Aging is an inevitable journey, and while many changes occur subtly over time, the 50s mark a critical turning point in facial rejuvenation. Menopause and hormonal shifts lead to abrupt changes in collagen production, skin texture, and the structural support of the face. These changes can—and often do—render treatments that worked in your 30s and 40s ineffective or even counterproductive.
Dr. Amir Karam has dedicated his career to advancing the art and science of facial plastic surgery and rejuvenation, bringing exceptional expertise to his practice. Watch this video from Dr. Karam to learn more about facial rejuvenation mistakes to avoid in your 50s.
To help you navigate this new stage, here are his top facial rejuvenation mistakes to avoid in your 50s and beyond.
Using BOTOX Without Adjusting for Age
BOTOX is a popular solution for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, but applying it like in your younger years can backfire. As the facial fascia weakens, the role of certain muscles—like the frontalis muscle that lifts your eyebrows—becomes more critical.
Common Mistakes
- Overusing BOTOX in the forehead which can cause brow drooping and heavier eyelids
- Relaxing the orbicularis muscle around the eyes which can worsen puffiness and skin laxity
What to Do Instead
- Use reduced doses, especially in the forehead, to maintain a natural, lifted appearance
- Focus treatments on areas where muscle relaxation enhances rather than diminishes the appearance of firmness
Relying on Fillers for Lifting
Fillers can beautifully restore lost volume in the 30s and 40s, but after 50, they often fail to address the real issue: sagging. Adding volume to sagging areas can create an unnatural, heavy look and distort facial proportions.
Common Mistakes
- Overfilling cheeks and jawlines leading to a blocky, unnatural appearance
- Adding volume without addressing laxity which can make the face look rounder rather than rejuvenated
What to Do Instead
- Recognize that lifting—not filling—is necessary for sagging skin
- Procedures like Vertical Restore® can reposition sagging tissues for a natural and youthful appearance
- Use fillers sparingly and strategically to enhance volume in areas like the temples, lips, or under the eyes
Trusting Energy Devices to Replace Surgery
Energy-based treatments, such as radiofrequency or ultrasound devices, promise to tighten and lift skin. While these can be effective in younger patients with mild laxity, their impact diminishes significantly after 50.
Common Mistakes
- Expecting meaningful tightening results from devices that don’t adequately reach the deeper layers of the face
- Overusing these treatments which can harm the skin’s integrity and cause fat loss, leading to a gaunt appearance
What to Do Instead
- Understand that these devices are better suited for maintenance in younger patients
- For those in their 50s, deep-plane surgical options, such as Vertical Restore®, offer more lasting and impactful results
Using Threads for Lifting
Thread lifts are often marketed as a less invasive alternative to surgical facelifts. While they may offer temporary improvements, the results are typically short-lived and can lead to complications like dimpling or infection.
Common Mistakes
- Expecting threads to address significant sagging effectively
- Using threads repeatedly which can create scar tissue and hinder future surgical options
What to Do Instead
- Opt for proven surgical techniques that address sagging comprehensively
- Procedures like Vertical Restore® lift the entire facial fascia for balanced, long-lasting results
Treating the Face in Sections
One of the most significant mistakes is addressing individual concerns—such as the neck, jawline, or eyes—without considering the face as a whole. This approach often results in an unbalanced, unnatural look.
Common Mistakes
- Focusing solely on a neck lift or eyelid surgery without addressing the jawline or midface
- Neglecting volume restoration or skin quality while lifting
What to Do Instead
- Pursue a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Combining procedures like Vertical Restore®, fat transfer, and eyelid surgery ensures harmony and natural results.
- To enhance skin quality and maximize surgical outcomes, surgical treatments should be paired with skin rejuvenation, such as the KaramMD Trifecta® skincare system.
The Right Way Forward
Rejuvenating your face in your 50s requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. Dr. Amir Karam, creator of the Vertical Restore® technique, emphasizes treating the underlying causes of aging, including sagging, volume loss, and skin quality. His philosophy is rooted in achieving natural, balanced results that allow patients to look as young as they feel.
If you’re ready to explore the best options for facial rejuvenation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karam today and take the first step toward a refreshed and confident you!
