If you’re considering aesthetic procedures and you’re 45-50 years old or older, it’s essential to understand the limits of non-invasive treatments. While injectables, devices, and lasers can do wonders for improving skin quality, addressing fine lines, and restoring volume, some concerns cannot be significantly improved without surgery. Setting realistic expectations can save you time and frustration. Let’s break down the main cosmetic concerns that typically require surgical intervention.

1) Significant Under-Eye Bags

Under-eye bags are often caused by anatomical changes such as fat herniation. While non-surgical treatments like fillers, PRP, or polynucleotides can help with mild hollows or improve skin quality, they won’t effectively eliminate prominent under-eye bags. In these cases, lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is usually the best solution for a refreshed and youthful appearance.

2) Loose Skin Under the Chin or ‘Turkey Neck’

If you shake your head and notice sagging skin moving below your jawline, non-surgical collagen-boosting treatments can help improve skin texture and firmness to some extent. However, they cannot fully tighten significant skin laxity. In these cases, a surgical neck lift remains the gold standard for achieving a firmer and more defined jawline.

3) Jowls or Lower Face Sagging

If you find yourself lifting your skin more than a centimeter to achieve the look you desire, non-surgical contouring may not provide the results you’re looking for. When facial tissues have significantly sagged, surgical intervention—such as a facelift—is often the most effective way to restore a more youthful and lifted appearance.

4) A Long Philtrum

Aging often leads to the elongation of the philtrum (the area between the nose and upper lip), which can make the face appear older. While treatments like lip flips or fillers can enhance lip volume, they cannot shorten the philtrum. Attempting to use fillers for this concern can result in an unnatural look. The best solution for a long philtrum is a surgical lip lift, which shortens the philtrum and restores a more youthful balance to the face.

Final Thoughts

Non-surgical treatments can offer beautiful, natural-looking results, especially when started early or used preventively. However, when certain anatomical changes become more pronounced, it’s important to recognize that even the best injectables or devices have their limits. Understanding when surgery might be the more effective option can help you make informed decisions and avoid the cycle of repeated treatments with underwhelming outcomes.

That being said, every face is unique. A thorough consultation can help determine the best approach tailored to your individual concerns, whether that involves non-surgical treatments, surgery, or a combination of both. The goal should always be to enhance your natural beauty in a way that aligns with your expectations and desired outcome.

If you would like honest advice from an experienced aesthetic doctor and are interested in non-surgical treatments, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim Detollenaere at Doctor Contour Clinic, located at Amerikalei 154 in Antwerp.