7 Ways You Can Avoid the Need for a Facelift

Get injectables and fillers.

A “liquid facelift,” which uses an assortment of different injectables on the face, can help delay the need for surgery. Dover, OH, facial plastic surgeon David Hartman, MD, says that a “liquid facelift” uses a combination of Botox Cosmetic and fillers to smooth dynamic winkles and restore lost volume. “The downtime is essentially negligible; the results last months to few years.”

Protect your skin from the sun.

The earlier you start proactively protecting your skin from the sun with sunscreen, the better off you’ll be. The less damage that your skin incurs from the sun, the better your skin will look.

Maintain your weight.

This one is key. According to San Antonio plastic surgeon Jorge L. Menendez, MD, preventing large shifts in your weight and not getting too skinny as you get older will help to maintain volume and fat in the face. “Facial volume is a key feature of a youthful, vibrant face.”

Consider fat grafting and lasers.

While it still necessitates surgery, fat grafting can make a world of difference without the expense or downtime associated with a facelift. Scottsdale, AZ, plastic surgeon Brian Gawley, MD, says that performing facial fat grafting along with CO2 laser resurfacing gives a natural, refreshed look without the need for a formal facelift. 

Use skin care products that strengthen skin.

As Dr. Gawley explains, topical products that encourage and strengthen collagen and elastin in the dermis can make a big difference in the quality of the skin. 

Don’t smoke.

“Limiting poor lifestyle factors, like smoking, will help prevent the build up of damaging free radicals and the breakdown of healthy collagen and elastin that are necessary for healthy skin,” says Reno, NV, plastic surgeon Tiffany McCormack, MD. 

Treat your skin to collagen-stimulating procedures.

Smithtown, NY, facial plastic surgeon James C. Marotta, MD, says that skin can be kept looking younger with treatments that boost collagen production. “Start with Botox, fillers and chemical peels, and then add in microneedling with PRP, lasers, IPL and Ultherapy treatments.”