As we age, our skin loses elasticity and we lose some of the fullness in our face and cheeks. This results in wrinkles as well as saggy or droopy skin around the neck and jawline. To combat these signs of aging, many women look to plastic surgery to look younger. Luckily, there are several cosmetic procedures that can help to revitalize skin, improve your appearance, and boost your self-esteem. Before you choose to undergo plastic surgery, you should do a little bit of homework about the options that are available to you. In your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, he or she will lay out the options to address the issues you want to fix. By reading up on these options before this meeting, you will be able to have a comprehensive conversation with your doctor. Prepared with questions, together with your doctor, you will be well-equipped to make the best medical decision possible.

The following three procedures are the most common types of plastic surgery to look younger and improve the appearance of your skin.

#1: Facelift surgery

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is probably the most common type of plastic surgery for younger-looking skin. This procedure counteracts the aging process by tightening facial muscles, removing fat below the neck, and trimming excess skin. The outcome of the procedures will be a fresher face with a more rested, youthful look.  Indeed, plastic surgeons believe this procedure can reverse the aging process anywhere from 10-20 years. This procedure is most effective for patients who have sagging skin and excess fat on the lower half of the face. In other words, it can correct jowls and leave a more defined outline of your face.

Good candidates for a facelift include physically healthy individuals who do not smoke or abuse drugs or alcohol. Recovery after the procedure varies from patient to patient, depending on the number of changes made during the procedure, as well as the patient’s individual health. Overall, patients can expect to get back to regular life about two weeks after the procedure. It is important to note, however, that it can take anywhere from two to three months for the face to feel “normal” again. If you are looking for a way to tighten your skin, facelift surgery does take some time but it is a great option that can provide the results you desire.

#2: Neck lift surgery

Similar to facelift surgery, a neck lift is also a great option to achieve more youthful-looking skin. In fact, while a face lift is known as a rhytidectomy, doctors refer to a neck lift as a lower rhytidectomy. This procedure treats the following.

  • Excess fat and skin relaxation in the lower face that creates jowls
  • Excess fatty deposits under the chin
  • Loose neck skin
  • Muscle banding in the neck, which created abnormal contours

As mentioned, as we age, we lose youthful contours in the face and neck. This loss of fullness in appearance can be due to a variety of factors, including heredity, gravity, environmental conditions, and stress.

This option is great for patients who feel they are not ready for a full facelift. However, many patients who choose this option complain about excess wrinkling of the neck skin or a double chin. When your neck doesn’t seem to match the appearance of the rest of your face, a neck lift may be a good solution. Good candidates for this procedure are also physically healthy individuals who do not smoke or abuse drugs or alcohol. Recovery varies, but most patients can expect to get back to regular life anywhere from ten to 14 days after the surgery.

#3: Dermal fillers

While many people do not consider dermal fillers or injections to be plastic surgery, surgeons would disagree. One of the most important factors to the success of Botox injections is who performs the injection itself. While there are many options besides a plastic surgeon’s office to go have dermal fillers, most doctors advise against this. In fact, board-certified plastic surgeons undergo specialized training and have an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy. This makes them better equipped to administer injectables.

That said, dermal fillers, such as Botox, Juvederm, or Radiesse, are a fantastic minimally invasive option. These injections can certainly help you look younger. In fact, dermal fillers can improve your skin’s appearance in a variety of ways. Your plastic surgeon will be able to tell you which filler can achieve your specific aesthetic goals. A few of the common issues they address are as follows.

  • Diminish vertical lip lines
  • Plump & enhance the lips
  • Improve symmetry among facial features
  • Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)
  • Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples
  • Smooth out a chin crease

Dr. Anthony Berlet Can Help You

Dr. Anthony Berlet helped hundreds of patients over the course of his 20 years of experience. As a top plastic surgeon in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas, he can answer all of your questions about plastic surgery to look younger. Along with his team of experienced and caring staff, you will work together to understand your ultimate aesthetic goals. With the best outcomes possible at top of mind, Dr. Berlet can help you! To learn more about dermal fillers, our medical team, and your treatment options, contact us today!