Looking at yourself in the mirror from the side, do you ever feel like your neck is sagging or has excess skin? Do you notice a disbalance between your upper and lower face? The jawline that was once defined and sharp now seems to have disappeared. If you answered yes to any of these questions, or if you have general concerns about the appearance of your neck, you may be a candidate for a neck lift.
But will this solve all your problems? The beauty world has been buzzing about a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. It states that multiple factors, including the neck, influence how your face looks overall. Therefore, addressing only one area may not achieve the desired results…or it can?
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the neck by reducing excess skin and fat, tightening muscles, and improving overall contour. This procedure can help achieve a more youthful and defined neck profile.
The surgeon typically makes incisions around the ears and under the chin to perform the procedure. They then remove excess skin and tighten the muscles if needed. Depending on your specific concerns, a neck lift can also be combined with other procedures such as a facelift or liposuction.
Usually, it’s not covered by insurance as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Therefore, make sure to discuss the cost and financing options with your surgeon beforehand.
Speaking about the health aspect, a good candidate for a neck lift is someone who is in good overall health and has realistic expectations about the outcome. The ideal age range for this procedure is between 30 and 70 years old for people who do not smoke, do not have issues with blood clotting, and are not taking certain medications.
It’s also crucial that you have realistic expectations from the procedure and understand that it cannot stop the natural aging process, and certain lifestyle habits like smoking, excessive sun exposure, and poor diet can have a negative impact on the results.
It’s also crucial to discuss the healing process and potential risks with your surgeon. This includes any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you are currently taking.
The most common question people ask is whether they can get a neck lift without a facelift. Since these two areas are closely connected and often seen as one, it’s understandable why this question comes up.
Many people believe that a well-performed neck lift also lifts the face and makes it look younger. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as the two procedures tackle different issues separately.
A neck lift can address sagging skin and muscles on the neck area, while a facelift targets wrinkles and excess skin on the lower part of the face. Therefore, if you want to improve both your neck and face appearance, it’s often recommended to combine both procedures for optimal results.
But this doesn’t mean a facelift is always necessary. If your main concern is only the appearance of your neck, a neck lift on its own can still create significant improvements and make you look more youthful.
Let’s discuss more specific cases below.
The most common conditions that make people consider a neck lift are sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle banding on the neck area. Aging or genetics can cause these issues, making a person appear heavier or older than they actually are.
People who have short necks or weak chins are especially prone to sagging skin issues. The neck has less bone structure and muscles that can support the skin; therefore, it’s easier for the skin to lose its firmness over time.
These issues result in a double chin effect when the skin under the chin is droopy and creates a line or fold. In this case, surgery can remove excess skin and tighten it to create a more defined jawline.
When the issue is only excess skin and fat on the neck, a neck lift can be enough to address it. However, if you have muscle banding or excess fat under the chin, your surgeon may recommend combining liposuction with a neck lift for the best results.
In some cases, your surgeon may suggest a mini facelift to address any remaining wrinkles and sagging on the lower face.
A neck lift can also improve the appearance of a sagging jawline. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and collagen, causing jowls or loose skin to form around the lower face area. It can also help tighten and reposition these tissues, creating a more defined jawline and reducing the appearance of jowls.
In some cases, a neck lift may not be enough to address sagging jowls fully. In these situations, a full facelift may be recommended to target the upper face and midface as well. For example, if there are also deep wrinkles and sagging cheeks, a facelift can help to address these issues in addition to the neck lift.
A common concern when it comes to neck aging is the development of a “turkey neck.” This term refers to the appearance of loose, sagging skin and wrinkles on the neck, resembling that of a turkey’s wattle.
A neck lift can greatly improve the appearance of a turkey neck by tightening and removing excess skin. If you have prominent muscle banding, your surgeon may perform a platysmaplasty to reposition and tighten the neck muscles for better results.
In some cases, a neck lift may not be enough to fully address the appearance of a turkey neck. If you have significant volume loss or deep wrinkles on your face, your surgeon may recommend combining a facelift with a neck lift for optimal results.
The deep, vertical lines that can appear on the neck are called platysmal bands. They develop as the neck muscles become more prominent due to aging and reduced elasticity.
A neck lift can help smooth out these bands by tightening and repositioning the underlying muscles. In some cases, your surgeon may recommend platysmaplasty to further enhance your appearance.
If you have significant sagging or excess skin along with platysmal banding, your surgeon may recommend combining a facelift with a neck lift for optimal results. This will not only address the appearance of the bands but also provide overall rejuvenation to the face and neck area.
Because the neck is a delicate area with many important structures, only a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon should perform treatments. That’s why we invite you to Aesthetic MdR, where double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Luis Macias specializes in facial rejuvenation procedures such as neck lifts and more!
The best part here is that Dr. Macias has a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of facial anatomy, so he will assess the need for a facelift in addition to the neck lift from the most knowledgeable standpoint. This will result in a natural, harmonious, and well-balanced outcome that looks like you – only rejuvenated.
Start your journey with trusted, personalized care.