Sagging Jowls - Is a Mid-Face Lift Needed with Lower Lift?

Thank you for your question. I have pioneered a new Concept Facelift which targets the mid and lower face (including sagging jowls and cheeks).  Concept facelifts are unique due to the ability to be able to perform the procedure under a local anaesthetic whilst delivering the same surgical result that a traditional facelift would deliver but also using a smaller scar technique as well as reducing the amount of recovery time due to the distinct lack of bruising and swelling.Concept’s approach to face lifting, is to rejuvenate your face and neck with a fresh youthful appearance, whilst avoiding the wind tunnel type appearance associated with some facelift procedures. The Concept Facelift, is well known for achieving a natural look, as there is a great deal of artistry involved in the achievement of a good facelift.The Concept Facelift allows patients to target their lower and mid face in one procedure, with seriously reduced downtime.  Best of Luck 

A mid-face lift will not address your jowls anywhere near what a lower facelift would accomplish. A prominent jowl is one of the indications for a lower facelift. The jowls and neck are what a lower facelift treats best. It does not need to be combined with a mid-face lift.

It really depends on what your ultimate goal of the procedure is. Jowls are typically treated with lower facelift. Midface lift typically repositions sagging cheek tissue.

 If you have a localized laxity of the jawline (jowls, neck bands) and your midfacial area is not deflated or descended, then a necklift alone is ok. If you do have some aging of the midface though, it is hard to complete a neck lift in a region that would benefit from lifting and tightening. The transition zone would better blend with the midface lift added - but only if you need it. Browlift may lead to a nice result, but does not impact the result of a necklift at all. It is hard to answer this question without photos.

For simplicity, I also divide the face into midface, lower and upper face when talking with patients.  For jowls alone the lower facelift or standard facelift is the best.  That being said, there are times where a midface lift is very helpful in obtaining good facelift results.  This is especially true in a larger or rounder face.  Your surgeon is the one evaluating your face, however.  Consider their opinion and obtain a second opinion if that is what is needed for you to be certain of your decision.  Good luck!

Dear Zsa-Zsa-

 

Generally for the most holistic and harmonious result, you should consider getting a mid and lower face lift together.  In most patients, your face may look out of proportion with a nice result around your jawline and jowls, but continued saggy skin and lower cheek pads in the mid face area.

You should do what you makes you the most comfortable and makes the most sense to you and your face.  Most patients get a face lift and neck lift to get the best overall and aesthetically pleasing result.

Your face may differ, so I would talk to your plastic surgeon about it a little more, and consider getting more opinions and consultations with other plastic surgeons in your area. 

 

 

  Of course this is impossible to answer without having photos available for review.  Nevertheless for sagging jowls, a lower facelift is the answer.  Furthermore, I think it is crucial for you to be comfortable in what you are having done.  And it is crucial for your surgeon to listen to your wants, needs, and concerns.  If he/she does not, then maybe you should get another opinion so that you are satisfied that your needs are being addressed before having this elective surgery.

At age 54, you likely have some element of midfacial descent/deflation in combination with jowls.  The hallmark of  a well performed procedure is a harmonious look; addressing the jowls without addressing the midfacial area leads to a look known a s the "lateral sweep".  A complete Facelift will address the midfacial region in addition to the jowls, jawline, and neck.  Whether or not a brow lift is indicated is more subjective and would be based on your anatomy and your desires.

if jowling is your conly concern,  a mini facelift may be sufficient.  Your surgeon will discuss what each procedure can add to your overall results.  however if your goals are limited to the jowl area, you may be able to obtain the results you want with a more limited surgery.  In my practice, I find the mini-facelift procedure able  to meet many of my patient's goals for jowling and neck lift improvement if they don't desire more extensive procedures.

Your question is a good one, and you should not proceed until you feel comfortable that you have arrived at a satisfactory plan.  Every patient (and surgeon) has a different approach.  Ask your surgeon to show you in the mirror what you will look like with the lower facelift alone, then with the lower facelift and the midface lift.  If he wants to do the midface lift to correct and/or prevent a deformity that will result from doing the lower facelift alone, take a look at the expected deformity, and decide whether or not you agree.  If your surgeon wants to add the mid face lift because he/she believes you will have dysharmony in your appearance (a young looking lower face but older looking mid face) if you have the lower facelift alone, then you should decide whether or not you want your jowls only fixed and would prefer this dysharmony, knowing it may require another later surgical procedure to correct.