Am I candidate for a mini face lift? (Photo)

Question

I'm 52. I have alot of sagging skin at the bottom of my face and along the jawline. If I lift up that area, I can see the shape of my face I used to have (heart shaped). Now it looks square to me . When taking photos I'm submitting I can see it looks like my neck needs work but I'm not concerned with my neck, it's my face that I don't even recognize anymore due to the sagging. What would you recommend?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing photos. You may be a candidate for a traditional facelift to improve skin elasticity, lift fallen tissue, and define the shape of the face. Excess fat on the neck can be removed along with excess skin to create a smooth appearance and angulate the neckline. Underlying tissue that has fallen over time can be tightened and repositioned as well to achieve optimal results.
I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. They will be able to conduct a thorough physical examination and determine the procedure that may be best for you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These are all natural parts of the aging process. What we can do is try preventative treatments or get a neck lift / face lift earlier in the aging process. There are numerous non-surgical options available, and some can be used in combination to get best outcomes, but you would need a consultation with an expert.

Some options for skin tightening include:

- Thermage radiofrequency to heat the skin, tighten it over time, and prevent the aging process
- Ultherapy high-intensity ultrasound to contract the muscle, tighten the face and neck, and prevent the aging process
- PDO NovaThreads or InstaLift threads for immediate lifting without surgery and long-term collagen production
- Sculptra injections for collagen production to areas of the face and neck with crepey skin or early sagging
- BTL Exilis Ultra, Venus Legacy, and Thermi250 for monthly collagen stimulation with facials
- ThermiRF, Renuvion (J Plasma), or Inmode BodyTite for internal heating and tightening with or without surgery
- Fillers (or facial implants) to contour the jawline and chin to improve the appearance of the neck
- Face lift / neck lift with fat grafting and fillers if you need a significant improvement​

​I would suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer​​​​

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures!  A mini facelift is a great option for many people that share concerns similar to yours. The recovery & downtime is very minimal. There are usually no drains, most people can go out the same day, you can shower the next day, there are no scars behind the ears and you can wear your hair up anytime and most patients take no pain medicine. The result is usually the same in selected patients as a full scar facelift but it really depends on your exam. Surgery is not for everyone. In today's day and age, there are many nonsurgical options to consider although surgery usually gets the most improvement specifically of the neck and jowls.

I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of mini facelifts and neck lifts but also offers all the nonsurgical options such as injectables and laser treatments. Go over your concerns with them and make sure above all, you walk out of there with several options and an idea of the pros and cons to each of them as well as realistic expectations.

I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your surgery and event. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A mini facelift would correct the cheeks, lower face and neck and may be the perfect procedure for your situation.  The difference is a full facelift would dissect your neck from side to side but many patients do not need to be this aggressive.  The benefit is a quicker recovery and excellent long lasting results with an adequate SMAS lift.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It’s hard to tell from your photos if you would benefit from a facelift, mini or otherwise. Everyone seems to have a different idea as to what a mini facelift is. If you need a facelift get a properly done facelift. Don’t cut corners

Am I candidate for a mini face lift? (Photo)

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Am I candidate for a mini face lift? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Facelift

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Everything you need to know about Mini Facelift

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