With normal aging, the skin begins to lose some of its elasticity. There is loss of fatty tissue over the cheekbones. The lines around the mouth (nasolabial folds) become more prominent. The skin often becomes loose in the cheek and jaw areas. The skin on the neck often sags.
Skin rejuvenation can give a more youthful appearance. Non-surgical rejuvenation may be suitable for some. Non-surgical treatments can achieve the goal if the elasticity is mild. These treatments can consist of thermal treatments such as Refirme or Thermage that favor the tightening of the skin. Laser treatments like Fraxel or similar lasers diminish fine lines, remove brown spots, and improve acne scars. Laser-type skin peels, chemical or glycolic peels in conjunction with skin care regimens may be beneficial. Removing brown spots, fine lines, and wrinkles can often take years off your appearance. Botox can be combined with these treatments. Fillers like Juvederm, Radiesse, and Artefill can provide immediate improvement to areas around the mouth.
For moderate to severe skin laxity, surgical procedures will give the best results. Facelifts remove excess loose skin. Fat injections to the face in conjunction with a facelift procedure restore the youthful appearance of the cheeks. Fat injections can also be used to fill in lines around the mouth. A facelift can be performed with a neck lift, or it can be performed as a separate procedure. Often the skin on the neck is the most bothersome; therefore, a neck lift 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 non-surgical treatments. An evaluation by a plastic surgeon will help you determine which treatment is best for you.