With normal aging, the skin begins to lose some elasticity. There is lost of fatty tissue over the cheek bones. The lines around the mouth (nasolabial folds) become more prominent. The skin often becomes loose in the cheek and jaw areas. The skin in the neck often sags.
Skin rejuvenation can give a more youthful appearance. Nonsurgical rejuvenation may be adequate for some. Nonsurgical treatments can accomplish the goal if the elasticity is mild. These treatments can consist of heat treatments such as Refirme or Thermage which promote skin tightening. Laser treatments such as Fraxel or similar lasers diminish fine lines, remove brown spots and improve acne scars. Laser like skin peels, chemical or glycolic peels along with a skin care regimens can be beneficial. Removing brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles can often take years off of one’s appearance. Botox can be combined with these treatments. Fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse and Artefill can give an immediate improvement in areas around the mouth.
For moderate to severe skin laxity, surgical procedures will give the best results. Facelifts remove the loose excess skin. Fat injections into the face along with a facelift procedure restores the youthful appearance of the cheeks. Fat injections can also be use to fill the lines around the mouth. A facelift can be performed with a neck lift or it can be performed as a separate procedure. Often, the neck skin is the most bothersome; therefore a necklift can be performed as a separate procedure. Liposuction with a method that involves heat (Vaser, Laser) can give tremendous results. Surgical results will last much longer than nonsurgical treatments. An evaluation by a plastic surgeon will help you determine which treatment is the best for you.
