Can filler fix botched FaceTite treatment? (Photo)

Question

30 M. Had FaceTite done to address jowl, and nasolabial folds 2 months ago. After all the swells went away, nasolabial folds are much deeper than before, they extends to below mouth corner. Mid face became very sunken. What can be done to fix the damage? Filler? Fat grafting?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you have had this problem. I have warning readers for years to exercise a great deal of caution and "buyer beware" when considering next big thing "bells and whistles" radiofrequency, fraxel laser, etc. treatments that, as you have unfortunately learned the hard and expensive way, are backed far more by device manufacturer supporting marketing hype than hard science.  Happily for you, the kind of volume deficit and sagging seen in the photo can be rather easily treated via the use of robust hyaluronic acid-based volumizing  and lifting fillers, such as Voluma XC and Restylane Lyft. I gave up injecting fat many years ago for a number of reasons. For one, the results, rather than being permanent, do not generally seem to last much longer than those from the fillers mentioned above. What's more, it is an expensive two-step procedure that requires removal of the fat from the hips, buttocks or belly and then processing and reinjecting into the face with large bore cannulas (since the globules of fat are large). And finally, whatever fat does survive long-term retains the characteristics of the location from which it was taken. This means that if your belly puts on an unwanted bulge with aging, belly fat in your face will also likely do so. Make sure that you consult with a board certified aesthetic physician, and you have your choice in this arena. Although about 95% of all minimally and noninvasive procedures were pioneered and developed by dermatologists, these have since been taught to other specialties, such as plastic surgery, oral sugeons, ENT docs, etc. So, the choice of who to see is up to you. Just make sure to ask to see his/her personal before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you have had poor results from your FaceTite treatment.  You can consider fillers to help with volume loss.  Another longer term option is Sculptra.  If you have not already, I encourage you to return to the provided who performed your FaceTite treatment to discuss your concerns.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, most of the radio frequency devices which are used to supposedly tighten the skin of the face, result in destruction of subcutaneous fat which in turn makes the face look considerably older once the process of healing completed self. In my opinion the best way to address what you have lost in the face, is to have fat grafting performed and not fillers. I would wait a little longer before you have fat transfer performed and let the face heal completely after the face type procedure. Get an evaluation by a plastic surgeon specializing in fat grafting. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City plastic surgery

Can filler fix botched FaceTite treatment? (Photo)

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Can filler fix botched FaceTite treatment? (Photo)

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