Facial Aging
Comprehensive solutions to reverse aging signs and restore facial vitality.
What is Facial Aging?
Facial aging is a natural, multifactorial process that affects all layers of the face: skin, fat, muscle, and bone. Over time, skin loses collagen and elasticity, fat compartments shift downward, muscles weaken, and bone support resorbs, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, volume loss, and changes in facial contours.
Factors such as sun exposure, smoking, stress, genetics, and sleep quality significantly influence the speed and intensity of these changes.
Signs of Facial Aging
- Wrinkles and fine lines: Expression lines around eyes (crow's feet), forehead, and mouth
- Facial sagging: Descent of cheeks, development of nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Volume loss: Hollow cheeks, flattened temples, thinning lips
- Drooping eyelids: Excess skin on upper eyelids and bags on lower eyelids
- Loss of jawline definition: Development of jowls and blurring of the facial oval
- Skin changes: Sun spots, uneven texture, enlarged pores
Treatment Options
Dr. Geldres designs a personalized rejuvenation plan based on the degree of aging:
- Facelift (rhytidectomy): The most comprehensive treatment for moderate to severe sagging. Repositions deep tissues and restores youthful contours
- Blepharoplasty: Correction of drooping eyelids and periorbital bags for a more youthful, rested look
- Facial fat transfer: Injection of the patient's own fat to restore lost volume in cheeks, temples, and lips
- Mini-lift: For patients with early aging signs seeking prevention or subtle improvement
- Neck rejuvenation: Targeted neck treatment to eliminate jowls and platysmal bands
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do signs of facial aging begin?
Early signs such as fine lines around the eyes and mild volume loss begin appearing from age 30. Significant sagging, deep nasolabial folds, and loss of jawline definition are usually noticeable from ages 40-45, though this varies greatly based on genetics and lifestyle.
What is the best treatment for facial aging?
It depends on the degree of aging and affected areas. The SMAS facelift is the most comprehensive and long-lasting treatment for moderate to severe sagging. For early signs or specific areas, options like blepharoplasty or fat transfer may be more appropriate. Dr. Geldres will evaluate your case and recommend the optimal plan.
Do facelift results look natural?
Yes. The modern SMAS facelift techniques Dr. Geldres uses work on the deep layers of the face, achieving natural rejuvenation without the tight or "pulled" appearance associated with older techniques.
Can facial aging be prevented?
While the natural aging process cannot be stopped, it can be significantly slowed with daily sun protection, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy diet, and proper skincare. Surgical procedures restore appearance but do not halt the biological process.