It’s Not Just Plain Old Facial Aging Any More
Ah, the marvels of cosmetic surgery marketing. These days, some doctors take an issue that has existed for years, apply a trendy name to it, and presto! A new reason for folks to rush down to the clinic. That’s what one creative doctor did just recently: take a facial aging issue that’s been with us forever and give it a distasteful name that begs a fix: the “resting bitch face,” or RBF. The New York Post published the facial cosmetic surgery “news,” other online media outlets picked up on it, and the RBF is now a thing.
What is the RBF?
As the face ages, skin begins to sag. This is nothing new. Two main factors are at play: the weakening of the collagen/elastin foundation underneath the skin and the loss of elasticity in the skin itself. In addition, some patients have an overactive muscle structure at the side of the mouth, most notably the Depressor Anguli Oris, or DAO.
We see many patients every year in New York interested in facial cosmetic surgery for the lower part of the face, and each one has a unique combination of these and even other issues. They may say they are bothered by downturned corners of the mouth, a permanent frown, marionette lines or parentheses at the side of the mouth, a jowly jaw and more.
Treatment Options
No matter what our patients in New York say about facial cosmetic surgery in their case, we examine them very carefully and educate them thoroughly before making recommendations. The relative impact of each factor and the way they interact with each other makes every person unique.
Less invasive options may start with Botox or Dysport injections into the DAO. Relaxing this muscle may be all that’s needed to turn the corners of the mouth back up. Fillers may also be used around the sides of the mouth to help lift it, and they can also be injected into the marionette lines that come from repeated muscle action.
Injectables often work well for younger patients, and they have the added benefit of letting people see what a rejuvenated lower face can look like before considering surgery. The drawback to this approach is that treatment needs to be repeated, usually within several months.
When neurotoxins and fillers aren’t quite enough, some patients opt for a surgical lip lift. Small incisions can be made near the corners of the mouth for an upturn, and to show a little bit more lip. This minor surgical procedure is permanent and effective, provided the plastic surgeon is skilled in minimizing scarring.
For patients who are a bit older a full facelift might be the right call. Today’s modern facelift techniques—which include addressing deeper tissues under the skin and gently pulling up instead of to the side—deliver impressive, lasting improvement for the lower face. Complimentary procedures, such as surface skin treatment, neck lift and eyelid surgery, can be added as needed for a complete transformation.
Final Thoughts for You
Even if you’re only interested in non-invasive options like Botox, it’s critical to choose a highly experienced board certified plastic surgeon. The structures of the face are incredibly complex, and targeting the right tissues at the correct depth makes all the difference in achieving a natural looking outcome.
There are many more options for facial rejuvenation than we have discussed here. Depending on your unique situation, you might also benefit from cheek implants, fat transfer to strategic areas, a chin implant, liposuction of the neck and jowls or other measures we can talk about.
You can see that trying to determine which approach might be ideal for yourself is challenging. You don’t need to do that! Nor do you need to describe yourself using unflattering terms like “bitch face.” Just contact us for a consultation about facial cosmetic surgery in New York, then come in and let us know that you’re considering facial rejuvenation. We’ll take it from there!
