Consider an 'internal face lift' to revive skin

When fighting off sagging facial features, it’s not always about what’s on the outside.

“Sometimes overlooked is what I call the internal face lift,” says Dr. Jim Gilmore, a triple board-certified facial and plastic cosmetic surgeon in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center whose specialty encompasses facial and reconstructive surgery. “The internal face lift employs 3-D remodeling to re-create the youthful triangle of the face.”

The technique combines midface and jaw/chin implants to counterbalance shrinking in the chin and cheeks common with aging, and liposuction or tightening of the muscles under the chin to eliminate double chins and turkey neck. The more traditional skin-tightening techniques of face lifts, and facial fillers and Botox then may be used to smooth out underlying areas.

Looseness of facial skin often is caused by shrinkage of the underlying bone, muscle and soft tissue, says Dr. Gilmore. No surgery can permanently prevent aging, but it can make the individual appear more youthful and refreshed.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/earnosethroat to learn more about clinical services in otolaryngology at UT Southwestern.

Media Contact: Russell Rian

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