50s Facial Contouring: Mid-Face Malar Reduction Surgery to Lift Retaining Ligaments - Consultation Review
A patient in her 50s visited the clinic, expressing her primary concern about skin sagging. Skin sagging, a natural occurrence with aging, is a common worry for many. Particularly, sagging in the mid-face area can significantly influence the overall impression of the face.
"Specifically, it's crucial to pull up the retaining ligaments. Retaining ligaments don't lift even with a facelift."
Dr. Myungjun Oh listened attentively to the patient's concerns and explained in detail how mid-face malar reduction surgery contributes to improving skin sagging beyond just a bone surgery. He emphasized that while the lower skin doesn't sag when the mid-face is reduced, the key is to lift and fix the central retaining ligaments along with the bone. This approach is effective in addressing fundamental sagging that is difficult to resolve with conventional lifting procedures.
Pre-Surgery Considerations: Experience with Gold Thread Lifting
The patient had a history of receiving gold thread lifting at another hospital. While gold threads were visible throughout the face on CT scans, Dr. Myungjun Oh assured the patient that they would not impede the mid-face malar reduction surgery. However, the gold threads were removed from the CT images prior to surgery to allow the medical team to more clearly identify the surgical area. This meticulous process aims to enhance patient safety and surgical accuracy.
Device Procedures for Skin Elasticity Management Immediately After Surgery
While improving facial contours by lifting retaining ligaments through bone surgery is important, it is also essential to enhance skin elasticity and contract the fat layer. Dr. Myungjun Oh suggested combining device procedures such as Sofwave and Ulthera immediately after surgery to maximize skin elasticity.
- Sofwave: Promotes collagen production within the skin, contributing to overall elasticity improvement.
- Ulthera: Uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to deliver energy to deep skin layers, aiding in lifting effects.
These procedures can help prevent post-surgical skin sagging and contribute to achieving a smoother, more youthful facial contour.
Patient Concerns About Swelling and Pigmentation
The patient expressed concerns about swelling and pigmentation from bruising after surgery. Dr. Myungjun Oh provided clear answers to reassure the patient.
"Bruises won't cause pigmentation, right? No, they won't. They all eventually fade."
Post-surgical swelling tends to start subsiding from the upper areas and move downwards, becoming longer and broader. This is a natural recovery process and gradually disappears over time. Post-care programs, such as laser treatments, are actively utilized to quickly alleviate swelling and bruising.
Framing After Construction: A Metaphor for the Recovery Process
Dr. Myungjun Oh explained the post-surgical recovery process using a house construction analogy.
"When building a house, you first complete the framing, and then you proceed with the interior design, right? Now, the framing is done. It's time to start the interior design."
This analogy means that bone surgery is like the 'framing' of the face, and the subsequent skin care and recovery process are akin to 'interior design.' It suggests that if the patient approaches the recovery process with patience, they can ultimately achieve more satisfying results.
On Clinic provides optimal surgical plans and systematic post-operative care, considering each patient's individual condition and needs. We hope that patients in their 50s can also regain a younger and more vibrant face through mid-face malar reduction surgery.
Dr. Myungjun Oh, On Clinic | Last Reviewed 2024-07-30