radiesse injections. Identifying these areas beforehand allows the surgeon to adjust their approach to avoid unnecessary complications.

What to Expect in a Facelift Consultation

Before undergoing a facelift, your surgeon will assess your previous filler history through physical examination and possibly imaging studies. In some cases, dissolving HA fillers with hyaluronidase or allowing collagen-stimulating fillers to fully integrate before surgery may be recommended.

If you’re considering a facelift and have a history of dermal fillers, it’s essential to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in managing previous injectable treatments. By addressing these factors in advance, you can enhance your facelift outcome and ensure a smoother, more natural-looking result.

Reach out to Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz to learn more about how your past filler treatments may influence your facelift journey.

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