With genetics, sun damage, and changes in our weight, many of us will deal with sagging skin around the face and neck at some point. Steps can be taken to slow this process, but there is very little an individual can do on their own when they notice excess skin, lines, and wrinkles on these areas of their body. For these patients, it is time to start thinking about surgical lifts.
Sagging Facial Skin
There are a few reasons that our skin will begin to sag when we grow older. In addition to losing its elasticity, much of our facial skin is not tightly connected to our bones. Patients do have a number of preventative options such as limiting their exposure to the sun, but this will only delay the inevitable. At some point, the skin will no longer be able to produce enough elastin and other proteins to prevent sagging, wrinkles, and the loss of volume.
Nonsurgical options such as fillers will only partially treat these cosmetic issues for an average of five or six months. Surgery will most likely be the only way that you can meet your cosmetic goals and enjoy your new appearance for years on end.
A Facelift
Facelifts are slightly more complicated than neck lifts because there are quite a few different approaches to this surgery. The average facelift is carried out to reduce the visibility of wrinkles and sagging skin below the eyes and above the neck.
This procedure begins with the surgeon making incisions near the patient’s ear. For most patients, this type of surgery will tone their facial skin, improve their jawline, and partially reduce the visibility of sagging skin below their chin.
A Neck Lift
A facelift can tighten sagging skin under a patient’s chin, but it is not always enough. A neck lift is specifically carried out to address excess skin and pockets of fat below the jawline.
Combining the Procedures
Treatment time and the length of healing may vary. They will also need to consult with the surgeon before engaging in any strenuous physical activity. Once the swelling has gone down and the bruising has disappeared, most patients will be able to enjoy their amazing new appearance for ten years or longer.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been looking for a solution to sagging skin, a facelift or a neck lift may be a suitable procedure for you. Contact Athena Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.