The second 5:

6) Face lift without filler = caught in a wind tunnel look

There are some people who don’t need filler after a face lift and do look good with a face lift alone. But many people, thin women especially, and most women in general, really benefit from either targeted Juvederm or Restylane, or overall increased fullness from Sculptra. In fact, the volume replacement alone is often called liquid lift or liquid face lift. Some women get enough tightening and lifting from volume replacement alone or volume replacement + Thermage, called Thema-Fill. Some don’t and need a surgical face-lift.

Just as full and loose isn’t a good look, neither is tight and pulled.

7) If you don’t like it—reverse it

I am always amazed at the number of patients who come in and tell me that they got filler elsewhere, didn’t like it because of a bump, or weirdly done lips or something else, but put up with it for a year. The hyaluronic acid fillers Juvederm, Juvederm Plus, Restylane and Perlane (with or without anesthetic) can be reversed with an injection of hyaluronidase.

If only life would let us reverse our mistakes so easily.

8) Don’t use fillers not approved by the FDA for use in the U.S.

There are a lot of fillers approved or used in other countries. Some are safe. Some are not. There are plenty of filler options that have been approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. Stick with them.

Why risk it?

9) Don’t be stupid and order fillers off the internet and do it yourself in your bathroom

Because, of course, you can trust everything on the internet. They really care. And you could end up looking like this do it yourself filler injection.

We have already talked about this.

10) Hang on to your teeth

While not strictly related to aesthetic filler issues, if I can give one bit of non-sunscreen related advice—hang on to your teeth. When teeth are pulled and dentures placed, the age related loss of bone in the upper and lower jaw is greatly accelerated. Just like astronauts lose bone mass in low gravity conditions, bone needs pressure placed on it to avoid de-mineralization. The pressure transmitted through the teeth with chewing keeps the bone strong. With dentures the pressure is not transmitted to the bone and bone in the jaw is lost. As the bone is reabsorbed, the mouth collapses inward and the cheeks hollow. Not uncommonly, the chin muscle becomes hyperactive in an effort to hold the dentures in the mouth, further pushing the mouth inward. Take care of your teeth. You need them.

Make friends with your cosmetic dentist. Or marry one.

Next: Step #4 in a cosmetic dermatologist’s anti-aging rejuvenation plan:

Resurface Skin Texture–Reduce Lines, Wrinkles, Pore Size, Scars