Have you noticed a trend of younger people having facial work done earlier? It’s not the pulled facelift look of the past, but rather a focus on a snatched, sharp jawline. Well, it may have something to do with a “less is more” approach that features tightening the lower face and neck.
When it comes to early signs of aging, Palo Alto, CA plastic surgeon Sam P. Most, MD says the jawline and neck tend to be the first places to give away the effects of time. Whether you’re noticing less definition in a once sharp jawline or sagging across the neck, the lower quadrant of the face and the entirety of the neck are common concerns for maturing patients. “For patients who see the youthful look of their lower face and neck diminish in their late 30s to early 40s, a significant improvement can be achieved with surgery.” Ahead, Dr. Most’s advice on how and when to consider a lower facelift and necklift.
Common Aging Signs for the Lower Face and Neck
“The most common signs of aging in these areas are the descent of the midface and cheek, loss of definition of the jawline, loosening and sagging of the neck skin and ‘banding’ of the neck. We call these ‘vertical bands’ which are bands created by muscle movement that appear with age,” Dr. Most explains. “Candidates typically have sagging skin, squaring of the face on frontal view, and jowls in the face and neck area.”
For the right candidates, the lower facelift and necklift combo can significantly improve these common signs of aging and dramatically improve one’s youthful appearance.
Identifying a “Favorable Neck” for Surgery
“The ideal candidates for lower facelifts and necklifts are those who are healthy and have the identifiable features of face and neck aging that can be corrected with surgery,” Dr. Most begins. “Ideally, candidates are not overweight and have a ‘favorable’ neck, meaning that, in their youth, the jawline was clearly defined and a sharp angle existed between the chin and neck.”
Other essential factors for successful procedures include maintaining good overall health, abstaining from smoking, having realistic expectations and ensuring sufficient skin elasticity. These factors collectively contribute to smoother recoveries and more satisfactory outcomes.
Results: What to Expect
If you’re someone who fits in these qualifications, you may now be wondering what you can expect in terms of results. As Dr. Most explains, the innovations in the world of plastic surgery technology over the past several years have made it possible for patients to achieve results that are both significant and natural.
“Advancements in surgical approaches and our understanding of the anatomy have led to more natural results with well-hidden incisions,” Dr. Most explains. “Patients are coming in younger and wanting to stay looking young, rather than wait for the signs of aging to be very obvious.”
A Preventative Approach
Dr. Most explains that while electing for surgery early can help individuals delay the effects of aging, it’s still important for surgeons to use discretion when dealing with younger patients.
“Patients are coming in younger and younger,” Dr. Most begins. “As a surgeon it is important to identify who is an appropriate candidate for the surgical procedure and who can do well with nonsurgical options. When the signs of aging start to appear, some may elect to have surgery to reverse this and hold off the signs of aging for another seven to 10 years.”
Careful consideration and discretion are essential for both surgeons and patients, says Dr. Most. “Ultimately, staying ahead of the aging curve through early intervention can yield significant and long-lasting improvements,” he advises.
