Jowling and Neck Laxity: Frequently Asked Questions
The chin and jawline are among the first areas to show signs of aging. As we age, volume loss and skin laxity cause tissues to fall, forming jowls and loose neck skin. How quickly this occurs depends on genetics and environmental factors, like smoking and sun exposure.
Dr. Anand D. Patel, Greater Milwaukee Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, offers both non-surgical and surgical options to address aging concerns for patients. He personalizes the treatment to you , determining which treatment will best achieve your goals.
What are my non-surgical options?
There are several options for adding volume, tightening skin, or improving wrinkles: medical-grade skincare, neuromodulators, dermal fillers, thread lifts, and skin heating devices (e.g., lasers). These minimally invasive treatments are limited at improving tissue laxity because they do not actually remove excess skin, which is vital to getting a sharp neck and jawline.
Is a liquid facelift worth it?
A “liquid facelift” provides a degree of facial rejuvenation using a variety of neuromodulators (e.g., Botox, Dysport) and fillers (e.g., Restylane, Radiesse) to reduce wrinkles and volumize the face. It is understandable that the smaller downtime and lower cost of non-surgical options may be appealing to patients.
However, the results are more subtle than surgery and patients should temper their expectations. Liquid lifts are best for patients experiencing the very first signs of aging (e.g., 30’s). Injectables may be less costly, but the results are short-lived. The effects of Botox/Dysport will last 3-4 months on average, while dermal fillers will last between 6 months to 1 year. Most concerning, in order to actually cause lifting of tissue, dermal fillers must be injected in great quantity. This will not only cost more but runs the risk of making the face appear overfilled.
What is a mini facelift?
The mini facelift is an in-office surgical procedure designed for those with early jowling and neck laxity. A mini lift surpasses any non-surgical treatment for patients seeking a tighter, more youthful jawline and neckline.
Am I a candidate for a mini facelift?
This procedure is ideal for someone who is not quite ready for a full facelift but requires something more than what non-surgical treatments can offer. This procedure is excellent for both men and women as it not feminizing.
What is the difference between the mini facelift vs. traditional facelift?
The mini lift targets the jawline and jowls, while the traditional facelift also addresses the mid-face and lower neck. The traditional facelift is a more significant procedure that requires a longer recovery.
Can a mini facelift be performed under local anesthesia?
Yes, this 2-3 hour procedure can be performed with local anesthesia in our office. This not only eliminates hospital and anesthesia costs but also reduces the risk of anesthesia-related complications. Our local anesthesia patients often recover better and faster.
What results can I expect?
We cannot stop aging, but we can turn back the clock from 5-10 years. And although you continue to age, you will always look better, having had the procedure.
Will I have a “windswept” look?
Rest assured, the results of your mini facelift will be natural-looking, without an overly tight or pulled appearance. Dr. Patel uses
modern deep plane facelift techniques for both the traditional facelift and mini lift procedure to elevate the tissues in a natural direction. You will still look like yourself, but younger.
Where are incisions located?
Small incisions are easily hidden within your natural contours around the ear and in the hairline. Our patients can continue to wear their hair up.
What is the recovery time for a mini lift?
The at-home downtime is 1 week for the mini facelift and 2 weeks for the traditional facelift. After 1 to 2 weeks, most of the swelling is confined to the areas around the ears and can be easily concealed with most patients. During your recovery, it is critical to rest and avoid work or social obligations. Take this time for you and avoid rushing back into normal life. Following our recovery protocol will help you get a great result.
Can I combine a mini lift with other procedures?
Yes, our patients often combine the mini facelift procedure with brow, eyelid, or even nose procedures. Combining multiple cosmetic procedures allows you to overlap the downtimes of individual procedures.
Who is best qualified to perform these procedures?
Facial plastic surgeons. They
only focus on the face and neck, which improves outcomes and reduces complications. Trust your face to a specialist. Anand D. Patel, MD, located in Brookfield, Wisconsin, is a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who has developed his unique technique of deep plane mini facelifts. He promotes a philosophy of natural-appearing and long lasting rejuvenation.
Additional questions?
Please
schedule a complimentary phone consultation with our patient coordinator to discuss additional questions you may have about the procedure.
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