Looking for advice on facial restoration after tissue damage. What would be the best options for me? (Photos)

Question

Looking for some professional opinions as I’m still confused what the best approach for me is. Long story short, had botched dermal filler in early 2024 that caused an extreme reaction and months of agressive dissolving. Left with laxity, volume loss, complete elasticity loss after skin painfully stretched for months. I have waited a year for things to bounce back and ready to feel comfortable in my skin again. I have had many many consultations without any consensus. Surgeons biased by my age recommended only fat grafting. Oh my opinion this would only address half the problem - assuming it doesn’t dissolve. Others suggest full deep plane or midface lift - there is at least consensus I’ve had most damage in the middle region. I’m very much not a fan of lasers or unreliable non-surgical treatments, but of course nervous about the invasive ness of a deep plane facelift in my 30’s. I’m aware I’m a complex case, but want to approach this rationally and not waste time or money. I’ve accepted surgery is intense, but would prefer to be happy now and not wait until I’m “even worse”. I’ll likely need to continue consultations, but would appreciate the additional insights. Thank you for any help - I’ve attached a before, during, dissolving, and current photo (all within a 1.5 year time frame). There is no change in weigh during these photos and no underlying health conditions.

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

After reviewing your photos, it’s clear that the tissue damage and loss of elasticity in your face can no longer be effectively addressed with minimal or non-surgical treatments. Therefore, I recommend a deep plane facelift surgery. This technique allows me to reposition the deeper tissues and effectively lift the midface sagging, providing you with a natural and long-lasting result. During the procedure, I also perform fat grafting to restore lost volume, creating a balanced and more youthful appearance. In your case, laser treatments and other non-invasive options would be insufficient. Based on my experience, this combined surgical approach is the most appropriate and effective solution for you. Of course, after a thorough physical examination, I tailor the treatment plan specifically to your individual needs.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

For most patients if they’re not happy with the filler, I recommend they wait. Most HA fillers last about six months so in three months half the product should be gone.
Reversal enzymes don’t discriminate between your own Hyaluronic acid or previously injected filler. 
If you have a volume loss of your face, then why do you need a facelift?
Your situation is a bit complex to answer this way.
I recommend your schedule in person consultations with other providers.
Bring a copy of your medical record with you so that the provider can understand all of your previous treatments.
If your previous provider has before, and after pictures then bring those as well.
We need it before and after pictures to be consistent.
This means taken with the same camera at similar angles, etc., etc.
Still,
Pictures alone don’t say exactly what the problem is, but I’m assuming it’s facial volume loss.Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Looking for advice on facial restoration after tissue damage. What would be the best options for me? (Photos)

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Looking for advice on facial restoration after tissue damage. What would be the best options for me? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.