Mid Facelift, Mini Lift or Fillers for Marionette Folds and Slight Jowls at 37?

The treatment of facial aging
should be individualized based on the patient’s aesthetic goals, anatomic
findings and social situation.  No
two patients are exactly alike and because of this appropriate treatment
depends on the patients specific anatomic needs.  In your case, multiple options exist for correction of your
problem.

A mini facelift would address many
of your concerns.  This procedure
would address skin laxity, jowls and nasal labial folds.  Unfortunately this would require a
surgical procedure, significant expense, a recovery period and potential
complications.

In someone who’s only 37 years old,
a temporizing maneuver might be more appropriate.  In this case, injectable fillers might represent a solution
to your problem.  This approach
would need to be repeated at intervals, but would buy time and avoid surgery in
the short term.

Consultation with a board certified
plastic surgeon would be appropriate. 
This surgeon should be able to formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

I think some liposuction along the jowls and neck and fat grafting to the mid face would be a minimally invasive approach to improve the shape and volume distribution of your face.

There are numerous options to address your concerns: fillers which are temporary, micro-fat grafts which are long lasting but don't elevate drooping that produces the "heaviness" that feel is appearing, limited facelifts plus filling of the depressed areas produce the most aesthetically harmonious and longest lasting result. Each has benefits and drawbacks.Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or
any other website who proposes to tell you what to do based on two dimensional
photos without examining you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your
desired outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons
of each operative procedure would not be in your best surgery. I would suggest
that you find a surgeon certified by the American Board
of American Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American
Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or if you live outside of the Unites States a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) that you trust and are
comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.That will allow you to make the best decision for your particular needs.Robert Singer, M.D., FACSLa Jolla,
California