I look 22 at 18. How can I fix this? (Photo)

Question

I have laugh lines, deep hollow dark eyes and sagging jowls and I'm only 18! I need to fix this immediately. I need a affordable fix because I work a minimum wage job.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

First, I want to reassure you that at 18, having laugh lines, under-eye hollowness, or some fullness around the jaw does not automatically mean that your face is aging prematurely. Facial structure varies tremendously from person to person, and things such as genetics, bone structure, facial fat distribution, lighting, dehydration, and even the way you naturally move your face can create shadows that look like “sagging” or deep lines.
At your age, I would be very cautious about trying to correct these concerns with fillers, Botox, or aggressive tightening procedures. You generally do not need to start treating your face as though it is an aging face at 18. Adding filler to the cheeks, under-eyes, or nasolabial folds can sometimes create more problems than it solves, particularly when the underlying concern is simply your natural anatomy.
For the dark or hollow appearance under your eyes, a good starting point is a simple routine: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and daily SPF 30–50. If you have allergies, nasal congestion, poor sleep, or significant pigmentation, addressing those factors can make a surprisingly noticeable difference.
For the laugh lines, don't feel that you need to erase them. Everyone develops lines when they smile, and trying to completely eliminate normal expression lines can make the face look less natural.
As for the jowls, what looks like a “sagging jowl” at 18 may actually be your normal jaw shape, cheek-to-jaw transition, or facial fat distribution rather than loose skin. At this age, surgery or aggressive skin-tightening would generally not be my first choice.
Most importantly, you don't need an expensive procedure to look your age. If you're working a minimum-wage job, I would much rather see you spend your money on basic skincare, sunscreen, adequate nutrition, hydration, and sleep than feel pressured into an expensive cosmetic treatment. Your face is still young, and there is plenty of time to consider cosmetic procedures later if a specific structural concern remains.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

A full-face frontal view would have been very helpful. But, from what can be seen the use of a robust HA volumizing filler for the cheeks would help to contour a more feminine, oval heart-shaped face and secondarily diminish the under-eye hollows, and soften the smile lines, and an robust HA lifting filler for the chin would help to harmonize the projections of the nose, lips and chin and secondarily tighten, straighten and better define the jawline thereby diminishing the jowl formation along the jawline. And finally, if eleven lines are an issue between the eyebrows, Botox can be helpful by itself for the dynamic component and a low viscosity, malleable, HA filler can address any creases that have already become etched into that area from years of frowning. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck. So, relax, nonsurgical help is possible.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The best thing that you can do is take great care of your skin.  We recommend medical grade skin care products like Transform MD as well as wearing sunscreen every day.  You can consider other treatments as your budge allows such as chemical peels and microneedling.

I look 22 at 18. How can I fix this? (Photo)

Answers (3)

More Dermal Fillers Questions

What do I need? Tear trough? (Photo)

Is there a procedure to plump up or fill in this area near my eye? (Photo)

Use of fillers on keloid prone skin

What would you recommend to make me look younger? (Photo)

Can I get filler one week after rabies vaccine?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS