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You may not think a lot about it, but your chin, neck, and jawline factor heavily into your appearance. In fact, your neck may impact your appearance much more than your face.
A double chin can make your face look fuller than it really is. Loose neck skin and sagging jowls will make you look older than you actually are. Neckbands will draw focus downward from your face.
That’s why many men and women between the ages of 40 and 60 seek out ways to improve the appearance of their necks. While there are plenty of options available, only a surgical necklift will achieve the dramatic results that shave years off your appearance.
Types Of Neck Lines And Wrinkles
Over time, your neck can develop two distinct types of lines: horizontal lines or bands. They appear as your body’s collagen is depleted over time. Fat also accumulates in the neck, which adds to the problem. Vertical lines result from holding your head in the same position for long periods of time. Staring at a computer screen in roughly the same position all day is a primary culprit. Vertical lines go much deeper into the skin and are more difficult to correct than horizontal bands.
Treatment Options
In some cases, products like Botox or Juvederm will improve the appearance of neck lines and wrinkles. Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles, while dermal fillers add volume to lines and creases. Fractional laser treatments, or non-surgical options like microneedling or PRP therapy, will also help improve the appearance of some people’s necks. However, these treatments primarily address discoloration, not sagging and wrinkles. Liposuction removes fat from double chins, but it doesn’t tighten skin. When performed alone, it can lead to an uneven appearance.
While each of these options has some merit, a full neck lift is the gold standard among treatments for less-than-ideal neck and jaw lines.
What Is A NeckLift?
During the procedure, a cosmetic surgeon removes excess skin and tightens loose neck muscles. The surgeon will make small incisions so they can reposition and tighten the muscles in the neck. The muscles are secured with small sutures. Small incisions are made behind your ears, which means scarring is virtually nonexistent. In some cases, the surgeon will need to make a third incision on your chin.
For many people, liposuction is also a part of the neck lift procedure. Liposuction reduces the amount of fat and helps to sculpt the jawline. A smoother, more defined neck is the result.
Patients will have some bruising and swelling following the procedure and the neck area will feel tight for a few weeks. It may also feel uncomfortable to look up while you’re healing. Recovery periods vary, but most people return to normal activities within a couple of weeks of surgery. Discomfort should decrease gradually, and visible bruising usually disappears in about a week.
If you have minimal sagging in your lower face and neck, you might opt for a small incision facelift, or weekend facelift. You’ll have minimal downtime, but see immediate results in your jowls and necks.
Risk Factors
While necklifts are a generally safe procedure, there are risks associated with the surgery. Possible risks include:
- Bruising,
- Reaction to anesthesia,
- Thick scarring,
- Blood clots,
- Infection,
- Nerve injury,
- Skin loss
The Next Step
If you’re interested in having a necklift, schedule a consultation with a Brevard County cosmetic surgeon to discuss options. At Sunrise Facial and Oral Surgery, Dr. King Kim is in the unique position as both a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon. There’s simply no one better qualified to ensure a great result!
Contact our office today to take the next step. We look forward to helping you achieve a youthful, toned neckline that you can be proud to show off!
