The skin along the jawline, under the chin, and along the neck can sag disproportionately to the rest of the face and make you look years older. Why does this happen? The short answer is because of gravity. The long answer is this: as we age, the skin and tissue in our cheeks drop and end up in our jowls. Visibly, this causes puffy, droopy skin that disguises the contours of your once-sharp jawline. A lower face and neck lift thus works to restore a firmer and more sculpted appearance. This procedure does not go as high as the cheeks but instead focuses on the lower part of the face.

The Neck

Gravity isn’t the only factor working against us as we age. It’s also our own bodies. In the neck, vertical lines form so that skin looks folded and tired. The common term for this condition is turkey neck in reference to the loose skin that develops under the chin and to the neck. Two causes contribute to this condition: weak neck muscles – which happen naturally – and a loss of elasticity in the skin – also natural because of plummeting collagen levels. Smoother skin in the neck can restore a more youthful and vibrant appearance, without the dreaded turkey reference.

How It Works

A lower face and neck lift is commonly called a mini facelift. Some also call it the weekend facelift, and with good reason. It’s relatively quick, and the recovery process is much faster than that of a full facelift. But we’ll get more into that later. This procedure addresses tissue that lies beneath the skin’s surface. We work to re-suspend muscles, remove excess fat and skin, and tighten the remaining skin so that it once again skims your jawline. In effect, this surgery rewinds the hands of time.

Rejuvenate Your Face

It’s hard to explain in words what a mini facelift can do for your appearance. Yes, it tightens skin, but it also refreshes and revitalizes so you look ready to take on the world. Aging can produce a look of fatigue that persists even when you don’t feel tired. Similarly, sagging muscles can make you look like you’re frowning when you’re not. We correct this by targeting:

• Corners of the mouth
• Neck wrinkles
• Sagging skin on the neck and jawline
• Padding under the chin

The Mini Facelift Versus a Full Facelift

Aside from the fact that a mini facelift addresses only the lower part of the face – and a full facelift addresses the entire face – a significant difference between these procedures is the number of incisions involved. The former requires just two short incisions near the ears. The latter requires three longer incisions, so patients might experience slightly more scarring. The mini is never accompanied by additional procedures, such as a neck lift. It treats skin laxity without extensive surgery. Case in point, this procedure typically requires between two and three hours; a full facelift can take up to five hours. The risk for complications is significantly lower with a mini facelift, which also contributes to its growth in popularity.

Tight Is Good

The premise of a mini facelift is to raise facial muscles. This is what achieves the contoured appearance you desire, but it means you’ll likely feel tightness in your neck and along your jawline. Remember this is normal; in fact, it reflects the work we’ve done, so you can be sure the results will yield a more svelte you. Even as you feel tightness in your muscles and skin, your face will not reflect undue stretching. You’ll simply look younger, with smoother and softer skin that glides over the natural planes of your lower face. Equally important, any feeling of tightness will dissipate as you continue healing.

Results

You can expect to enjoy the results of a lower face and neck lift for up to six years. This can vary, however, depending upon such factors as genetics and environmental toxins. Some lifestyle choices you might make to prolong your results include:

• Refraining from smoking
• Limiting sun exposure
• Maintaining a healthy skincare routine
• Drinking water to keep skin hydrated

Keep in mind that every patient starts from a different point. Some have more wrinkles, some have more sag, some have more padding under the chin. This means you won’t have the same results as a friend or neighbor. What we can tell you is that our highly-regarded process is sure to leave you satisfied.

The Ideal Candidate

Typically, people start to see the effects of aging in their 40s. This is when lines, wrinkles, and sags begin to take hold. However, these signs can be evident in patients as young as 30, so the ideal candidate is simply one who wants to revive his or her appearance. This is also a great option for people who have previously had a full facelift and want a touch-up. A mini facelift is most ideally suited to men and women with light to moderate sagging. A full facelift, on the other hand, is better suited to patients with deep folds and lines. But don’t worry – this isn’t a decision you need to make alone. We’ll work with you to select the option that is best for your needs, and we’ll spend time explaining both procedures in full detail.

Look Years Younger

A lower face and neck lift can deliver truly astounding results. From a tighter jawline to a trimmer neck, you’ll look and feel years younger. But this procedure requires precision and skill. It is for this reason that we tell you to choose a provider with the knowledge necessary to deliver safe and effective results. Our staff is caring, compassionate, and highly-trained in many cosmetic therapies. We’re here to answer your questions and make your beauty goals reality. Call the team at Reflections Cosmetic Surgery Center in Cartersville, GA, and schedule your consultation today.