A sagging jaw line, or turkey neck as it’s so affectionately called, is one of the more unfortunate side effects of ageing. It’s enough of a confidence killer to make you want to close down your Facebook account for good. Whether it’s genetics or a wayward lifestyle, thanks to some very clever surgeons and products there are now numerous ways to perk up your profile with, or without, the knife.
MACS Facelift
The procedure: For severe cases of jowling and sagginess, a MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) facelift might be for you. Using a vertical face-lifting technique that tightens the skin around the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck, the surgeon, after giving you a general anaesthetic, will make small, strategic incisions along the hairline or at the creases in front of the ear. Through these incisions the skin will be detached from the cheeks up to the corner of the jaw. The muscles are then tightened and lifted vertically using permanent sutures to re-suspend the structure of the face and support the sagging tissue.
‘It’s the most popular facelift because of its permanent results and minimum scarring,’ says Friday expert, Dr Maurizio Viel of London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery Gulf, Dubai. Any excess skin is then removed and the incisions are stitched up.
‘Patients may also have Vaser liposuction under the chin at the same time to remove any excess fat,’ he adds.
Suitable for: Patients in their late 30s, 40s and 50s who want to remove jowls around the chin, deep lines between the nose and mouth, and achieve overall rejuvenation.
Downtime: Healing takes around 10 days, but you can leave the clinic around two hours post-procedure. However, you will need to wear a facial garment for two days following your surgery.
Results: This has a more natural-looking result than traditional methods as it lifts vertically rather than pulling the face backwards, which creates that unwanted wind-tunnelled look. Scarring is also minimal and hidden in the hairline.
Price: From Dh40,000, but can vary from patient to patient depending on an individual’s requirements.
Doctor: Dr Maurizio Viel or Dr Roberto Viel, 04 375 2393
Super Thread Contouring
The procedure: Originating in Korea and now hugely popular across the globe, Super Thread Contouring (STC) is a highly effective, non-invasive lifting treatment that uses fully re-absorbable medical sutures (thread traditionally used for stitches) that are woven under the skin to create a support structure to lift the face and jowls. Ultra-thin threads made of biodegradable polydioxinone (PDO) are inserted under the skin via needles – similar to sewing – creating a mesh-like “architectural” structure that gives the face a “mechanical” lift and stimulates the production of collagen at the same time. The body lays down collagen around the threads over a period of six to eight months, after which the best results can be seen.
Suitable for: Candidates in their early 30s to 40s who are beginning to experience their first signs of ageing, but not severe laxity.
Downtime: ‘Bruising and swelling may occur but they’re very mild,’ Dr Viel guarantees. So downtime varies from patient to patient. Some patients go straight out to lunch, while others need anywhere between a few hours to a few days to recover.
Results: You can expect visibly lifted results instantly, and these will get better over time as circulation is increased and collagen production makes skin tighter and more toned. Thread lifts are only a short-term solution though as threads dissolve within six to 10 months.
Price: From Dh2,000 for 45-minute treatment.
Doctor: Dr Maria Khattar, Aesthetica Clinic, 04 429 8533
New-Age Facelift
The procedure: The New-Age Facelift, developed by Dr Malcolm Paul at Aesthetica Clinic in Jumeirah, takes a unique approach to a traditional lift. The goal is to achieve a more natural-looking lift by targeting muscles in the middle of the face, unlike other facelift techniques, which tend to focus on repositioning adjacent muscles near the hairline. ‘For the New-Age Facelift, I don’t just pull, but pull smart,’ explains Dr Paul. ‘Different layers of the tissue are pulled in multiple directions, because the face is complex and not uni-dimensional.
‘The SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer is adjusted to restore fullness of the cheekbones and diminish unwanted volume in the jowls.’
Suitable for: Most women over the age of 45 but this is always subject to your surgeon’s opinion. The procedure can be performed under general or local anaesthesic.
Downtime: Typically between seven and 10 days, due to swelling and bruising.
Results: You will notice an improvement in volume and a more youthful look around the cheeks, eyelids and of course the jowl area. Depending on your lifestyle these results are expected to last between five and 10 years.
Price: On consultation.
Doctor: Dr Malcolm Paul, Aesthetica Clinic, 04 429 8533
Fractora Firm
The procedure: Fractora Firm is a non-invasive way of targeting ageing skin through the use of radio frequency via a matrix of micro-pins used to tighten and firm. A hand-held device heats skin, penetrating through to the epidermis to stimulate the reformation of collagen, and contracting of the skin. This helps to improve the appearance of wrinkles, texture and skin tone. When used on a sagging neck, it results in a lifted and firmer look. The number of sessions you have depends on the surgeon’s recommendation. ‘Ideally it takes eight sessions for the best results and they should be administered over a span of four weeks,’ Dr Viel recommends.
Suitable for: Women in their mid-30s who are looking for more definition around the jawline.
Downtime: There is no downtime.
Results: You will see a moderate uplift immediately, but stronger definition can be seen from two weeks post-treatment and up to three months. Dr Viel prescribes a repeat session once every two months. ‘It helps boost results and increases lifting effect.’
Price: From Dh600 per session for one to two areas or Dh3,600 for a package of six sessions.
Doctor: Dr Maurizio Viel or Dr Roberto Viel, 04 375 2393.
Nefertiti Neck Lift
The procedure: The fastest way to see a lifted, more defined jaw line, the Nefertiti Neck Lift uses a combination of Botox and dermal fillers to tighten the loose skin around the jaw and remove jowls by filling the lost volume. An upwards lift is created when Botox is injected into the thin muscle (the platysma) that sits on the jaw line. By relaxing this muscle, the upper face becomes stronger as the muscles there now have more work to do.
Suitable for: Anyone who doesn’t like the idea of surgery, but the results vary depending on the extent of your sagging. Similar to the Nefrititi neck lift is a combination injection of fat and Botox. ‘This involves extracting fat from the adipose tissue in the patient’s lower back or abdomen. So it’s their own stem cell’s that give them definition and a luminous glow.’
Downtime: None, you can leave the clinic after the procedure.
Results: This is not a surgical facelift and therefore results will be subject to each individual, but an overall more rested appearance can be expected almost immediately. However, results will last for a limited period as the effects of Botox and temporary fillers do wear off.
Price: Approx. Dh1, 800, Lucia Aesthetic & Dermatology Center, Dubai, 04 385 4525.
The products
Don’t fancy going under the knife? Try these products instead to firm your profile
Rodial Chin and Neck Lift, Dh545, Harvey Nichols
La Mer Lifting and Firming Mask, Dh1,110, Harvey Nichols
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Face Contours and Neck Re-Support Cream 50ml, Dh57, Souq.com
Clinique CX Neck and Chest De-Aging, Dh3435, Saksfifthavenue.com
Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Total V Contouring Serum, Dh303, Clarins Boutique
