Facial and neck soft tissue sagging is a common complaint in many patients over 40 years old. Currently, we have many methods in our toolbox that can postpone the signs of aging. These include botox, fillers and lasers/energy devices. Threadlift with special sutures may also be an option when the lower face/neck sagging is mild. This can also be a suitable method when the patient cannot afford the recovery time required for a facelift.
However, if there is too much loose, inelastic skin, a facelift with or without a necklift may be required to remove this skin. Beneath the skin is the SMAS layer, which stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system. Generally, this SMAS layer also needs to be undermined and repositioned for better longevity of results (High SMAS or deep plane techniques). Fat grafting is commonly performed simultaneously for midface rejuvenation and improvement of wrinkles.
Sutures are usually removed from day 5-7. Drain tubes are used for a few days to vacuum up any blood or fluid after surgery and aid in internal healing. Patients are usually comfortably recovered 2 to 3 months after surgery. Some numbness and firmness in the face and neck areas are expected for 6 to 9 months after surgery.
Some individuals naturally have a weak or receding chin, which may make the neck appear fuller or the nose seem more prominent. Chin augmentation can address these concerns by adding volume and projection to the chin, thus improving facial proportions. Others may have concerns such as dimpling or creases in the chin caused by the underlying mentalis (chin muscle) which can be addressed by botulinum injection.
For those seeking a non-surgical approach, dermal fillers can be strategically injected to create a more defined chin and jawline. This option provides immediate results with minimal downtime, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quick enhancement.
Fat grafting involves using one’s own fat to introduce volume to the chin and jaw. About 50% of the fat that is injected survives and lasts a lifetime. Alternatively, chin implants can be placed using a small incision within the mouth. This can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
We also offer customised 3D printed silicone chin implants (FITme) which help to optimise projection and shape as desired. A CT scan is taken of the patients face and a personalised implant can be designed and printed.
Some people may have naturally thin lips, or experience loss of volume with increasing age. Our approach to lip augmentation is focused on harmonising your lips with your facial features to produce a balanced and proportionate result. Minimally invasive methods include using fillers to enhance the lips. Besides subtly plumping up the lips, the corners of the lip can be slightly upturned by injecting filler to support this area. This is a quick office-based procedure and results generally last 12-18 months. Alternatively, one’s fat can be harvested from wherever it is redundant, processed then injected back into the lips for a more long-lasting result.
Some patients may have the appearance of a “long lip”, with an increased distance between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lips. It may also become apparent with age, due to dwindling collagen and stretching ligaments. Lip lift is a procedure that specifically addresses this issue. Typically done under local anesthesia, a bullhorn-shaped strip of skin is removed just below the nostrils, hiding the final scar there. By shortening the distance between the nose and lip, the red lip will roll outwards, creating a fuller and younger appearance.
