Eric Chang, MD
Columbia Plastic Surgeon
Recent answer posted by Eric Chang, MD
Q: Jowls are starting to appear, what do I do?
With the plethora of new technologies in medicine, it is very easy to get confused with what injectables can and cannot do.
Botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes muscles. It is generally used by plastic surgeons to paralyze muscles in the face, and softens the wrinkles associated with overuse of these muscles.
Restylane and Juvederm, on the other hand, are synthetic fillers. They are used under the skin to fill natural lines, or to plump up areas. The most common areas of use are in the nasolabial folds or "smile lines" and in the lips.
What we call "jowls" are actually the natually aging process of gravity, where the cheek begins to descend in to the neck. I am sure there are people out there who believe that injecting something, or even performing liposuction alone, can remedy this problem, I personally believe that this is not the case.
A short scar or "mini" facelift can help lift the cheek back to its youthful position. I can understand that since you're only in your 30's, the idea of a facelift seems rather extreme. The truth is, with the advent of short scar and "mini" lifts, more and more people in their 40's are having these lifts done.
The one thing to mention about a mini lift is, sometimes a mini lift is so mini that it doesn't do anything. Make sure that you will have REAL results, as you are having REAL surgery.
Hope this helps!
| Board certification | |
| Education | Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, NY - Medical Degree Yale University, New Haven, CT - Bachelor of Arts |
| Post-medical school training | Chief Resident - Plastic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA Plastic Surgery and General Surgery Residencies - Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA |
| Hospital affiliations | Howard County General Hospital Baltimore Washington Medical Center |
| Medical or professional license | MD |
| Requesting an appointment with Eric Chang, MD using RealSelf.com is free & confidential. Consultation fee: free if you mention RealSelf.com | |
| Location | Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 8860 Columbia 100 Parkway Suite 206 Columbia, MD View map |
| Additional Office Locations | 808 Landmark Drive Suite 120 Glen Burnie, MD 21061 |
Treatments offered by Eric Chang, MD
BotoxBreast implants
Breast lift
Breast reconstruction
Breast reduction
Chin liposuction
Ear surgery
Eyelid Surgery
Facelift
Fraxel Laser
Laser hair removal
Liposuction
Male breast reduction
Mini lift
Mini tummy tuck
Nipple surgery
Restylane
Scar removal
Smart Lipo
SmartLipo MPX
SMAS facelift
Tattoo removal
Tummy tuck
