Mini Facelift or Skin Tightening - which would be best for me? (photos)

Question

Hello, I am 30 years old, with a bmi of 17.2. I noticed that my mid face/cheeks are sagging and loose. I would like to achieve a reduction of nasal labial folds, and less downturned mouth. Do I need a mini facelift, or skin tightening?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Skin tightening devices, either RF or ultrasound-based (much like fraxel lasers), remain in the category of relatively expensive 'bells and whistles" devices whose hard science to back up their use lags woefully behind the heavy device manufacturer supporting marketing to hawk them. So, buyer beware. On the other hand, in the hands of an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist, robust HA fillers could be used, typically with immediate "Wow!" results to lift the cheeks in or,der to diminish sagging of the mid and lower face and to improve the smile lines as well as to raise and straighten the corners of the mouth--and all, if so desired, in one treatment session of about twenty minutes and with little to no significant downtime. Just make sure to vet your physician injector well and ask to see his/her personal before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. There are a few options that can help with your areas of concern. For you nasolabial folds, filler can be a great option that can be placed in the lateral cheek and in the nasolabial fold itself. Filler will help to provide volume/structure that we lose as well age, to help restore and soften the appearance of folds. For downturned mouth, neurotoxin can be a great option here as we have several muscles that “pull down” which downturns the corners of the mouth and worsens jowling. By placing neurotoxin in specific muscles, this can help to alleviate some heaviness in the lower face. Another procedure that could help is Morpheus8. This is radio-frequency microneedling that can help to rebuild collagen and tighten up the skin in areas of concern. It is best to schedule a consult with a provider who specializes in different types of procedures to better direct you treatment plan.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person consultation is always best, but based on your photo and stated goals you may want to consider fillers and Morpheus8 treatments.  HA fillers work great to soften the appearance of nasolabial folds.  If you are looking for longer lasting correction you can also consider Sculptra.  Morpheus8 treatments combine microneedling with RF technology to improve overall skin tone and texture.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest reaching out to an expert for a formal consultation. I like to recommend my patients start a combination of facial rejuvenation treatments.

1) Skincare with products and microneedling/PRP
2) PDT Light Therapy a few times per month with growth factors
3) Laser treatments like Clear + Brilliant regularly and others (Fraxel, Moxi, Viva, CO2, Erbium, Halo) a few times per year
4) Sculptra injections a few times per year for collagen production with fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse, and/or Bellafill
5) Thermage/Ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone-based Instalift threads for lifting
6) Botox every 2 to 3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest

Best, Dr. Emer.

Mini Facelift or Skin Tightening - which would be best for me? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Facial Rejuvenation -- PRP/Microneedling, Lasers, Sculptra, Thermage, Ultherapy, Botox, See an expert

Answer: Facial Rejuvenation -- PRP/Microneedling, Lasers, Sculptra, Thermage, Ultherapy, Botox, See an expert

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Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

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

Mini Facelift or Skin Tightening - which would be best for me? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Facial Rejuvenation -- PRP/Microneedling, Lasers, Sculptra, Thermage, Ultherapy, Botox, See an expert

Answer: Facial Rejuvenation -- PRP/Microneedling, Lasers, Sculptra, Thermage, Ultherapy, Botox, See an expert

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

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