If you need an effective way to get rid of wrinkles and smooth out the skin, injectable fillers such as BOTOX and Restylane aren’t your only options.   

Millions of Americans are making the most of a combination of injectable fillers and facelifts to diminish the signs of aging and tighten up the skin; instead of turning to just one treatment, surgical repositioning of the face and restoring volume to the skin seem to be the most valuable solution for many. 

In fact, the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons report a steady increase of patients over 40 pursuing injectables; facelifts have become the sixth most popular surgical cosmetic procedure in the U.S. with over 116,000 performed in 2007 alone.   

What explains the steady increase in facial rejuvenation ‘combo’ procedures in recent years?  Here’s a closer look at the trend:    

The Power of Facelift and Injectable Filler Combinations

According to Richard D’Amico, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, many baby boomers have been turning to BOTOX and other dermal fillers as a substitute for a facelift (Source:  MedicalNewsToday.com).  

However, several plastic surgeons recommend a combination of facelifts and injectables to achieve the most dramatic – and long-lasting – results.  Since collagen fillers typically dissolve within a few months, a facelift can help reposition the skin and tissues permanently. After that, inejctables such as Restylane, Radiesse and even Sculptra can be administered to strengthen the skin and add volume. The result is a much more youthful appearance and results for the long-term.  

Benefits of Facelifts  

Facelifts offer several benefits for treating loose skin and skin that has lost its elasticity. Since rebuilding collagen can be incredibly challenging with age, a face lift can reposition the skin’s tissues to create the appearance of more youthful skin. Face lift surgery helps to restructure the facial tissues and remove excess skin folds, correct any areas where skin may be sagging, and essentially recontour the face. 

Other benefits of facelifts include:  

• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Enhancing the texture of the skin
• Eliminating loose skin
• Tightening facial muscles  

Several options in facelifts are available, and some present faster recovery times than others. For example, the mini facelift (also known as the ‘weekend facelift’) can enhance the skin’s appearance with only small incisions and endoscopic facelift technology. Other choices for facelift procedures include the lower face lift, mid face lift and thread face lift. All of these can be combined with injectable fillers, and results can be maintained or enhanced with facial rejuvenation procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and standard facials at the spa.  

Benefits of Injectable Fillers  

Injectable fillers have become a popular choice for millions of men and women looking for a ‘quick fix’ solution to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Today’s leading injectables include BOTOX, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Hylaform and Sculptra. According to the ASPS survey for 2007, all of these procedures showed a steady increase, with Radiesse procedures up 129 percent compared to 2006.   

Injectable fillers offer several benefits including:

• Little or no downtime
• Easier on the budget than many facial rejuvenation procedures
• Fewer scars and side effects than surgery
• Can be administered within an hour
• Natural-looking results  

Both facials and injectable filler treatments have several benefits when pursued independently, but a combination of the two can provide long-lasting results.  Many cosmetic surgeons are recommending a combination treatment for those with severe cases of wrinkles and loose skin, especially since a filler alone cannot tighten up sagging skin enough to look natural.  

If you’re looking for a way to enhance your skin’s appearance and get rid of wrinkles, loose skin or other signs of aging, injectable fillers combined with a facelift may be your best solution.   

Learn more about injectable fillers in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area for the best treatment plan for skin and goals.