Facial Aesthetic Procedures Myths Busted

Whether you’re considering face lift surgery or some type of minimally-invasive procedure to combat the signs of aging, you need facts. Information you can rely on, not myths. Yet with so much media hype and social media conversation about facial aesthetic procedures, some myths just won’t go away.

We want you to know what’s true and what is not, because realistic expectations are crucial when it comes to choosing any type of cosmetic enhancement procedure. So let’s get to the truth.

Below, we address seven of the most common myths and misconceptions about popular facial aesthetic options. You may have heard or read some or all of them, or something similar. But in fact, these statements are either outright wrong or terribly misleading.

Busted Myth #1: My wrinkles will look worse once Botox wears off.

Not true. What is true is that Botox and dermal fillers are temporary treatments. They gradually wear off, as the injected material is absorbed by your body. Botox treatments usually last about 3 to 6 months. At that point, your wrinkles may look “worse” to you, only because they look like your “before” picture.

Many patients choose to get regular renewal treatments to help keep wrinkles from returning. Over time, repeat Botox treatments can lessen the extent to which wrinkles return.

Busted Myth #2: Filler will make me look fake and overdone.

It certainly can. Just think about some of the celebrities you see online, on TV or in the movies, with their chipmunk cheeks, enormous lips, or other disproportionate features. Overdone and/or poorly done dermal filler procedures – or using the wrong product -- can produce very unnatural-looking results. However, this is easy to avoid, if you choose a well-trained, experienced professional to perform your procedure.

Every patient has a different face and aesthetic goals. So the amount of filler used and the injection technique both matter. Here at Raval Facial Aesthetics and ENT, Dr. Jeff Raval’s philosophy is “less is more,” because smaller, more subtle changes appear more natural. For example, if a patient has severe wrinkles or folds, it can be better to divide the amount of recommended dermal filler into two separate injections, rather than administering the entire dosage at one time.

Busted Myth #3: Filler can move once it’s injected.

Some fillers made from hyaluronic acid may migrate very slightly after they are injected, particularly if the injection site is near active muscles. Some cosmetic surgeons suggest that patients gently massage the injection area to help “smooth out” the filler, but others advise against pressing on the procedure area at all.

Again, an experienced professional knows which filler is the best choice for each patient’s needs and is skilled at properly injecting the product to avoid problems later on. As a patient, you want to be sure you clearly understand any post-procedure care instructions.

Busted Myth #4: A facelift will change my smile.

Some patients are hoping their face lift will indeed change their smile – allowing them to grin and chuckle without all those pesky lines. Or at least fewer or less obvious lines. But of course you still want the smile everyone recognizes as uniquely yours.

Every face lift is an individual procedure, tailored to meet your goals. Your surgeon will take into account your facial bone structure and facial muscles as well as the condition and texture of your skin, because there is no such thing as a successful, lasting face lift that is only “skin deep.”

You can expect to have some swelling and bruising for a few days following your surgery, and you may have some nerve trauma or numbness that could last a few weeks. But once you have fully recovered, you (and everyone else) should see the same “old” smile -- in a more youthful looking face.

Busted Myth #5: My earlobes will look weird with a facelift.

Aging affects every part of our body – even our earlobes – although you may not notice your earlobes changing as much as you notice the wrinkles and jowls on your face. About 70% of men and women have unattached earlobes, where the lower portion is distinctly rounded. That unattached part of the earlobe gets bigger with age, and like other parts of the face, it loses volume and can appear sunken.

Ears and their surrounding skin also have a lower blood supply compared to the rest of your face. That makes this skin more susceptible to stretching and healing complications. Because face lift incisions are made around the ear, your surgeon will take extra care here to protect the skin and retain the size and contour of your earlobes. Following your face lift surgery, you’ll also want to take extra care of the skin on and around your ears, to avoid bacterial infection.

Busted Myth #6: I won’t be able to exercise or lay down after treatment.

Some non- or minimally-invasive facial aesthetic procedures require little or no downtime for recovery. More extensive procedures such as face lift surgery certainly require you to take it easy and follow certain instructions for a few days or weeks. How long it takes your body to recover depends on several factors beyond the procedure itself, including your age, your overall health, whether you smoke, etc.

In cases where you are instructed to limit exercise, it’s because movement – especially anything strenuous – increases blood flow. While blood flow is essential for healing, too much can increase pain, bruising or swelling. You need to relax! Even after face lift surgery, most patients can resume mild exercise within a week or so and more strenuous exercise in 3 to 4 weeks.

There is no reason you can’t lie down after a facial procedure. However, depending on your specific treatment, you may be asked to lie on your back so as not to put pressure on your face. You will want to use a couple of pillows, so your head is elevated above your heart. Again, this will help minimize any discomfort, swelling, etc. And you’ll only have to do this for a limited time

Busted Myth #7: You have to move Your muscles hours after Botox injection for results to set in.

The more we use facial rejuvenation techniques, the more we learn about them. Years ago, doctors told patients to manipulate their facial muscles to help “settle” the injected Botox. In fact, that doesn’t affect the result one way or the other. You probably shouldn’t get a facial or similar treatment right away, but you will not have to go through any special contortions to get desired results from your Botox treatment.

No doubt you’ve noticed a recurring theme as we have debunked all these myths: the results you can expect from any facial aesthetic procedure depend on the person performing the procedure. Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon or a medically-supervised technician with plenty of experience in the procedure(s) you are considering is the best way to be sure you’re getting expertise you can trust. And the best way to choose your surgeon is to schedule a personal, face-to-face consultation.

If you have a question regarding one of our procedures that you do not see listed here, please feel free to contact us, we would be more than happy to help answer your question!