PETRO
Shape & SupportIssue 04
I hate these jowls.
02 / The part you might not say out loud
Talk about the appearance you want to keep, including your expressions. Surgical technique and planning matter, but no technique guarantees a natural appearance or removes the risks of surgery.
03 / Melanie Petro, MD
I will meet with you and evaluate your face. The structure, ligaments, muscles and skin all play a role in determining the very best option.
Sometimes, a facelift is the best aesthetic option but lifestyle, downtime and medical issues can prohibit surgery. If there are non-surgical options, I will make sure you know their limitations and what to expect from them.
From my original Facelift Booklet, January 2024.
The jawline can change with tissue descent, volume changes and skin laxity. The neck may change along with it. A plan should explain which concern a lift addresses and which a skin or injectable treatment might address.
Nonsurgical treatment is not an interchangeable version of surgery. It is reasonable to choose a smaller change, wait, or choose no treatment when the recovery or tradeoffs do not fit.
Explore face and neck lifting04 / The practical part
Facelift and neck-lift options can be discussed when tissue laxity is the concern. Skin or injectable treatments have different limits; ask what each option would leave unchanged.
Plan for bruising, swelling, incision care, follow-up and activity restrictions. The time you need away from work or social plans is individual, and healing continues after you first feel ready to go out.
The result develops as swelling settles. Surgery does not stop future aging; timing is part of a decision about your health, support and goals.
Your quote should identify the procedure, surgeon’s fee, facility, anesthesia and follow-up, including what is and is not included. The full total is discussed after assessment and before you decide.
05 / Real life, in my own words
She cares enough to figure me out. To hear what I don’t say to see what I don’t see.
That’s exactly what we want to give to the people that come see us.
Watch the original reelOriginally shared 2025-05-18. A conversation about being understood, not a promise that everyone needs a facelift.
The things people ask.
From the Shape & Support series
I’ll help you connect what you see with the choices that make sense for you.
I want between-visit skin care to fit your skin, too. Bring your routine; we’ll look at it together. Skin care has a different role from changing facial structure or removing excess skin.
