As we age, the skin on our lower face starts to show signs of sagging. This can be due to a loss of collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep our skin firm and elastic. Gravity also plays a role, pulling the skin downwards over time. Luckily, there are several ways to lift the lower face and restore a more youthful appearance. In this article, we’ll explore four popular methods.
1. Facelift Surgery
What is a Facelift
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure. It aims to tighten the skin and underlying tissues in the lower face and neck. This surgery can reduce the appearance of jowls, sagging cheeks, and excess skin under the chin.
How Does it Work
During a facelift, the surgeon makes incisions. These incisions are usually placed in the hairline, starting from the temples and extending down around the ears. The skin is then lifted away from the underlying tissues. The surgeon may remove some excess fat and tighten the muscles in the face. After that, the excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is redraped over the newly contoured face and stitched in place.
The Recovery Process
Recovery from a facelift takes time. Right after the surgery, you’ll have swelling and bruising. You may need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling. You’ll need to take it easy for the first few days. Avoid strenuous activities and bending over, as these can increase swelling. In the first week, you’ll likely have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to have the stitches removed. The swelling will gradually go down over the next few weeks, and the final results will become more apparent in about three to six months.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, a facelift has risks. There could be bleeding and infection at the incision sites. Nerve damage is also a possibility, which could lead to temporary or permanent numbness in parts of the face. Scarring is another thing to consider. Although the incisions are placed in hidden areas, some scarring will be visible. In rare cases, there could be problems with the healing of the skin, such as skin necrosis where a part of the skin dies due to poor blood supply.
Who is a Good Candidate
People who are in good overall health are good candidates for a facelift. Those with significant sagging of the lower face and neck, typically in their 40s to 60s, often see great results. However, smokers may not be ideal candidates as smoking can interfere with the healing process. Also, if you have underlying health conditions like heart disease or diabetes, you need to discuss with your doctor as these conditions may increase the risks associated with the surgery.
2. Thread Lift
Understanding Thread Lift
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure. It uses special threads to lift and tighten the skin. These threads are inserted under the skin to provide support and lift the sagging areas. There are different types of threads available, such as absorbable and non – absorbable threads. Absorbable threads are made of materials that the body will break down over time, while non – absorbable threads remain in the body.
The Procedure Step – by – Step
First, the area to be treated is numbed with local anesthesia. Then, the surgeon makes tiny incisions, usually less than a millimeter long. Through these incisions, the threads are inserted into the deeper layers of the skin. The threads have small barbs or cones on them. These barbs or cones catch the tissue as the threads are pulled, lifting the skin. Once the desired lift is achieved, the ends of the threads are secured.
Recovery Time and After – care
Recovery from a thread lift is much quicker compared to a facelift. You may have some mild swelling and bruising, but this usually goes away within a few days. You’ll need to avoid touching or rubbing the treated area for a few days to prevent the threads from moving. You should also avoid strenuous exercise and excessive facial expressions for a short period. Your doctor may prescribe some painkillers if you experience any discomfort.
Benefits and Drawbacks
One of the main benefits of a thread lift is that it’s minimally invasive, so there’s less downtime. It can also be a good option for people who don’t want the more extensive surgery of a facelift. However, the results of a thread lift are not as long – lasting as a facelift. The lift may start to fade after about 12 to 18 months, depending on the type of threads used and your individual metabolism. Also, in some cases, the threads may cause lumps or bumps under the skin, or they may even break.
Ideal Candidates for Thread Lift
People with mild to moderate skin sagging in the lower face are good candidates for a thread lift. If you’re looking for a quick fix and don’t want to go through the long recovery of a facelift, a thread lift could be an option. It’s also suitable for those who are not ready for more invasive procedures or have a busy lifestyle and can’t afford a long recovery period.
3. Laser Skin Resurfacing
How Laser Skin Resurfacing Works
Laser skin resurfacing uses a laser to remove the outer layers of the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process. When the outer layers are removed, the body produces new collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are essential for skin firmness. As a result, the skin becomes smoother, tighter, and more youthful – looking. There are two main types of laser skin resurfacing: ablative and non – ablative. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of the skin, while non – ablative lasers heat the deeper layers of the skin without removing the outer layer.
