RGP's Question: I want to fix my double chin! This runs in my family and I know it will only get worse. Then there are my eyelids and all the deep wrinkles around my nose and eyes, not to mention the deep folds coming down my mouth. Should I go on??!!
Before (left) and after (right) a facelift and upper and lower eyelid correction. Courtesy Photo
Dr. Freund's Answer: Thanks for your submission. Your face is a beautiful oval and your eyes are nicely almond shaped, but both have been affected more by weight than age. It also appears that you have thick skin that most likely has good elasticity. Although surgery may provide a quick fix, I'm willing to bet that a lot of your concerns can be addressed with exercise and diet.
Exercise: Believe me, I'm no personal trainer, but here's some simple guidance that can ease you into the exercise mode and get quicker results. First, always remember to balance aerobic exercise (treadmill, bicycle, running) with weight lifting. While aerobic exercise is great for cardiovascular health, weight lifting is more effective in the long run for losing weight. To start, focus on building muscle in your buttocks and thighs -- two very large muscle groups. It is also important to workout at least 4 times per week, to develop some momentum and see visible results. If you're short on time or too tired to get to the gym, try squats every time a commercial comes on TV. In a few hours, you can squeeze in an easy workout and barely move from the couch.
Diet: A few rules of thumb for you to follow.
• Always eat a healthy breakfast that has protein
• Eat healthy small snacks every 3-4 hours to keep your internal motor running
• Stay away from all processed or fried foods
• Eat slowly. It takes about 15 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you're full. It is in those 15 minutes that most people overeat. Likewise, wait 15 minutes after your main meal to have dessert. You may not want it as much if you hold off.
Facelift & Eyelid Correction: If you were to go the surgical route, the "After" photos will show you what you can expect from a facelift and an upper and lower eyelid correction. The facelift involves removing excess fat from the neck, tightening the muscles of the neck and face, and tightening the excess skin. Again, any surgery would be best after reaching a healthy body weight.
A typical facelift takes about 10 days to 3 weeks of recovery. The final result (when all the swelling is gone) can take 2-6 months. Cost $7,000-12,000. Downtime for correcting the upper and lower eyelids is 2-8 weeks and the cost is $3,000-4,500 for either upper or lower lids. Though dieting and exercise may take a little longer, it's by far less expensive option. Best of luck.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Freund, MD, FACS
The health or medical information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions.