Our Summary

This study looked at the use of injectable treatments, such as Botox and facial fillers, after cosmetic facial surgery. They examined the records of 227 patients who had various types of facial surgeries like facelifts, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, or chin reshaping. They found that after surgery, 44.3% of patients had injectable treatments, compared with only 17.7% before surgery. The most commonly used treatments after surgery were Botox and facial fillers. They also found that patients who had eyelid surgery or nose reshaping, and those who had used Botox before surgery, were more likely to use injectable treatments after surgery. This suggests that injectable treatments are an important part of maintaining the results of facial surgery.

FAQs

  1. What types of facial surgeries were examined in this study about injectable treatments?
  2. What is the likelihood of patients using injectable treatments such as Botox and facial fillers after undergoing facial surgery?
  3. Which patients were more likely to use injectable treatments after surgery according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cosmetic surgery is to consider incorporating injectable treatments, such as Botox and facial fillers, into their post-surgery maintenance routine. These treatments can help enhance and prolong the results of facial surgery by addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss. Additionally, patients who have had eyelid surgery or nose reshaping, and those who have previously used Botox, may benefit from using injectables after surgery. It is important to discuss post-surgery maintenance options with your doctor to achieve optimal and long-lasting results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cosmetic surgery include those who:

  • Have realistic expectations and goals for the outcome of the surgery
  • Are in good physical and mental health
  • Have specific concerns or insecurities about their appearance that can be addressed with surgery
  • Have tried non-surgical options with limited success
  • Have a stable weight and are not planning significant weight loss or gain in the near future
  • Understand the risks and potential complications of surgery
  • Have a positive attitude and outlook towards the surgical process and recovery

Ultimately, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess the patient’s individual needs and goals.

Timeline

Before cosmetic surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and medical history evaluation
  3. Patient may undergo preoperative tests and imaging studies
  4. Patient discusses and decides on the specific surgical procedure(s) to be performed
  5. Patient receives preoperative instructions and guidelines on how to prepare for surgery

After cosmetic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure(s) under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation
  2. Patient experiences postoperative pain, swelling, and bruising
  3. Patient follows postoperative care instructions, including wound care and medication management
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon for monitoring and evaluation of healing progress
  5. Patient may consider additional treatments, such as injectable fillers or Botox, to enhance or maintain the results of surgery
  6. Patient continues to follow long-term care instructions to ensure optimal results and minimize complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the specific cosmetic surgery procedure I am interested in?

  2. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the healing process?

  3. Are there alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?

  4. How experienced are you in performing this specific cosmetic surgery procedure?

  5. Can you show me before and after photos of previous patients who have had the same procedure?

  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the risks associated with it?

  7. How long will the results of the surgery last and will I need additional treatments in the future to maintain them?

  8. What are the costs associated with the procedure, including any additional follow-up treatments or touch-ups?

  9. What should I do to prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?

  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery to optimize the results and minimize complications?

Reference

Authors: Talwar AA, Shulkin JM, Hitchner M, McAuliffe PB, Desai AA, Broach RB, Percec I. Journal: Aesthet Surg J. 2022 Sep 14;42(10):1194-1204. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjac171. PMID: 35764098