The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery polled hundreds of older women about their concerns with their aging face. The top five concerns were bags under the eye, drooping eyelids, loose skin on the neck, sagging cheeks, and wrinkles. Each of those concerns can be corrected with surgical and non-surgical facial plastic procedures.
Blepharoplasty
To correct a drooping eyelid and bags under the eyes, blepharoplasty is the best solution. Depending on your complaints, eyelid lifts can be done on just the upper or lower eyelid or on both. The surgery takes between 30 to 90 minutes to complete.
With the upper eyelid, incisions are made in the eyelid crease. Fat, muscle, and skin are trimmed to restore a more youthful eyelid. On the lower eyelid, the incision is made inside the lower lid. Fat is removed or repositioned to rid the appearance of the eyelid bag.
After surgery, you may feel sore and see some swelling and bruising. Bruises take 14 to 21 days to subside. You may have issues with dry eyes and blurred vision for the first week, so have someone else available to drive you to follow-up appointments. Return to work after seven days and avoid strenuous activities for two weeks.
Botox
Since 2002, Botox Cosmetic has been a popular solution to crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. Injections of this neurotoxin relax the muscles helping to smooth the appearance of these lines and wrinkles. Injections of Botox last a few months, so you must go for additional injections three or four times a year for maintenance.
Botox Cosmetic is considered extremely safe. Visit your facial plastic surgeon for injections during a lunch break and return to work without needing any recovery time.
Dermal Fillers
For women looking for correction of other fine lines and wrinkles, including those around the mouth, dermal fillers may be a suitable option. Dermal fillers add volume to areas where fat loss is creating hollows and soften creases in the face. At The Naderi Center, choices include Juvederm (lasts up to a year), Radiesse (lasts a year or more), Restylane/Perlane (lasts 9 to 12 months), and Sculptra (lasts two years or more).
Dermal fillers are safe, effective treatments. The benefits are that they last longer than Botox, which can save you money over the years. They also treat certain facial line that Botox does not. A combination of both may also be ideal for some patients.
Facelift
Facelift surgery involves incisions made in the hairline from the temples to in front of or inside the ear, and then around the back of the ear. After removing excess fat and firming the underlying tissue, skin is draped over the new frame, excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed. You will return home the same day.
Stitches are removed after a week, but you still need a few more days to recover. After two weeks, any bruising and swelling start to subside, and you’ll be ready to go back to work. After three weeks, you can add light exercise to your daily routine. Swelling takes a month or more to fully subside. This surgery corrects loose skin on the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Neck Lift
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that tightens and improves the appearance of the neck. It’s great for removing loose skin folds that form with age and for removing excess fat. Incisions are made within the hairline and within the ear for women and in front of the ear for men.
A neck lift takes approximately two hours to complete under your choice of general or monitored anesthesia care. The best candidate for a neck lift is someone who does not have jowls and has decent bone structure of the neck.
Dr. Jessica Kulak is an aging face specialist at the Naderi Center for Rhinoplasty & Cosmetic Surgery. Her practice focuses on rejuvenating aging skin and facial features. Read more about Dr. Kulak’s training and credentials to see the expertise you receive when you make an appointment with her. With offices in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Herndon, Virginia, you can choose the location that best fits your needs and give them a call at (703) 481-0002 in Virginia or (301) 222-2020 in Maryland.
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