Age, 37 - am I candidate for a facelift for jowls and neck & jawline? (Photos)

Question

I get Botox, so I don't have forehead wrinkles, but I feel like the rest of my face is starting to sag. I'm especially noticing my jowls, neck lines, and lack of jawline. I have high cheekbones, but I feel like that's not evident with how much my jowls are sagging. I'm only 37 but I feel like I look older.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! I don't know that a facelift is where I would recommend starting. You're at a good age to start more aggressive skin care and possibly some fillers. I think that could take years off your age without committing to a facelift. Even some resurfacing treatments could help. Good luck!

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures! 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 your specific case, due to age and based on the pictures you’ve provided, you would benefit from fillers and Botox.  You could also start laser treatments, micro needling and PRP to help build collagen and give your face a more supple look.

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 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.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Without examining you in person, it is impossible to tell exactly what procedures might best benefit you. You are young, and typically it is a good idea to try less invasive nonsurgical treatments before deciding to undergo a facelift. My recommendation is to schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and offer options (surgical and/or nonsurgical) to address your concerns and provide you with your desired results. Best of luck!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It appears that most of your problem is in neck and jowls. Anterior neck lift through a small incision underneath the chin may be a procedure to consider. In person consultation with board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in face/neck lifts is recommended. Good luck.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Everyone ages at a different rate. Some patients at 37  have more aging than those much older. It depends on numerous factors including: heredity, history of smoking, lifestyle, sun exposure, excessive exercising, underlying medical health, and significant weight loss. There are numerous options to address early aging: fillers which are temporary, micro-fat grafts which are long lasting but don't significantly elevate drooping , limited facelifts (including mid-face lifts) plus filling of the depressed areas produce the most aesthetically harmonious and longest lasting result. Each has benefits and drawbacks.

It really depends more on the extent of aging than chronological age, although 37 is certainly young for a facelift. Facelifts at a younger age have been shown to last longer in some studies and there is no limit to the number of facelifts that someone can have.

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you, physically feeling the 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 interest. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Age, 37 - am I candidate for a facelift for jowls and neck & jawline? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Neck lift

Answer: Neck lift

Answer: Age, 37 - am I candidate for a facelift for jowls and neck & jawline?

Answer: Age, 37 - am I candidate for a facelift for jowls and neck & jawline?

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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Age, 37 - am I candidate for a facelift for jowls and neck & jawline? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Neck lift

Answer: Neck lift

Answer: Age, 37 - am I candidate for a facelift for jowls and neck & jawline?

Answer: Age, 37 - am I candidate for a facelift for jowls and neck & jawline?

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.