One of the earliest signs of aging occurs in the cheek or mid-face. The common descent, “drooping” or hollowing of our cheek and mid-face area that we see occurring as we age occurs because of a “droop” in our cheek fat pad.
Over time, gravity, repeated muscle contraction and lifestyle choices cause skin, fat and muscle to move downwards particularly in the area between the lower eyelids and mouth known as the mid-face. Aging changes around the mouth and chin are accentuated with a descended mid-face.
Of course surgical options exist to lift this descended tissue up to its natural anatomic position.
However, for the patient who does not desire to undergo a surgical correction, we have the option of a "liquid face lift."
There are many effective products on the market today, which we typically refer to as dermal fillers, that can restore some of the volume and lift up some of the descended tissue in the face.
While the dermal fillers add volume and last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, we can also inject Botox to relax the muscles and smooth out wrinkles particularly in the forehead, in between the eyebrows and in the crows feet.
In addition to Botox and dermal fillers helping to restore volume, adding a lift and smoothing out wrinkles, a laser resurfacing procedure would help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen to give a skin tightening effect. Laser resurfacing also helps with sun damage to the face.
A consultation with a specialist will help determine which products and treatments would give the best outcome.