The Treatment Process
Before the treatment, your skin will be cleaned and a numbing cream may be applied if needed. For ablative laser resurfacing, the laser is passed over the skin in a series of pulses. Each pulse removes a thin layer of skin. The treated area may feel like a sunburn during and after the treatment. Non – ablative laser resurfacing is a bit different. The laser is also passed over the skin, but it targets the deeper layers. You may feel some warmth during this treatment. Multiple sessions may be required for both types of laser skin resurfacing, depending on the severity of your skin issues.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from ablative laser skin resurfacing takes longer. Your skin will be red and swollen, and you may have some oozing or crusting. You’ll need to keep the treated area clean and follow your doctor’s instructions on applying ointments. It can take a few weeks for the skin to fully heal. Non – ablative laser skin resurfacing has a shorter recovery time. The redness may only last for a few days. The results of laser skin resurfacing are not immediate. It takes time for the new collagen and elastin to form. You’ll start to see improvements in the skin’s texture and firmness over a few months.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects of laser skin resurfacing can include temporary changes in skin color. The treated area may become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. This usually fades over time. There’s also a risk of infection, although this is rare. In some cases, the skin may become more sensitive to the sun after the treatment. If the laser is not applied correctly, there could be scarring, but this is also uncommon when the procedure is done by a qualified professional.
Who Should Consider Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a good option for people with mild to moderate skin laxity in the lower face. It’s also great for those with acne scars, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. If you’re not a good candidate for more invasive procedures due to health reasons, laser skin resurfacing could be a viable alternative. However, if you have active skin infections or a history of poor wound healing, you may not be suitable for this treatment.
4. Injectable Fillers and Botox
Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to add volume and smooth out wrinkles. There are different types of fillers available, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen fillers, and calcium hydroxylapatite fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers are very popular as they are naturally occurring in the body and can hold a lot of water, which plumps up the skin.
The injection process is relatively quick. The areas to be treated are usually cleaned first. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the area if needed. Then, the filler is injected into the appropriate layers of the skin using a fine needle. The amount of filler injected depends on the area being treated and the desired results.
Injectable fillers can provide an immediate improvement in the appearance of the lower face. They can fill in hollow areas, smooth out nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth), and add volume to the cheeks. The results can last from several months to a few years, depending on the type of filler used. However, like any injection, there can be risks. There may be bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site. In rare cases, the filler may be injected into a blood vessel, which could cause tissue damage.
Botox
Botox is a type of injectable treatment that works by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. When injected into the muscles of the lower face, it can relax the muscles that cause wrinkles. For example, injecting Botox into the muscles around the mouth can reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines and marionette lines (the lines from the corners of the mouth downwards).
The procedure is simple. The areas to be treated are marked, and then Botox is injected into the specific muscles using a very fine needle. The amount of Botox injected is carefully calculated based on the muscle size and the desired effect. After the injection, it takes a few days for the Botox to start working. The results can last for about three to six months, after which you’ll need to have another injection to maintain the effect.
Botox has few side effects when administered correctly. Some people may experience temporary bruising, swelling, or a slight headache. In rare cases, there could be a drooping of the eyelid or mouth if the Botox spreads to nearby muscles. But this can be avoided by having the injection done by an experienced professional.
Who Can Benefit from Injectables
People with mild to moderate wrinkles and loss of volume in the lower face can benefit from injectable fillers and Botox. If you’re not ready for a surgical procedure, these injectables can provide a non – surgical option to improve your appearance. They are also suitable for those who want to see quick results with minimal downtime. However, if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the injectables, you should not have these treatments. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Botox and some types of fillers.
Conclusion
There are several ways to lift the lower face. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you depends on your individual needs, goals, and health condition. It’s always important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon before making a decision. They can assess your situation and recommend the most suitable treatment for you to achieve a more youthful and refreshed lower face appearance.
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