In our weekly Post Your Face column, Dr. Robert Freund answers readers' cosmetic surgery questions, and shows them how they'd look if they underwent the enhancement. To post your own face, visit postyourface.com.

The Patient's Issue: I used to have a chin but all I have now is turkey wattle. Growing old is not for sissies.

Dr. Freund's Answer: One easy way to start improving your looks and hiding your concerns would be a new haircut. Although this is not my area of expertise, the haircut frames and highlights your face. Remember, you have a beautiful, oval shaped face but your "wattle" makes it appear longer and more rectangular. From the side view, the "wattle" makes your chin appear smaller. I would suggest you and your hairdresser come up with a cut that shapes your face and highlight your best features.

Surgically, a facelift will definitely correct your "wattle" and jowls. It will pull and lift the underlying tissue (muscle and fat) to where they were when you were younger. Bear in mind: the tissues should be pulled in a vertical direction to get the most natural results. In my experience, the soft tissue pulled horizontally toward the ear will almost always give you that overly stretched, windblown look that so many patients are wary of.

Another important component is the necklift. It appears that you have excess skin and fat plus loose muscles in the area. As long as each of these problems is addressed a necklift will define and strengthen the jawline and chin.

The cost for a facelift runs from $7,500 to $12,000 and downtime can be from 10 days to 3 weeks, depending on the amount of work performed.

Whatever you choose, rest assured you don't look your age (54) and a facelift would make you look even better. Good luck with whatever course you choose and remember that "beauty starts from within!"

Respectfully submitted,

Robert M. Freund, MD

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.