Is A Mini facelift My Best Option For Helping My Aging Face?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am experiencing some jowling in my lower face and my cheeks are slightly sunken. I still look okay, but tired some days. My face can seem drawn down with the mild aging. I am 51 and am trying to figure out the best solution. I am trying to decide among the following: Sculptra for my cheeks, Fat transfer to face (mainly cheeks), or a mini face lift just for the jowls. Cost is a factor, but I will consider financing. Attached is a fairly recent picture. Would you please help me with this decision. Anything you can provide information/estimate of costs would be appreciated. Thank you.

A:Thank you for your inquiry and sending your picture. You have mentioned two main areas, cheeks and jowls/jawline. In looking at the best ROE (return on effort) there is no question that the jowl tuckup procedure (aka mini facelift) would provide the greatest aesthetic benefit. This is what is creating the heaviness and drawn down appearance.  You only consider Sculpra for the cheeks if surgery is not going to be an option. Fat injections is still a surgical procedure and would be done during a minim facelift so fat injections done alone seems the least likely of the options you have mentioned.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana