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Are Jowl Lifts Effective Long Term to Correct Early Signs of Sagging?

I'm 41, and I'm considering a jowl lift vs a mid face lift to correct sagging jowls. I don't have issues with my neck, however.

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by 9035anon in San Diego, CA

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Jowl Lift

Based on your age and indications (jowls), the procedure that is most likely to address your problem is a SMAS-based mini lift (S-Lift, etc.). A mid face lift will not address jowls in any fashion. A well performed mini lift should last 7-10 years.

Jowl Lift vs Midface Lift

Every good facelift will improve the jawline by repositioning the jowls. A midface lift is designed to reposition the cheek tissues next to the nasolabial creases - a procedure that is not used that commonly any longer. If your neck is good, then focussing on re-tightening the SMAS layer for jawline improvement would be the way to go. We usually combine these lifts with facial fat grafting - volume loss is normally part of the early aging.

One really needs to pin down what the surgeon is talking about.

Just because you pose the question does not make one a "good candidate for surgery." At age 41 you have many options short of having a lower facelift. This can include chin fillers, focal liposuction, and small incision lower facelift. Theoretically a midface lift can help the jowl. The so-called jowl fat is the bottom of the malar fat pad. Only a small amount of it comes from the side of the face. However, most so-called midface lifts pull... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

7 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Effective Treatment for Jowls

In my practice the only effective treatment for jowls is a combination approach using a lower face lift, judicious fat resection, and some micro grafting of the jawline in front of the jowl. ( what some surgeons call marionette lines) A midface lift addresses the area above the jowls, the nasolabial fold.

Jowl lift for early signs of sagging

If the jowls are the only aging issue that is present at age 41, a simple tuck or mini-type facelift will probably be all that will be required. A mid facelift is not the preferred method of rejuvenation in our practice.

Jowl Lifts

A midface lift, which is used to treat the triangular area of your face from the lower eyelids down to the corner of your mouth will have no effect on the jowls. A facelift procedure can be modified to address your particular needs. Many women choose to have smaller procedures at a younger age to maintain their appearance, rather than waiting until more extensive rejuvenation surgery is necessary.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Facelift for" Jowls"

Lifting your "jowls" should really involve a facelift not a a mid face lift. A face lift will give you correction of the "jowls". It is difficult to give you an absolute number of years that correction will last. It depends on many factors that vary between patient to patient such as general health issues that may develop over years that affect the skin and lack of maintenance of healthy skin (sun tanning). There is one event that is common... more

Jowls are best addressed with a lower face lift

You are correct in your plan to address your jowls with a lift that focuses on your lower face. A mid face lift will address the area of your cheeks, with some effect on your nasolabial region. This will not change your jowls, however. A lower face lift is the way to improve either the jowl region or the neck region, or both if these are both a problem.

Face Lift Surgery for Sagging Jowls

Without photographs, it's difficult to provide a more specific answer. Generally, jowls refer to the sagging tissue around the jaw line. The only cosmetic surgery that can improve the jowls is a face lift. Other cosmetic options to improve the appearance of jowls and aging in younger patients include facial fillers, fat injection, silicone implants, and skin care. Mid face lifts improve the cheeks and lower eyelid area, and don't really address sagging jowls. Younger... more

Jowl Lift

Without pictures or examining you, it is impossible to give you specific advice. If you have early signs of aging or moderate jowls, then a mini facelift / lower face lift / short scar facelift may be best for you and can be customized to your anatomy. If you have significant jowls and advanced signs of aging, then you my need a traditional full facelift. Good luck.

Mini Jowl Lift

Hi, Many patients your age and with your concern are looking for a smaller procedure to tighten the jowl line. You should consider a mini jowl lift procedure. Make sure that your surgeon addresses the SMAS muscle. Best, Dr.S.

Jowl Lift VS Facelift - Facial Rejuvenation Efforts

Without an examination, much less a few good quality representative photographs, it would be impossible for any ethical Plastic surgeon to advise you on what procedure may or may not be suitable for you. Generally, most people who enter "Middle Agedom" could stand to benefit from a facial rejuvenation procedure. But with so many different operations out there with each directed to improve certain features only a face to face consultation with a good Plastic surgeon would... more

Short scar facelift great for jowls.

Hi. You sound like a very good candidate for a short scar facelift. This is in no way a "mini facelift". The deep work that will give you a good long term result is just done though short incisions. Mid facelift not right operation for jowls.

Jowl lifts are effective for early aging.

The real name for a "jowl lift" is a facelift. From what you say, it sounds like you are a good candidate. The skin that is removed cannot "jump back on your face" once it is removed so the results will last forever, though you will continue to age.