What Procedure Can a 19 Year Old Have to Fix Sagging Cheeks or Jowls

Question

I have always had chubby cheeks and used to love them but they are now starting to sag. I realize 19 is extremely young and it seems crazy but this is something multiple people havea asked me about and it is having a very negative affect on my appearance. I look angry all of the time and just plain weird. I love that I have full cheeks but I want them lifted again rather than being so low down on my face looking like I have jowls. What can I do, minor facelift, thermage, laser? Thank you.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Often the problem in a patient who is very young with jowls may be the structure of the bones, particularly the chin, underneath the soft tissue. 

	In the rare patient, the buccal fat may be congenitally too prominent, and may be excessive even in the patient's parents and grandparents.  If that is the case, buccal fat pad reduction may be appropriate, although again this is very young to be considering such a procedure.

	Occcasionally, weight loss or submental liposuction can help.

	Pictures always help to determine which surgery, if any, would benefit you.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,I feel for you and know that something of this sort is very difficult for a person your age.  The problem is that your soft facial anatomy will change over the next few years and major surgical alteration might ultimately make you more unhappy.  Cheek implants may be something to explore at this time.  Depending on your weight, you may benefit from a program of weight loss.  Get several opinions and make sure that you are examined thoroughly and that you get the results of the examination.  Your underlying anatomy will help you to decide the best course of action whether it be now or several years from now.

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

If you have been getting comments about jowling at your young age of 19, the effect of gravity must be a significant factor along with the weight of your tissues. Weight loss could make the jowling effect worse. Elasticity is usually sufficient at this age, but there are certain conditions where this can fail prematurely, and this should be evaluated. Your age is not a deterrent to considering structural reconstruction, but do seek the opinion of several qualified surgeons before committing to any procedure. Based on your description, and without the benefit of a photo, I suspect you may be disappointed with any minimally invasive surface treatments.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

At age 19 there is probably no true sagging of the facial skin. If you were born with very flat cheeks, this can be addressed with cheek implants inserted through the gingival sulcus of the upper lip and place directly over the bone. Midfacelifts are generally not performed until people are in their 40s or 50s.

Ramtin Kassir, MD, FACS · Answer

I have not yet seen sagging cheeks in a 19 year old, so yes a photo would help define the problem.  If you've had a sudden weight loss there may be an appearance of sagging; adding volume to the face may be necessary.

	Ramtin Kassir, MD, Facial Plastic Surgeon NY, NJ

What Procedure Can a 19 Year Old Have to Fix Sagging Cheeks or Jowls

Answers (5)