In the ever-evolving field of aesthetic medicine, the increase of non-surgical treatments like injectables, lasers, and threads has revolutionised facial rejuvenation. In this article, Dr Nerina Wilkinson discusses the impact these procedures have on future facial surgeries, exploring the potential complications and their benefits. By understanding the complex relationship between non-surgical and surgical treatments, patients and surgeons alike can make informed decisions to achieve the best possible outcomes.
In recent years, the popularity of non-surgical cosmetic procedures has surged, driven by their minimally invasive nature and quick recovery times. Procedures such as muscle-relaxing injections, dermal fillers, and thread lifts offer a convenient way to achieve youthful enhancements without the downtime associated with traditional surgeries.
However, these seemingly simple treatments can have significant implications for those considering invasive facial surgeries in the future. In this article, we will explore the potential complications and benefits of cosmetic injectables, skin-tightening lasers, and threads on future surgical procedures and offer insights on how to navigate these complexities for the best outcomes.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures: A Double-Edged Sword
Non-surgical procedures have become a staple in the world of aesthetic medicine. Muscle-relaxing injections, for instance, are widely used to smooth out wrinkles by temporarily weakening facial muscles, while dermal fillers restore volume and contour to the face.
Thread lifts, another popular option, use dissolvable sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin. These treatments are favoured for their effectiveness, minimal downtime, and lower risk compared to surgical alternatives.
The rise of skin-tightening lasers not only stimulates skin collagen but also treats the deeper subdermal facial layers, in some cases extending as deep as the muscle. The new collagen that is stimulated in the deeper layers improves the lifting capacity of the underlying retaining ligaments of the face.
Despite their advantages, non-surgical procedures are not without drawbacks, particularly when it comes to future invasive surgeries. Understanding these potential complications is crucial for both patients and surgeons to ensure safe and effective outcomes.
Impact on Future Invasive Facial Surgeries
Complications and Challenges
One of the primary concerns with previous non-surgical treatments is the potential for longer surgery times. The presence of injected substances, such as fillers that biostimulate collagen, and deeper skin-tightening lasers resulting in tight scar tissue in the surgical area, can complicate the surgical landscape, making it more challenging for surgeons to navigate and achieve precise results. For example, dermal fillers can create areas of scar tissue or fibrosis, which can be difficult to dissect and remove during surgery, leading to prolonged operative times.
Another significant risk is the increased likelihood of hematoma, a collection of blood under the skin, which can occur more frequently in patients with previous non-surgical treatments. Non-surgical procedures can change the architecture of the skin, making it more prone to bleeding and bruising during surgery. This not only increases the surgery time but also extends the recovery period for patients.
Skin Vascularity Issues
Changes in skin vascularity pose another challenge. Non-surgical treatments, particularly those involving injectables and deep tightening lasers and radiofrequency treatments, can affect blood flow in the treated areas. This can lead to compromised wound healing and a higher risk of skin necrosis (death of skin cells) during invasive procedures. Surgeons must be acutely aware of these changes to avoid complications and ensure optimal healing post-surgery.
Enhancing Surgical Success: The Positive Role of Non-Surgical Treatments in Facial Surgery
While non-surgical procedures can present challenges, they also offer significant benefits when integrated into a comprehensive aesthetic plan. Treatments focused on enhancing skin quality—such as laser resurfacing, skin biostimulators (including fillers), and microneedling—can substantially improve the outcomes of future surgical procedures like facelifts. These non-surgical treatments work by enhancing skin texture and elasticity, creating a more youthful and resilient foundation. This improved skin quality allows surgeons to achieve desired results with less extensive surgical intervention, reducing the need to overly tighten the skin. The result is a more natural and refined appearance, aligning with modern aesthetic standards that prioritize subtlety and harmony.
The Importance of Detailed History
For surgeons, having a detailed history of a patient’s non-surgical treatments is paramount. Specific details about the types of procedures performed, the substances used, and the levels at which they were administered are critical. This information allows surgeons to tailor their surgical approach, anticipate potential challenges, and mitigate risks effectively.
The Role of Emerging Technologies in Aesthetic Medicine
Advancements in aesthetic technologies, such as sophisticated imaging techniques, are revolutionizing how surgeons assess and plan for facial surgeries. These technologies enable detailed visualization of facial structures, allowing for precise mapping of previous treatments and their effects on the skin and underlying tissues. This enhanced imaging capability helps surgeons anticipate potential challenges, such as areas of fibrosis or altered vascularity, and plan their surgical approach more accurately. By integrating these advanced technologies into the preoperative assessment, surgeons can mitigate risks and optimize outcomes, ensuring a safer and more effective surgical experience for patients.
