Several things happen simultaneously in the aging process as it affects the face. The skin stretches and loosens, which results in folds of loose skin. At the same time, fatty deposits and normal facial fat contours that give the face its natural areas of fullness and shape are lost. Even bony contours are altered and muscles become slack. In some areas, especially around the lips, mouth, and eyes, deep chiseled and grooved lines result from the breakdown of collagen elastic fibers in the skin. Loose areas are tightened in a facelift and excess skin is removed. The muscles and fatty contours that remain are returned to as close to their normal, youthful position as possible. However, the deeply grooved, chiseled lines are not improved well by lifting. They are best treated by other procedures such as lasering, chemical peeling, and filling techniques. Lost facial fatty contours are best treated with filling agents such as fat (transplanted from other areas of the body), collagen, fascia, and other natural and artificial filling materials.

Indications:

    * Overall looseness of facial and neck skin
    * Jowls
    * Deep nasolabial  & other cheek folds
    * Neck laxity with "bands" and "turkey wattle"