One of the most common complaints patients express about their appearance is the neck. The neck is one of the most visible areas in the body and its loss of shape and contour is a telltale sign of age.
With weight gain, there can be fat deposits below the chin which obscure the youthful angle of the neck (cervicomental angle). The underlying muscle (platysma) also weakens and splits into bands (platysmal bands) which contributes to the loss of neck shape and contour.
Necklift procedures typically involve an incision below the chin and behind the ear. The skin is "undermined" to allow it to move freely. The muscle is sewn tightly in the middle from the collarbone to the chin (platysma plication) and the excess skin is removed from behind the ear. Excess fat can be removed through the chin (submental) incision. This procedure is best done in conjunction with a facelift so that the youthful neck will match the face.
A less invasive way to restore a more youthful appearance to the neck is with liposuction (see above photo). The incision is less than a centimeter and is concealed below the chin. There are several methods to remove the fat including laser liposuction (Smart or SLIM liposuction), ultrasound liposuction (VASER), and traditional tumescent liposuction. After the liposuction is complete the patient wears a compression band for a few days. The recovery is very quick with minimal pain and swelling. The results are immediate and improve for up to 6 months. The skin will recontour to the underlying neck muscles to improve the shape of the neck and restore the youthful appearance of the neck.
