Jowls in early thirties. Face lift?? (photos)

Question

I have always had heavy lower cheek. I have lovely high cheek bones but the jowls destroy the shape of my face. Even as a size eight, with little body fat, these were present. If I pull the skin up on the sides of my face it is such a great improvement. I have already tried a thread lift and this made no difference. Should I be considering a lower Face lift?

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Surgery is not for everyone. In today's day and age, there are many surgical and nonsurgical options to address various concerns one has for their face as they age.
In general, surgery is one of the best ways to address jowls. However, skin tightening and all sorts of injectables can definitely help significantly especially for patients that are not interested in surgery. If you're ever interested in surgery, the procedure is much different than what you're probably reading about online. A short scar facelift that addresses the jowls & marionette lines can typically be done under local anesthesia in the office, usually in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. There are usually no drains, recovery is quick and most patients take no narcotics.
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 facelifts 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 never be pushed out with just one suggestion. Ultimately there are pros and cons to every procedure whether it's surgery or not surgery. It should always be your choice. I have had 80 year old patients be very happy without having had any surgical procedures.
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.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photographs.

The images suggest that a short scar facelift is likely to be the most part for approach to change the balance of the volumes and contours between the lower face and the mid-face.

To understand what the short scar facelift is likely to offer and help you make a decision whether it is indeed worth it, I suggest that you should examine your facial features when you lie down completely flat versus sitting up. The appearance of the face when lying down has a lot of similarities to the deep plane short scar facelift.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

If you feel that your face does not reflect how young you feel on the inside, a facelift may be the solution to help you look and feel younger. During your consultation, your doctor will evaluate your skin texture and elasticity, as well as your underlying skin structure and your facial bone structure. Based on this evaluation, he/she will create a custom surgical plan, detailing specific techniques and recommendations to meet your goals. Your doctor should make sure you have a full understanding of what results to expect.  Always insist on a board certified surgeon!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say based on your photos alone, but it does appear that you may be a candidate for a mini lift even at your young age. The main indication for a facelift is not age, but rather skin quality, and it appears as though you are beginning to see skin laxity leading to jowling. A mini lift as performed at my practice is a less aggressive, minimally invasive version of a lower facelift that is perfect for people who are just beginning to see the appearance of jowls and loose skin. See a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation to find the best treatment option for your concerns. I hope this helps.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

A person’s age is best guessed by the appearance of their face. If you feel that your face does not reflect how young you feel inside, you may be a candidate for a facelift.During your #consultation, your skin texture and elasticity, as well as your underlying skin structure and your facial bone structure will be evaluated. Based on this evaluation, your board certified plastic surgeons will create a custom surgical plan, detailing specific techniques and recommendations to meet your goals. In doing so, he or she should be sure to have a full understanding of what results you expect.If you are not a #candidate, your surgeon can make other suggestions to address your concerns and objectives.Patients who desire facial rejuvenation that is affordable, quick, and effective should consider the Lite-lift™. Like the Life-Style™ facelift, this is a modified facelift that can be performed in the office with a local anesthetic and improve signs of aging around the neck, jawbone and lower face. These procedures are not "Thread-lifts" or "String-lifts". We do not use the "barbed" sutures employed in these other lifting operations. The Lite-lift™ uses longer lasting techniques that are discussed below. Because the incisions are limited, there is less bruising, swelling and healing time for most patients. Many patients can be back to work in one to two weeks looking rested and more youthful.The best candidates for #LiteLift are patients 35-60 years old with early changes of the lower face and the neck. Older patients who cannot or do not wish to have a longer operation or general anesthetic can be improved with a Lite Lift™.Lite Lift™ surgery is individualized for each patient. The best candidates for Lite Lift™ surgery have a face and neck line beginning to sag, but whose skin has elasticity and whose bone structure is well defined and do not smoke.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi NocturnasolitudeOur Concept Facelift is less invasive than a traditional facelift and there is less scarring, bruising and swelling for a significantly quicker recovery period. This innovative procedure combines the latest surgical techniques with the use of local anaesthetic to dramatically reduce the risks associated with traditional facelifts, while significantly reducing the bruising and downtime of your recovery, from months to a matter of days. This is a combination of a SMAS lift and skin tightening that allows the procedure to have it's longevity without the trauma and invasiveness of a traditional facelift.There is minimal bruising and swelling, especially when compared to traditional faceliftsAs the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, you can go straight home following the procedureFull recovery in a matter of days rather than monthsSignificantly less risk than Facelifts performed under general anaestheticFresh, youthful and long lasting resultsGood Luck

James Chan, MD · Answer

It's important to evaluate your physical characteristics as much as consider your age.  I have had patient's in their 30s get a facelift with great results, and patients in their 80s do mini-lifts or non-surgical treatments with fine results.Based on the photos you have included, your options are either non-surgical (I would recommend Ultherapy), or a minimally invasive facelift.Talk to a facial plastic surgeon to discuss your particular interests and goals.

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

Thank you for submitting a great question and photos. Unfortunately I agree that the shape of your lower face has become quite square and jowls are starting to develop. Assuming your neck is relatively tight and not sagging, it is reasonable to consider a jawline/jowl lift. This "slightly" invasive procedure would tighten both the jawline muscles and skin to re-establish the shape you had a decade ago. Typically there would be a small incision around the front of both ears (which heals quite well). Some surgeons perform this procedure right in their office, so I would recommend consulting with a board certified PS who possibly offers the procedure under local anesthesia. Please watch the attached video for additional info. Best, Doc L.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It looks that your bonny structure and skin/muscle tone are good and do not need lifting and support. Reduction of jowls can be achieved with very conservative liposuction using small cannula.You should discuss your options with a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in facial rejuvenation after detailed clinical evaluation. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There is a lot you can do for improvement in jowls at a young age, but this may mean combination of fillers, skin tightening or neck contouring procedures.  A formal consultation would determine if you are better a candidate for neck lifting or not.  Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jowls in early thirties. Face lift?? (photos)

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