2026-06-04
Lifting for Facial Sagging in Your 80s: Plus-Minus Lifting Effects and 1-Year Progress for Natural Changes
We introduce a case of 'Plus-Minus Lifting' to improve facial sagging and jowls, which are common concerns for seniors in their 80s. Going beyond simple thread lifting, a board-certified plastic surgeon explains in detail the principle of reducing unnecessary volume with liposuction (-) and filling sunken areas with fat grafting (+) to create a natural, non-artificial youthful line, along with an actual 1-year progress review.
Main Concerns of Facial Sagging in Your 80s: Nasolabial Folds and Jowls
Skin aging that occurs as we get older goes beyond simple skin laxity; it is accompanied by fat redistribution and changes in facial structure. For patients in their 80s in particular, marionette lines (wrinkles around the mouth) extending downwards from the corners of the mouth and sagging cheeks, commonly known as 'jowls,' are considered the biggest concerns.
The 80-something female patient in the case we are introducing today also visited our clinic to improve her sagging, uneven lower facial line and chin dimpling (fine wrinkles caused by overactivity of the mentalis muscle). Above all, she wanted a "natural change without looking like she had surgery," so we established a lifting plan that lowered the surgical burden while increasing morphological perfection.
What is Plus-Minus Lifting? (Liposuction + Grafting + Thread Lifting)
345 Plastic Surgery's Plus-Minus Lifting is not a lifting procedure that simply pulls the outer skin. The core of this surgery lies in 'contour refinement,' which redesigns the three-dimensional shape of the face.
- Minus (-): Reduces volume by suctioning fat from the jowl area, which bulges out and ruins the facial line.
- Plus (+): Creates a smooth curve by grafting the harvested fat into areas with lost volume, such as around the mouth or the front chin.
- Lifting: Refines the area once more with thread lifting so that the repositioned tissues settle well into place.
Because this method does not rely on excessive pulling force from the outside, it has the advantage of leaving facial expressions looking natural and not awkward after surgery.
Actual Lifting Surgery Process and Changes in an 80-Something Patient
For this patient, fat was harvested from the jowl area and grafted onto the entire mouth area and the front chin, which appeared relatively small and short. When adequate volume is created in the front chin, the excess skin naturally spreads forward.
As a result, the center of the lower face (the lower part of the face), which previously looked wide and short, was balanced, allowing us to expect an overall slimmer impression. Thread lifting was performed in parallel to refine the bulging tissues on both sides and supplement skin elasticity.
1-Year Post-Op Progress: The Secret to Long-Term Maintenance
Many people are curious about the maintenance period after lifting surgery. When comparing the 1-month and 1-year post-operative marks for the patient in this case, we can confirm that the changed lines are being maintained well.
This is because we did not simply rely on the tension of the threads, but improved the inner structure of the face itself through liposuction and fat grafting. Since the shape refined with fat does not easily change over time, a satisfactory line can be maintained for a relatively longer period compared to a standalone thread lifting procedure.
Precautions for Senior Lifting
Older age groups in their 80s and above have significantly lower skin elasticity compared to younger demographics. Therefore, if fat is removed excessively using general methods, side effects such as skin adhesion or unevenness may occur.
The key is to meticulously adjust the amount and location of fat by considering the patient's skin thickness, degree of sagging, and overall facial balance. It is essential to establish a personalized plan through sufficient consultation with medical staff who have abundant clinical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible for people in their 80s to have natural expressions after a lifting surgery?
Yes, it is entirely possible. We do not simply pull the outer skin excessively; instead, we reduce unnecessary jowl fat, fill in sunken areas to refine the contours, and then tidy up with thread lifting. This approach ensures that expressions remain natural and not awkward after surgery.
What kind of surgery is PlusMinus Lifting?
It is a surgery that combines liposuction, fat grafting, and thread lifting. Protruding jowl fat is reduced through liposuction, the harvested fat is grafted into sunken areas such as around the mouth or chin, and then the tissues are refined with thread lifting to redesign the three-dimensional shape of the face.
How long do the effects of the surgery last?
The effects last relatively longer than thread lifting alone. Because we don't solely rely on the tension of the threads but improve the internal structure of the face through liposuction and grafting, you can observe that the changed lines are well-maintained even one year after the surgery.
What should be considered when performing lifting for elderly patients in their 80s?
Care must be taken to avoid side effects such as skin adhesion or unevenness. Since the elderly have reduced skin elasticity, excessive fat removal using general methods should be avoided. The amount of fat must be finely adjusted considering the patient's skin thickness and degree of sagging.