Hamster cheeks/necklift - what can I do? (photos)

Question

Hi! I'm a 36 year old woman who have been blessed with looking younger but I have suffered over my looks for years since I dislike my jowls/hamster cheeks to the point that I would consider a neck/lower face lift. no one seems to be wanting to help. I find it strange. Some doctors say I should wait until 50ths and do a full face lift, while some don't want to do just a neck and lower face but a midface lift as well. What can I do, I'm tired of having bulldogs cheeks.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photographs.

In terms of the characteristics of the lower face and neck, it is possible to use facelift and neck lift surgery as maintenance interventions. Additionally, these procedures can be combined with buccal fat reduction if you seek a more significant change in the volume of the lower face.

The images do not show the mid-face, so it is unclear why a mid-face lift would be needed. It is important to appreciate that a lower face facelift, particularly through the deep plane technique, tends to highlight the mid-face as a result of the displacement of tissue from the lower face towards the mid-face. Generally, this effect is sufficient for mid-face contouring without the specific need for a mid-face lift intervention.

For the neck contour, I can see a small amount of fatty tissue under the skin when you are contracting the platysma muscles, which can be treated with a small amount of liposuction that can extend to the jawline. However, I suspect you may find this degree of change insufficient.

Computer imaging in 3D can help clarify your goals in terms of the degree of change you would like to achieve. This can better inform the decision about which types of interventions are able to deliver results close to your aspirations.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You may benefit most from Botox injections to slenderize the lower third portion of your face and reduce neck banding. Botox provides a slimming effect to the face and smooths lines on the neck, and you can maintain your favorable results with a regular injection schedule.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced expert injector who can discuss your concerns with you and determine the best treatment option.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding hamster cheeks and whether you need a neck lift. It would be best to have a face lift and neck lift based on your pictures, not your age. You have the clinical indications and the anatomy to require a face lift and neck lift. Your age does not necessarily matter. Therefore, I highly suggest a face lift combined with a neck lift. Your jowls or hamster cheeks, which you describe, should be taken care of during a facelift. Also, the platysmal bands or neck bands would be treated during the neck lift portion of your procedure. The skin and the neck would also be redraped to give you a more defined jaw line. Therefore, I vote to undergo a necklift with a facelift to treat your hamster cheeks; I hope this helps to clarify your question. 
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

From what I see in your pictures, you have a few concerns that could be addressed.
In the first picture, your neck demonstrates banding. Given your young age, you could start with Botox (or similar agent) to soften the platysmal bands. The lower 1/3 of your face could be slimmed through Botox (or similar) to the masseter muscles. The submental fat could be removed through liposuction.

The second picture reveals the submental fullness/fat that could be removed through liposuction.

Finally, the 3rd picture looks like you might benefit from buccal fat pad reduction, right more so than left.

All of these options are much less involved/invasive than a neck/face lift.

Hamster cheeks/necklift - what can I do? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Need to come in to consult

Answer: Need to come in to consult

Answer: Facial/Neck Concerns

Answer: Facial/Neck Concerns

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Hamster cheeks/necklift - what can I do? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Need to come in to consult

Answer: Need to come in to consult

Answer: Facial/Neck Concerns

Answer: Facial/Neck Concerns

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.