Mini Facelift at 41, a Good Idea?

The fullness of the jowls/jawline does great with just liposuction alone for $2500 on special. But if there is sagging as well, then a minilift with liposuction is a great procedure with dramatic results for $6,000-8500 and can all be done safely and easily under local anesthesia. Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

FaceTite can internally tighten the skin in the lower face and neck. After all the skin has been heated and contracted, we shape the neck with liposuction to give definition and remove stubborn pockets of fat. In one quick treatment, we can tighten skin, remove fat, and contour the lower face, jawline, and jowls with only a weekend of downtime.​ Keep in mind that combination approaches will give you a more significant improvement as opposed to a single procedure. I recommend getting a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

As a board-certified plastic surgeon focusing on facial aesthetics, I hear concerns like yours daily. It is very common as we age to lose fat in our face, and for the skin to become loose, resulting in a less-defined jawline. What you describe, however, is that your face has become fuller in the lower third, which (upon looking at your photos) I believe your prior “filling sessions” have not helped. You have almost no nasolabial folds, which is not a very natural look. I fear that if you have more filler injected in your cheekbone area to create a “lift,” you will only look more overfilled – and there is nothing like overfilling to make someone look older! The face, and the angles that combine to create what we think of as “beauty” in this culture, involves complex aesthetics. With just one photos, I could not give you my best thoughts, as a more dimensional representation of you would be necessary. Ideally, because this is a very big decision in your life, I would do extensive research and find three very experienced board certified plastic surgeons with whom to meet. You have probably already gotten a taste of the varied opinions that different surgeons can have just in your RealSelf posting, so do expect to receive differing opinions from the surgeons with whom you meet! I would focus on their before-and-after photos, and on whether you and the surgeon “click” and share a similar aesthetic philosophy.

A mini lift is a term that should be defined by each surgeon specific to each patient. It is really a marketing term that as the name implies, is a less involved procedure than the regular or full face lift.  Certainly a less involved customized procedure that addresses the  areas of concern can often yield good results especially in a younger healthy patient. In the early aging process, there also  non- surgical options like injectable fillers to help provide support in areas of volume loss. The choice of filler, the amount, the placement and technique are all important for good results.  Facelifts may not address certain areas of volume loss well.  Based on your photos, you are showing some volume loss around your chin area as well as some heaviness in the lower cheeks.  Judicious liposuction of the jowl area combined with conservative tightening/lifting and repositioning of the facial tissues (a mini lift if indicated by apparent tissue laxity) and some added volume around the chin should help create a more youthful and balanced appearance. It really comes down to the risk to benefit ratio, the cost and your motivation.  Mini lifts also imply less risk but that does not mean no risk. Risks should always be discussed in the context of your surgeons experience. Remember, even non-surgical treatments are not without some risk.
My best to you,
Dr. Fink

A facelift will improve your neck and jowls but you don’t show them In your photo. 41 is quite young to undergo a facelift. I’ve done only a few in my career.

Thank you for your question and for your photos. Based on your photos provided, it is rather difficult to tell. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your expectations are.