i have a long, drawn out face. I have asked my doc about what I should do. She said I am not severe enough for a face lift yet. She has given me two sculptural treatment that have netted zero results and have cost me $1,500 so far. So I am reluctant to continue throwing more money into this solution. Would ultherapy, fat transfer, or any other method work? How long do these methods last? Thank you for any advise you can offer. Elizabeth
June 1, 2015
Answer: Late 40s...Facelift or not? Hi Elizabeth,Most women as they approach the half century mark start to show signs of mid and lower face "drooping". As a general statement, in my experience, I have found that the jawline and neck tend to age faster than the rest of the face. So if you are aging like the average woman, we would expect your lower face to show signs of sagging. If fillers did not produce any reasonable results, then we should presume that a minor surgical procedure would be a reasonable avenue to take. First off, I would consult with another facial plastic surgeon to reassess your readiness (or not) for a lower facelift. Many women in their 40s are wonderful candidates for a "mini lift" where the jowls and upper portion of the neck can be tightened to reestablish their facial shape (the recovery time would be less than a traditional facelift and the jawline result (and longevity) should be just as long as a regular facelift if performed by a seasoned surgeon). Another option would be fat grafting. If your midface (ie cheek hollows or actual cheeks) is changing and becoming thin, then placing fat in those areas may be a solid option. Fat grafting is fantastic since it is a much more permanent solution versus artificial filler. Again, I would consult with another plastic surgeon to at least get a second opinion. Best of luck to you!
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June 1, 2015
Answer: Late 40s...Facelift or not? Hi Elizabeth,Most women as they approach the half century mark start to show signs of mid and lower face "drooping". As a general statement, in my experience, I have found that the jawline and neck tend to age faster than the rest of the face. So if you are aging like the average woman, we would expect your lower face to show signs of sagging. If fillers did not produce any reasonable results, then we should presume that a minor surgical procedure would be a reasonable avenue to take. First off, I would consult with another facial plastic surgeon to reassess your readiness (or not) for a lower facelift. Many women in their 40s are wonderful candidates for a "mini lift" where the jowls and upper portion of the neck can be tightened to reestablish their facial shape (the recovery time would be less than a traditional facelift and the jawline result (and longevity) should be just as long as a regular facelift if performed by a seasoned surgeon). Another option would be fat grafting. If your midface (ie cheek hollows or actual cheeks) is changing and becoming thin, then placing fat in those areas may be a solid option. Fat grafting is fantastic since it is a much more permanent solution versus artificial filler. Again, I would consult with another plastic surgeon to at least get a second opinion. Best of luck to you!
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May 26, 2015
Answer: "My mid and lower face is falling down! What can I do???" I think your comment "sculptra treatments have netted zero results and have cost me $1,500 so far" really gives you the answer. Theoretically, you may get suggestions for facelifts, fat grafts, Ultherapy, lasers, fillers, implants, etc. However, it is clear you need to do the following.1. Either send several photographs (the surgeon can tell you which angles) to one of the trusted RealSelf surgeons for advice, or post them with your question.OR2. Seek an opinion from someone who performs surgery as well as fat grafts, fillers and uses lasers: there are many well-qualified surgeons who have experience with all of these treatments. This way, you won't all into the trap of being treated with only what the particular SPA or physician does. By doing one of these two things, you will obtain relevant advice which will allow you to take the next step.Good luck to you: there are excellent surgeons close to where you are located. Take advantage of them!Prof. Bhupendra C. K. Patel MD, FRCS
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May 26, 2015
Answer: "My mid and lower face is falling down! What can I do???" I think your comment "sculptra treatments have netted zero results and have cost me $1,500 so far" really gives you the answer. Theoretically, you may get suggestions for facelifts, fat grafts, Ultherapy, lasers, fillers, implants, etc. However, it is clear you need to do the following.1. Either send several photographs (the surgeon can tell you which angles) to one of the trusted RealSelf surgeons for advice, or post them with your question.OR2. Seek an opinion from someone who performs surgery as well as fat grafts, fillers and uses lasers: there are many well-qualified surgeons who have experience with all of these treatments. This way, you won't all into the trap of being treated with only what the particular SPA or physician does. By doing one of these two things, you will obtain relevant advice which will allow you to take the next step.Good luck to you: there are excellent surgeons close to where you are located. Take advantage of them!Prof. Bhupendra C. K. Patel MD, FRCS
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