Neck Lift & Neck Liposuction

Candidates for neck surgery range in age from teens to seniors. The modalities and procedures vary greatly depending on the exact issues the patient would like to address. Some may require only minor liposuction to achieve a more defined neckline whereas those individuals who have experienced significantly sagging over time may require more extensive lifting and tucking.

There are three distinct procedures that may performed under the heading of neck plastic surgery. Some patients may need only one of these techniques applied, while others can benefit from two or three modalities.
These procedures are:

• Neck Liposuction
• Neck Lift
• Platysmaplasty (tightening of the neck bands)

 

Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction is a common procedure for younger patients who are seeking to get rid of excess fat in the neck area but who still have good elasticity of the skin. But in combination with other neck procedures, neck liposuction can be effective for those of all ages who wish to achieve a tighter appearance in the jowl and neck area.

Neck liposuction is also applied in combination with a chin implant to create a fully defined jawline, which contributes to an overall appearance of being fit and trim.

Recent studies have highlighted the benefits of liposuction for those in older demographics who may have lost some elasticity in the skin. Assumptions about limits to liposuction due to aging skin relaxation have not been accurate. The liposuction procedure may actually create scar tissue which causes the skin to tighten.

Limits to liposuction as the only modality for tightening the neck come up when dealing with a case that has a significant amount of loose skin, colloquially called the “turkey neck.” In these cases, fat is not the primary target for the plastic surgeon who will need to perform a lift procedure in order to remove excess skin.

Some patients feel guilty that they have not been able to reduce neck fat or their “double chins” through diet. It is important to realize that neck fat below the jawline is almost impervious to traditional and safe weight loss methods. Neck liposuction can also be an excellent solution to genetically inherited neck fat.

It is important to understand the risks of neck liposuction and discuss these with your plastic surgeon to minimize an overly aggressive surgical plan. For example, the lymphatic system can be disrupted when too much neck fat is removed. Injudicious fat removal can also leave distortions and ridges that affect normal face contours. For example, if too much fat is removed near the jaw and cheek, the movement of the underlying muscles and structures may become too apparent.

It is also important to understand that while neck fat may be difficult to eliminate via diet and exercise, fat in the cheek area (the buccal fat pad) gradually reduces with age. The face tends to become more sculpted as this “baby fat” is lost.

“Youthful buccal fat removal can eventually result in a hollow, prematurely old look, so we reserve it only for people with very round faces.

 

Neck Lift

The best neck lift candidates are people who are experiencing sagging and wrinkling of the neck, which results in a loss of definition between the chin and neck. The sagging of the neck skin may be the result of aging, but neck sagging can be hereditary. Also, if you experienced significant weight loss, the skin of the neck may also sag.

A neck lift will restore a youthful, toned appearance to the muscles and skin of the chin and neck area which may be sagging or “banding” after losing elasticity. Neck lifts can also correct a double chin or heavy neck.

Neck lift incisions are hidden behind the ears. During the procedure, Dr. Goraanchi will tighten and lift sagging neck muscles while removing excess skin. After the surgery, an elastic compression bandage will be applied to the neck and head to minimize swelling. Neck lifts may be done at the same time as a face-lift surgery but can be performed independently.

Platysmaplasty (Neck Band Tightening)

Platysmaplasty is a procedure performed to tighten loose neck muscles through a small incision below the chin. The best candidates for this procedure are individuals with loose, heavy vertical neck bands. Platysmaplasty is not usually performed as a stand-alone procedure, but is often done together with a neck lift or facelift as there is often loose skin or fat that need to be addressed.

Neck Lift Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am a female who is considering buccal fat pad reduction but I am only 18. Do you think this is a good idea?

A: It is not uncommon for women to continue to experience skeletal growth into their 20s. Also, as you get older, you will notice that you will start to lose facial fat over time. It’s important that the procedure produces aesthetics results on an immediate basis but also that these results will age well over time. Even if you have a round face, it is important to consider the long-term effects of the surgery. In cases where a patient is convinced that buccal fat pad removal is for them, partial removal of these fat pads instead of complete removal should be considered. You should also get a complete consultation that takes into consideration your entire facial structure, as there may be other cosmetic procedures that will allow you to achieve your image goals.

Q: I almost have a double chin and it’s starting to both me. I am 39 years old with good skin tone and I am only slightly overweight. Can liposuction help?

A: Yes. Some of the fat from the chin and neck area can be removed with liposuction. Small incisions under the chin and earlobe are made and general anesthesia is used during the procedure. The goal is to obtain a smooth, natural contour around the chin and jaw for youthful definition.

There are some limiting factors regarding neck liposuction. The neck anatomy actually varies widely from individual to individual. Your personal neck anatomy may limit your results and the amount of neck definition that can be obtained through cosmetic surgery procedures. It is also important to allow other muscles and organs in the neck to remain intact and functional, such as the lymphatic system.

To further sharpen neck definition, you may also consider a small chin implant. This procedure can be performed at the same time as the liposuction. A platysmaplasty surgery to address the neck band muscles may also be performed at the same time to create a smooth, defined profile. A consultation complete with video imaging will give you a better understanding of the results you can achieve and which procedures would best suit your needs.

Review our FAQ page and the before and after photo gallery and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Goravanchi, call our offices at (+98) 912 038 6704.