The world of aesthetic medicine is evolving rapidly. Patients today are looking for treatments that deliver meaningful results without surgery whenever possible. But as the number of treatments grows, so does the complexity of choosing the right approach.
In a recent episode of The Plastic Surgery Revolution, Dr. Steven Davis sat down with Houston-based plastic surgeon and master injector Younghoon R. Cho to discuss how the industry is changing — and how new technologies are helping physicians deliver safer, more predictable results.
The Growing Role of Non-Surgical Treatments
Early in his career, Dr. Cho recognized that patient demand for minimally invasive treatments was rapidly increasing. While surgical procedures remain essential, advances in injectables and energy-based devices have significantly expanded what can be achieved without surgery.
Today many practices maintain a balanced approach, offering both surgical and non-surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s goals.
Ultrasound: A New Layer of Safety
One of the most significant innovations in aesthetic medicine is the use of ultrasound imaging during facial injections.
Ultrasound allows physicians to visualize underlying structures in real time, including blood vessels and existing filler material. This additional information helps providers avoid complications and customize their injection technique for each patient’s unique anatomy.
Dr. Cho was among the earliest U.S. physicians to train internationally in the use of ultrasound for facial aesthetics — a technology that continues to grow in importance.
What About Fillers and Future Facelifts?
A common question among patients is whether having fillers will complicate a future facelift.
According to Dr. Cho, the answer depends largely on where and how the fillers were placed. Injectables placed in different tissue planes than surgical dissection typically do not create significant issues. However, treatments that stimulate collagen or fibrosis can sometimes make surgery more complex.
In cases where a patient’s history is unclear, ultrasound can help identify filler placement and guide surgical planning.
Choosing the Right Provider
With dozens of fillers, neuromodulators, and energy-based devices now available, patients face an overwhelming number of options.
Dr. Cho’s advice is simple:
Find a provider with the training, expertise, and credentials to guide you through the process.
Aesthetic treatments are safest and most effective when performed by physicians who understand both the surgical and non-surgical sides of facial anatomy.