Facial Rejuvenation: An OverviewPlastic Surgeon Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz

Time For A Change

Wondering how to rejuvenate your face? You're not alone. Tens of millions of women and men worldwide undergo cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation every year in order to look and feel their best. Both patients and professional aesthetic specialists recognize the value of rejuvenating the facial contours to reverse aging, correct disproportion, and ultimately achieve harmony inside and out. For some, they may look in the mirror and know exactly what they would change. For others, it's more difficult to pinpoint, but they know they want a refreshed, youthful glow. We will discuss multiple ways facial rejuvenation can be achieved depending on the particular needs of each person.

Brow Lift

A brow lift, also called a forehead lift, can help to elevate the browline and upper portion of your face. By removing excess skin and tightening this area, you can eliminate wrinkles and fine lines in order to see a smoother, firmer forehead and brow area. During this procedure, very discreet incisions are made along the hairline for little visible scarring and typically very minimal downtime.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty surgery is used as part of facial rejuvenation to address the appearance of aged and sagging eyelids, both lower and upper. In the case of upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made in the crease of the eyelid, excess skin is removed, and fat deposits may be adjusted, with the goal of correcting sagging or drooping skin, wrinkles, and hooded eyes. A lower blepharoplasty is performed on the lower eyelid and is used to treat concerns such as under-eye puffiness, tear trough deformity, and loss of volume. The incision for this procedure is made along the lash line or sometimes inside the eyelid for a nearly scarless or completely scar-free result.

Otoplasty and Macrotia

Men, women, and children with macrotia, overly large or disproportionate ears, may choose to undergo otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, ear reduction, or ear pinning. While true macrotia simply refers to oversized ears, ears that protrude far out from the sides of the head can also be unflattering and embarrassing, especially for children. Otoplasty usually involves very small incisions, adjustment of cartilage, and sometimes the use of strategic sutures to reposition the ear. This procedure aims to pull the ears closer to the head so they do not project out and appear too large.

Neck Lift, Jawline Contouring, and Chin Augmentation

Moving to the lower half of the face, the neck, jawline, and chin are often some of the first areas to show aging or sun damage. To correct sagging or wrinkles in the neck, a neck lift may be used to tighten the area and bring definition back to the jawline and chin, eliminating jowls and creating a contoured appearance. Jawline contouring and chin augmentation can also be achieved via jaw implants or a chin implant, as well as liposuction under the chin to remove pockets of excess fat. In some cases, fat grafting can be used as part of facial rejuvenation to contour these areas of the face as well.

Facelift

The golden standard for overall facial rejuvenation is the facelift. The goal of the facelift is to smooth deep lines, restore volume in hollow areas, and bring an overall more youthful appearance which often takes 10 to 15 years off of the look of the face. After years of aesthetic advancements, there are many options even within the facelift category, including an upper facelift, a mid-facelift, and a lower facelift, all of which can pinpoint different areas of concern. There are also different surgical techniques, including the deep plane facelift and the vertical facelift. Some less invasive but still highly rejuvenating choices like the mini facelift or endoscopic methods mean that there is an option for just about everyone when it comes to facial rejuvenation.

Non-Surgical Facelift Options

Some patients may not quite be ready for a surgical facelift because either their signs of aging aren't significant enough or they simply aren't ready for the commitment. A great alternative is the non-surgical facelift. This technique usually uses a combination of dermal fillers, like Juvéderm or Restylane, and neuromodulators, like Botox, to eliminate wrinkles, restore volume, and contour the face for a youthful, vibrant result without the surgery. While this is a great option for those who are testing the waters of facial rejuvenation, it is not a long-term solution, and you will see more subtle results than with surgery.

Final Considerations

Along with knowing the basics of facial rejuvenation techniques in order to get a feel for what you might be seeking, it's extremely important to have a consultation with a skilled professional like board-certified Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Rodriguez-Feliz. Making the decision to undergo surgical facial rejuvenation should not be taken lightly, and an experienced and caring surgeon can help the entire process go smoothly.

By Jose Rodríguez-Feliz

August 18, 2023