Would a mini facelift help correct lines, laxity and wrinkles? (photo)

Question

I'm really concerned about my aging face and would like to know what options there would be to help fix my lines, skin laxity, and wrinkles.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

It's hard to really tell what you need from this photo. A minifacelift works primarily on the jawline, while a full face and neck lift works on the neck as well. If your neck is fine, then a minifacelift should work well for you. Be sure to see an expert facial plastic surgeon for consultation.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A mini facelift would make an improvement. However, a facelift and browlift would make a better improvement. This would lower your hairline, make you look younger and eliminate the wrinkles from the forehead. Sometimes, doing a mini facelift will make the wrinkles in your forehead look worse.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A mini lift would help take up this excess skin using well concealed incisions around your ears.  Fillers and other skin tightening modalities would not have as good an effect.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Hi Eliza. This photo and history doesn't give us enough information - we would need to know what you look like at rest, also have you ever had any treatments done (neurotox/filler/etc.). To answer your question, YES a facelift can definitely help with skin laxity but it will not necessarily help with "fixing lines" depending on what lines you are talking about and whether they are present at rest.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You appear to be a good candidate for a facelift. I don’t know what is meant specifically by a mini facelift. The important choice is you the selection of the right surgeon for you

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

It's really hard to tell what is best based on the photo provided.  A virtual or preferably an in person consultation would be best to review your suitability for various procedures which includes a review of your medical history etc. Facelift is the gold standard for facial rejuvenation, sometimes combined with fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing, depending on the individual.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say whether you are a candidate for a face lift based on this photo. In general,  face lift will address redundant skin, tighten deep layers of muscles of neck and face, and shape fat tissue. Deep wrinkles and  skin lines will need additional treatment by means of laser, chemical peels, radio frequency, fillers etc. hope this helps.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photograph.  Your concerns must be addressed in two different ways. The skin laxity that you have is best addressed by a facelift, mini or full, depending upon your individual anatomy and wishes.  A facelift helps to remove the laxity of your skin. The lines of your skin are a skin quality issue, and the modalities to treat this are chemical peeling, laser resurfacing, micro-needling, or dermabrasion. These modalities can be used before or at sometime after a facelift to give the maximum rejuvenation possible. Discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation is best, but from the submitted photo it appears you will have the best result from a combination of treatments.  Fillers and Botox can help with facial contours and dynamic wrinkles. FaceTite can be used to improve skin laxity.  This minimally invasive procedures uses RF technology and does not require general anesthesia.  It can be combined with Morpheus8 treatment to address overall skin tone and texture.  We also recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wearing sunscreen every day.