What is best for deep accordion wrinkles? Mini Facelift? (Photo)

Question

I’m 53 and have deep accordion lines. It started when I was only 21, with just 1 line left of my mouth and 1 line right of my mouth. Now it’s 4 lines left, and 4 lines right. I also have dog bite scars “embedded” in the accordion wrinkles. Is it too late to do surgery on this? And what surgery is best? A mini facelift? I cannot believe subtle treatments like Sculptra make a noticeable difference. And I don’t want treatments that you have to repeat time and time again.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Your solution is a facelift and not a mini.  These are deep muscle lines which will be lessened  but not eliminated. The grooves are set in your skin over the years. Because your skin appears to have a rugged texture and may be thick, your best bet is a deep plane lift for the best pull.  Even after the lines are lessened, a skin treatment might help more using intradermal fillers, microneedling, or RF microneedling after the facelift is done.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You may be a candidate for a mini facelift to reduce the appearance of the accordion wrinkles you describe. This procedure can rejuvenate the face by tightening the underlying facial muscles and repositioning them as an anchor to support the skin. 
The refreshed and youthful results of this procedure can last for up to 8 years or more. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can conduct a thorough physical exam and suggest the best treatment option.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend fillers to soften the nasolabial folds themselves and also lift around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine Sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top and lasers, skin tightening treatments such as Thermage, Fractora, and Renuvion (J Plasma), thread lifting,  and peels to get the most conservative, natural look. I suggest seeing a facial sculpting expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A mini facelift is an excellent way to treat these lines that typically do not respond well to fillers.  You get the added benefit of a cheek lift and neck tightening as well.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Minilifts can be extremely powerful forms of lower facial lifting. It has to do with the actual technique the surgeon uses. I personally do a deep plane minilift. Deep planes are extremely powerful ways to give patients a natural but very rejuvenated appearance. We call it a minilift simply because its performed in the office setting. You look like a great candidate.

Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa

Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Because your level of the accordion deformity is rather over moderate, only full face lift would improve the results. Not a mini FL. Fee $15,000.

What is best for deep accordion wrinkles? Mini Facelift? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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