Case Studies and Examples
Consider a hypothetical scenario where a patient who has undergone multiple dermal filler injections seeks a facelift. The surgeon, aware of the patient’s history, can plan the procedure meticulously, taking into account areas with previous filler placements. Often the surgeon may even suggest dissolving some of the filler if facial features have been overly augmented and filled. This foresight enables the surgeon to avoid complications such as hematoma and achieve a smoother, more predictable outcome.
Best Practices for Surgeons and Patients
For surgeons, the key to success lies in thorough patient evaluations and transparent communication. Understanding the full scope of a patient’s non-surgical history allows for a customised surgical plan that addresses potential risks while leveraging the benefits of prior treatments. Additionally, preoperative discussions should include the potential impact of non-surgical procedures on the surgery and recovery process.
Patients, on the other hand, should strive for open and honest communication with their surgeons. Providing a comprehensive history of their aesthetic treatments ensures that their surgeon can make informed decisions and optimise their surgical outcomes. It is advisable to stop all non-invasive aesthetic procedures 9-12 months prior to invasive facial surgery unless your surgeon has suggested specific targeted non-surgical procedures that will complement the surgery outcome. Patients should also understand the importance of managing expectations and being aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with combining non-surgical and surgical procedures.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
A holistic approach to aesthetic care is crucial for achieving long-term satisfaction and safety. Patients should consider their overall aesthetic goals and consult with both non-surgical and surgical specialists to create a comprehensive treatment plan. This approach ensures that each procedure aligns with the patient’s long-term objectives, minimises risks, and maximises the potential benefits of combined treatments. By viewing aesthetic care as an ongoing journey rather than a series of isolated procedures, patients and practitioners can work together to achieve harmonious and natural-looking results.
Your Role in Achieving Optimal Results
As a patient, taking a proactive role in your aesthetic journey is essential. We encourage you to consult with experienced professionals who can guide you through the complex landscape of aesthetic treatments. Comprehensive consultations with both non-surgical and surgical specialists will help you develop a treatment plan that aligns with your long-term goals and minimises risks. By engaging actively in these discussions, you can make informed decisions that enhance your aesthetic outcomes and overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
In the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, the interplay between non-surgical and surgical procedures presents both challenges and opportunities. While cosmetic injectables, lasers, and threads can complicate future invasive surgeries, they also hold the potential to enhance surgical results when directed at improving skin quality. The key to navigating these complexities lies in detailed patient histories, tailored surgical plans, and transparent communication between patients and surgeons. By balancing the benefits and risks of non-surgical and surgical treatments, patients can achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes safely and effectively.
MBChB FCS (Plast SA) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr Nerina Wilkinson is an Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of clinical experience. Recognised by her peers and industry experts as a facial specialist with surgical, skin science, and aesthetic experience, she occupies a unique position when it comes to holistic facial rejuvenation techniques. Her innovative treatments combine surgical and non-surgical modalities and are based on in-depth scientific knowledge and her experience.
She is also the founder and director of Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates. Her private Aesthetic Couture Clinic is based in the prestigious V&A Waterfront. Here, she has assembled a group of clinicians and skin care specialists, each of them experts in their field, to be able to deliver the highest standards of care and state-of-the-art, evidence-based procedures. She is an active researcher in the field and has pioneered industry-changing minimally invasive rejuvenation techniques such as the StemCell4DLift™, EyeLight360™, and Natural-Lift™.
Using her detailed knowledge and surgical experience, she trains medical staff in the latest aesthetic treatments and how to deliver them with optimal, yet safe results. Dr Nerina Wilkinson is frequently invited to present her work at Plastic Surgery Conferences, educational forums, and women’s events and has also been highly represented in the media throughout her career where her opinion on current matters in Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic medicine is often sought.
Memberships:
- Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons South Africa (APRASSA full member)
- International Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS full member)
- Fellow of the College of Surgeons South Africa (CMSA)
- AAMSSA (Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Medicine Society of South Africa|). Active Board Member since 2012
- Dr Nerina Wilkinsonhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-nerina-wilkinson
- Dr Nerina Wilkinsonhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-nerina-wilkinson
- Dr Nerina Wilkinsonhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-nerina-wilkinson
- Dr Nerina Wilkinsonhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-nerina-wilkinson
