Best Anti-Aging Procedures for the Lower Face and Neck
For patients seeking noticeable improvement in the appearance of the lower face, facelift remains the most popular and effective choice. In recent years there has also been an explosion in alternatives available to patients who seek to restore a youthful glow to a time-worn face and neck.
These advanced options include many new noninvasive products and techniques. Here, experienced Bay Area plastic surgeon Dr. Alexander Ereso discusses this ever-expanding array of choices.
Facelift
The facial revitalizing procedure with the longest record of success is the enduringly popular option of facelift. It addresses creases, folds and areas of droopiness by tightening subdermal muscles, tightening and trimming skin, and often removing some fat, especially along the contours of the jawline.
Neck Lift
The surgical solution for improving the appearance of the neck is commonly referred to as neck lift. It’s a term that can include several different techniques. Liposuction, platysmaplasty and cervicoplasty are the main procedures typically chosen to enhance the look of the neck.
Liposuction is the popular body contouring procedure that involves the use of a thin tube known as a cannula to suction away unwanted fat cells. Cervicoplasty focuses on removing excess skin, while platysmaplasty tightens neck muscles, eliminating the “banded” look that adds years to your appearance.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers erase creases and furrows, while adding volume and building resiliency, texture and integrity in the skin. These quick and convenient injectables trigger the production of collagen and elastin in targeted areas, refreshing subdermal layers with young cells that displace volume, fill hollows and reverse sagging. Choices include Juvéderm Volbella, Juvéderm XC, Juvéderm Ultra, Restylane, Radiesse Volumizing Filler, Belotero Balance, Bellafill, Perlane and many more.
Laser and Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is a frequently utilized surgical adjunct that when performed alone can improve contours and revolumize atrophic, aged areas of the face. However, when synergized with a facelift, fat transfer can lead to a profound improvement in the facelift result. This technique harvests excess fat from elsewhere in the body and transplants small amounts into areas along the jawline to build volume.
Laser resurfacing tightens skin by stimulating the production of collagen and gently searing away the top layer of skin. It is highly effective at improving lines, wrinkles and skin imperfections such as sun spots and minor scars. It is often used for the lower face, including the cheeks, jowls and jawline.
Other Options
Newer options include treatments that use ultrasound or radiofrequency (RF) energy to agitate deep skin layers, thereby tightening skin and stimulating collagen production. When too much volume is the concern, liposuction under the chin to the neckline can be an effective option. Kybella injections and some RF treatments can also be effective in shrinking moderate amounts of facial fat.
If you would like to learn more about facial and neck rejuvenation, schedule a personal consultation with trusted Bay Area plastic surgeon Dr. Alexander Ereso by calling (650) 964-6600, or email his Mountain View office today.
