When it comes to facial rejuvenation, one of the most common questions patients ask is: Should I get fillers or a facelift? In this episode of The Plastic Surgery Revolution, Dr. Steven Davis breaks down the differences between the two and explains why it’s not always an either-or decision.
Dr. Davis shares that many patients worry their use of fillers or non-surgical treatments—like radiofrequency tightening, Kybella, or Sculptra—could make a future facelift more complicated. While certain energy-based or collagen-stimulating treatments can create thicker tissue that requires more precision during surgery, most hyaluronic acid fillers, when placed properly, do not interfere with facelift procedures.
To understand why, Dr. Davis offers a simple lesson in skin anatomy. The skin has several layers, and hyaluronic acid fillers are typically placed in the dermis, just beneath the surface. This is where collagen lives—the protein that gives youthful skin its smooth, plump quality. Injecting filler here helps “paint within the skin,” softening fine lines, improving texture, and subtly lifting areas like the corners of the mouth or the upper lip.
A facelift, on the other hand, works below the skin to reposition and tighten deeper tissues. As Dr. Davis explains, “When we perform a facelift, we’re operating underneath the dermis. Those intradermal fillers don’t affect what we’re doing at all.”
The key takeaway? A facelift and fillers can complement—not conflict with—each other. Fillers restore volume and skin quality, while a facelift refines structure and contour. Together, they can create a balanced, natural result that looks refreshed, not overdone.
If you’re considering facial rejuvenation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Davis to discuss your goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to you.
Listen to the full episode of The Plastic Surgery Revolution below to learn more from Dr. Davis himself.