I am 44 years old and beginning to see some laxity in my neck. My family says I “look fine” but I don’t like what I am beginning to see in the mirror. I would like to know the right age for a face lift. How can I choose the right procedure for me?
– Judy C., Coto de Caza

Without being able to see you in person, I will have to answer this question in the most general terms. I will begin by telling you a few words about aging and what we can do about it. Two events happen simultaneously as we age. One we have control over, and that is surface aging from things like sun exposure. You can use sun blocks, hats and sun glasses to minimize sun damage as you get older. The rest of the aging process is hereditary in nature and you cannot stop the process of beginning to look like your mother or father. Part of this process is due to a decrease in skin elasticity but most of the neck and jowl sagging we see is due to a dropping of the fatty and fascial layers under the skin. These layers are picked back up and tightened as part of any traditional or midface lift procedure. Frequently, brows will be elevated back to where they once were, or baggy eyelids will be addressed at the same operation so as to restore a sense of balance to the final result – for example, very baggy eyelids would detract from an otherwise well done face lift which gave a patient a youthful neck. Many lesser options, such as midface lifts, neck liposuctions, laser treatments, fillers and Botox injections may give a young patient the youthful look they are seeking. But if jowls are present and the neck is lax, regardless of your age, a traditional face lift may give you the most youthful and long lasting result. By way of example, I will include photos of one of our employees, Tina, who underwent a face and brow lift at age 46.

If you still have any questions about these procedures, your best bet would be to see a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon to review your options. If you would like to meet Tina or ask Dr. Bunkis any further questions about facial rejuvenation, please feel free to contact his office at 949-888-9700, or check out their web site at www.ocps.com to see further examples of facial rejuvenation patients.