In the world of cosmetic enhancements, some treatments promise quick results but can create long-term problems that no skilled surgeon would advise. While they may offer a fast boost to your appearance, the risks often outweigh the benefits. According to Sirak Darbinian, MD, here are three treatments to avoid if you want to protect your face for the long run.

1. Early Facelift
Getting a facelift in your early 40s may seem like a smart move to stay youthful, but surgeons caution against it. Early facelifts create significant scarring that makes future procedures, like redo facelifts, much more complicated. Redo facelifts carry higher risks, including nerve injury, and require more skill—and a higher price tag—to perform safely. “The amount of scarring from your first facelift will make your second one far more difficult,” Darbinian warns. In short, patience is key: waiting until your skin and facial structure naturally need it will reduce complications and provide better long-term results.

2. High-Dose Forehead Botox
Forehead Botox is a popular anti-aging tool, but overdoing it can accelerate the need for more invasive procedures. Repeated high-dose injections can weaken the muscles that naturally lift your brows, potentially leading to the need for a brow lift or blepharoplasty sooner than expected. Low-dose Botox, on the other hand, can maintain results without compromising natural movement. Experts recommend moderation: “Low dose forehead Botox is much better than high dose,” Darbinian says, protecting both your expression and long-term facial health.

3. Thread Lifts
Thread lifts, sometimes called “lunchtime lifts,” offer instant results but rarely last. The effects can fade within hours or days, and the procedure carries risks such as tissue damage and infection. Surgeons caution that threads are largely cosmetic theater rather than a lasting solution. “Don’t do threads—they’re damaging, risky, and they do not last,” Darbinian notes. While they might look appealing for a quick fix, thread lifts can compromise your skin and facial structure in ways that are hard to reverse.
The bottom line
Quick fixes can be tempting, but protecting your long-term facial health is worth prioritizing. Surgeons advise patience, moderation, and investing in treatments that enhance your appearance without creating irreversible complications.

