I’m 55 and over the last 5 years I’ve noticed a rapid change in my lower face. In what felt like a very short amount of time, I felt like I aged very quickly. I still feel young on the inside, but on the outside I have loose skin around my jaw, jowls and loose neck skin, which my father developed earlier than most so it is possibly genetic. What are my treatment options?

- patient

Dr Sharp:

The diagram above shows the normal, natural process that occurs as we age. For some, it occurs earlier than others due to lifestyle and genetic factors. The first treatment option your surgeon will discuss with you is the option of doing nothing; when considering surgery it is important to undertake treatment for yourself – not to meet the expectations of a partner, employer, friend or society in general.

As you can see from the digitally generated image above, the lower face, jawline and upper neck commonly show the first signs of ageing; jowls, folds between the nose and mouth corners, loose skin around the jawline and thinning skin around the neck. Hence it’s a common focus area for cosmetic treatments and procedures. Non surgical options for early signs of neck and jawline descent include dermal fillers, fat dissolving injections and strategic use of muscle relaxer or fillers. Surgical options include facelift (rhytidetomy/meloplasty), neck lift (platymsaplasty) or mini facelift surgery.

Injectable fillers and muscle relaxers

Dermal filler can be placed along the jawline or cheekbones to replace bone and tissue loss. Muscle relaxing injections or neuromodulators soften muscle activity that causes static and dynamic lines. Read more about these treatments here.

Submental or ‘double’ chin fat dissolving injections

We find most patients with small deposits of fat in this area require 3 treatment sessions. Fat dissolving injections are not rebatable through Medicare, as they are considered a cosmetic treatment. Click here to read more about dissolving fat. Moderate deposits of fat usually require liposuction for permanent removal.

Facelift surgery

This procedure can range from a minor procedure to remove a small amount of excess skin adjacent to the jawline – through to a full facelift with neck lift, tightening the deep underlying structures of the face and repositioning fat pads that have descended. To read more about facelift surgery please click here.

Our facelift patients range from people in their 40s through to men and women in their 70’s who are looking for a lifted appearance. Each facelift is crafted to suit the individual patient’s anatomy and desired result.

How can I determine the right treatments for my face?

Ultimately the best decision for you will be based upon a number of factors, including:

Eskin laxity in this area of your face
Enatural bone structure, jawline and chin projection
Efat deposits or fat pad loss
Ethe condition of your skin
Eyour budget and;
Emost importantly, your surgical objectives and motivations

Not sure? Book a complimentary consultation with our clinician

Call us on 07 3202 4744 if you would like to arrange a booking – or if you have any further questions you would like to discuss with us. Our team prides itself on delivering a high standard of clinical care, whether you are having non surgical treatments or surgery with us, you will always receive honest, transparent advice and plenty of information to make an informed decision about your face.

Before considering any procedure we recommend exploring the respective treatment page to learn more about the benefits, risks and recovery involved.

Ask us your facial ageing question!

Lower face ageing: what are my options? Brisbane cosmetic clinic