Why the face loses roundness over time and what can be done to correct it
Facial aging often results from combined factors. Over time, skin becomes less elastic and tissues progressively sag, which sometimes translates to jowls in the lower face. Facial contours change this way which change the overall appearance of the face. Fortunately, surgical techniques can restore facial harmony when aging becomes problematic.
Why the face tends to sag
When the skin is significantly thinner than it was during youth, it can’t hold and support tissues as well. Therefore, the lower face sags under the constant influence of gravity. The most noticeable aging signs for women appear at menopause, when hormones levels collapse and cause significant changes in the skin : it loses elasticity and firmness. When this occurs, the shape of the face is not as well defined as it used to be, facial contours blur and sag downwards. By the time jowls have formed, facial expression is usually significantly changed : it looks sa d and tired despite feeling none of those.
What is recommended to correct these changes ?
In order to correct facial sagging, the surgery works on two levels : restoring tension and tone by filling in lost volumes in the lower third of the face. In order to achieve this result, surgeons usually perform a facelift combined with facial fat grafting if necessary.
Each detail of the procedure is decided after a thorough examination during the initial consultation.The facelift and fat grafting can both be performed during the same operation under general anesthesia. Patients opting to combine both usually stay under medical observation during the first 48H following surgery. A dressing may have to stay in place to stabilize the result, which can be seen after approximately 3 months.
