Facial aesthetic surgery and injectable treatments—often referred to as “tweakments”—are reshaping the future of cosmetic medicine. These subtle, minimally invasive enhancements are no longer just optional extras; they’ve become pivotal in achieving optimal, enduring facial rejuvenation. A recent study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal sheds light on the increasing use of injectables following cosmetic facial surgery, offering new insights for aesthetic surgeons into the benefits of this evolving dual approach and what it could mean for your practice.
A Surge in Postoperative Injectable Use
The study analyzed 158 patients who underwent cosmetic facial surgeries, including rhytidectomy, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, and genioplasty, between 2013 and 2021. One striking finding? The use of injectables rose dramatically from 17.7% preoperatively to 44.3% postoperatively. Neurotoxins (48.5%) and dermal fillers (46.0%) were the most popular options, followed by deoxycholic acid and poly-l-lactic acid.
Patients who had blepharoplasty or rhinoplasty, in particular, were more likely to opt for injectables after surgery. Similarly, patients with a history of preoperative neurotoxin use were more likely to return for postoperative injectables. These trends highlight the growing role of minimally invasive treatments in refining and maintaining the results of facial surgery.
Why Patients Turn to Injectables Post-Surgery
Injectables act as precise, highly effective “tweakments” that complement the broader results of facial surgery. Neurotoxins target dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and forehead lines, that persist even after structural correction, while fillers restore volume, enhance contours, and refine areas not fully addressed by surgery, like tear troughs or nasolabial folds.
Even after significant procedures like rhytidectomy or rhinoplasty, injectables often play a critical role in addressing subtle, lingering concerns such as fine lines, minor asymmetries, or volume deficiencies.
Interestingly, the study found that patients aged 40–60 were the most frequent users of postoperative injectables, averaging three injection visits each. This reflects the natural trajectory of facial aging and the growing demand for long-term maintenance following surgical interventions.
Insights for Aesthetic Surgeons
The rise of tweakments post-surgery provides an invaluable opportunity for aesthetic surgeons to refine their offerings and better serve patient needs. Here are four actionable takeaways:
- Educate Patients on Long-Term Maintenance
Many patients mistakenly assume surgery is the “final step” in their aesthetic journey. Surgeons should proactively discuss how injectables can enhance and sustain surgical results. Framing tweakments as part of a comprehensive, long-term aesthetic plan sets realistic expectations and encourages repeat visits.
- Create Personalized Postoperative Plans
Patients undergoing procedures like blepharoplasty or rhinoplasty are particularly likely to seek injectables post-surgery. Anticipate this demand by creating tailored follow-up schedules that include neurotoxins for fine wrinkles or fillers for subtle contouring.
- Expand Your Toolbox to Address Surgical Gaps
For patients seeking additional refinement post-surgery, injectables like deoxycholic acid (for reducing lower face or neck fullness) and poly-l-lactic acid (for collagen stimulation and volume restoration) are valuable adjuncts. These add-ons provide targeted solutions for areas not fully corrected during surgery.
- Collaborate Across Specialties
Whether surgeons handle injectables themselves or collaborate with cosmetic dermatologists and nurse injectors, building a multidisciplinary team ensures seamless care. This approach delivers superior outcomes and fosters patient trust and satisfaction.
Injectables: A Gateway to Practice Growth?
Injectables are more than just a way to refine surgical outcomes—they can be a key driver of practice growth. Research consistently shows that tweakments act as a gateway to larger aesthetic journeys:
- Patients who begin with minimally invasive treatments often progress to surgical procedures once trust is established. For example, a study found that 15.7% of patients who initially sought neurotoxins eventually pursued facial surgery, such as facelifts or eyelid surgeries.
- Similarly, patients who undergo facial surgery are likely to return for injectables as part of their postoperative care, fostering long-term loyalty.
The synergy between tweakments and surgery positions injectables as a cornerstone of patient retention and practice sustainability.
The Age of Tweakments: What It Means for You
Injectables are no longer an optional addition to facial surgery—they are an integral component of achieving superior, natural-looking results. By offering multidimensional care that blends surgery and tweakments, you can not only optimize outcomes but also position your practice as a leader in the dynamic world of modern aesthetics.
In the age of tweakments, it’s not just about the one-time transformation; it’s about guiding patients through a lifetime of personalized, harmonious enhancements.
SOURCES: The Aesthetic Surgery Journal
