M inimally invasive rejuvenation techniques have proven to be very suitable options in dealing with specific facial subunits. In contrast to the traditional face lift surgical approach that addresses the entire face, limited rejuvenation procedures, such as the resuspension of mild to moderate jawline laxity, can be of great benefit to younger patients not seeking an aggressive approach.1

The noticeable changes in the skin of the jawline evidenced in some patients in their late 30s and 40s have been successfully treated by localizing surgical interventions to a resuspension of the laxity in the jawline and neck. In this procedure, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is plicated and the excess skin is removed in order to create a well-defined
V-shape contour and cervicomental angle.

Managing Patient Expectations
It is of great importance that the patient understands the somewhat less noticeable improvements of this minimally invasive technique in contradistinction to the more aggressive face lift approach. The resuspension of mild to moderate jawline laxity will only concern itself with a specific facial subunit; the patient may require additional cosmetic procedures as tissue grows weaker with the passing of time.
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The post-operative care routine consists of cleansing the wounds before applying antibacterial ointment. Prior to and upon discharge, instruct the patient to wear a facial elastic garment 24 hours for the first day and then for next 7 days after surgery, 12 hours a day at night thereafter for a period of 3 consecutive weeks. Tell the patient not to sleep on either side and to refrain from washing the incisions for about 7 days. Schedule post-operative consultations at 1 day, 7 days and 10 days for suture removal and then 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.4

The positive post-operative results of this minimally invasive rejuvenation procedure have been well received in the appropriate patient population. Sharp jawline definition and cervicomental angle have been retained in patients observed for a period of more than 2 years. In some cases, minor swelling or “puffiness” of the preauricular area and some posterior hypertrophic changes can be effectively addressed with intralesional steroid injections.

The resuspension of the mild to moderate jawline laxity is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that, in the appropriate population, eliminates the extensive dissection and recuperation time of the standard face lift approach.

This procedure has yielded successful results at the hands of appropriately trained dermasurgeons and has allowed patients to revert minimal signs of aging with an altogether less aggressive approach.