40 years old and have had a double chin my whole life. Would a deep plane facelift be too much at my age? (photos)

Question

I am 40 and have been plagued with a double chin my whole life, even at my lowest weight. It is taking a toll on my confidence. I look at my relatives and know that I'm not going to age well. Just looking at this, what are your thoughts about procedures? Would deep plane be too much at my age? I'm afraid with just lipo I'll have loose skin afterwards..

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

At your age, considering the longstanding presence of your double chin and the condition of your skin elasticity, I generally recommend a combination of submental liposuction and a lower facelift as the most appropriate and effective approach. Simply removing fat alone can increase the risk of loose skin and may not provide the defined jawline you desire. A lower facelift lifts the jawline and lower face, creating a more youthful and natural appearance. Combining these two procedures allows us to both reduce excess fat and tighten the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in lasting and balanced outcomes. Being 40 years old is definitely not a barrier for this kind of surgery; aging signs are influenced not only by time but also by factors like skin quality and gravity. For these reasons, I consider this combined approach the best option for you. Of course, a detailed in-person evaluation is essential to provide you with the most personalized and accurate treatment plan.

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Based on your photos- I think you would be na excellent candidate for a deep plane Facelift.  At this age, you are right in the perfect age group for a long lasting result that will help tighten your neck and re-establish your jawline.  Best to speak to a board certified plastic surgeon in person, or virtually.  All the best,

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. You are likely a candidate for a lower rhytidectomy, also known as a neck lift. This procedure can revitalize the appearance of the neck, throat, and jawline while removing submental fat that often causes a double chin appearance. 
During a neck lift, it is a common practice to also tighten the neck muscles in addition to repositioning tissue and removing any excess skin to provide the optimal contour. 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 which procedure may be right for you.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

A deep plane facelift / necklift would be my recommendation. Liposuction of the neck is not adequate as this only treats the superficial fat and does not address the deeper fat / the muscle / redrape the skin adequately (compared to a facelift/necklift that can address the deeper structures). You are not too young to consider this procedure.

Jigar Sitapara, MD · Answer

Good morning!If your #1 goal is to improve your neck contour, you should consider something called a deep neck lift. Quick (non-boring) anatomy lesson: there is a sheet of muscle in the neck called the platysma and there can be a variable amount of fat both above it and below it. Liposuction only removes that superficial layer of fat when in your case, there likely is a considerable amount of fat/soft tissue deep to that muscle that is causing your "double chin". Through an inch incision under your chin, we can address all of the layers within the neck and achieve a contoured neck line and jawline.For most people under the age of 40, the skin redrapes and contracts without any laxity. After the age of 40 there tends to be some skin laxity so depending on the person, this may or may not need to be combined with a deep plane facelift. A deep plane facelift will also address jowls, marionnette lines, nasolabial folds, skin laxity in the face and neck, etc, but if those don't bother you, I would advise waiting on that procedure. Just because you do a deep neck lift, this doesn't stop you from getting a deep plane facelift in 5-10 years if you become bothered by those changes. I would suggest you consult with a facial plastic surgeon who performs these procedures so they can assess your skin laxity and review your goals. I hope that helps! Happy holiday weekend from the nation's capital!Jigar Sitapara, MDChevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Based on the photos, you are a great candidate for lower face/neck lift. Your anatomy puts you at a little bit of a disadvantage because your laryngeal cartilages are a bit lower (creates a more oblique neckline). However, a well performed lower face/neck lift will improve the contour of the neck as well as the jawline. Be sure to see a facial expert for consultation.

David K. Isaacs, MD, FACS · Answer

You appear to have a heavy neck and liposuction by itself is unlikely the correct approach. You mentioned you’ve had this appearance even at your lowest weight, but I would want to know what that weight was. Nevertheless, I will typically perform a deep-plane neck lift and operate on the structures of the neck deep to the skin and superficial fat layer (the layer that liposuction is usually performed on).

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, the picture you provided does not show your neck or the area under your chin.  If you could provide a picture of your lower face and neck from the side, that would be very helpful to give you advice as to possible treatments for your double chin.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You are on the young side for a facelift but it’s not unreasonable. I never thought deep plane results were any better than standard lift. On the other hand at your age you might consider liposuction if the neck for now and holding off on the facelifts

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

I'd suggest that a deep neck lift may be enough, depending upon your upper face.  That should give you a very nice improvement. Another option may be necktite / embrace which uses liposuction with energy to contract tissue.  But, you should have some nice options.

40 years old and have had a double chin my whole life. Would a deep plane facelift be too much at my age? (photos)

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