Having a slim, contoured neckline is a classic indication of youth. Unfortunately, as we grow older, skin and fat can begin sagging, causing our youthful neckline to take a hit. The good news is that procedures are available to help you regain sharper definition in this area so that you look more youthful.
Fast Facts
- A facelift procedure can include neck lift surgery.
- Excess fat can be removed using neck liposuction or FaceTite.
- Scars for liposuction or FaceTite tend to be quite small and concealed.
- Over 30,000 people undergo neck lift surgery annually.
Neck lift or neck liposuction?
When we talk about neck contouring, we are usually looking at a neck lift or neck liposuction procedure. During your consultation, we will help you decide upon the best approach for your individual situation. In most cases, the neck liposuction procedure is helpful for younger patients with good skin elasticity, but with excess fat beneath their chin. Neck lift procedures tend to be the best choice for those with sagging skin and muscle laxity.
Neck Liposuction / FaceTite
This procedure is performed using a local anesthetic. Your surgeon will create a couple of very small incisions and insert a cannula into them to remove excess fat and create a more pleasing contour to your chin and neck. This can be done using liposuction alone or can be combined with FaceTite, which uses RFAL (Radio-Frequency Assisted Lipolysis) to help tighten the skin and build more collagen in the area.
You may need to wear a supportive chin strap for a few days. In less than one week, you can return to work and resume full activities in about two weeks. It is normal to experience some degree of swelling and bruising, which should resolve itself within a couple of weeks.
Neck Lift Surgery
This procedure is normally performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Your surgeon will place incisions usually behind your ears. This gives them access to the neck muscles and underlying tissues so that they can tighten the muscles and remove excess skin. You will need to wear compression headwear for a couple of weeks. This is a much more invasive procedure and will usually have you out of work for a couple of weeks. Most physicians recommend no heavy lifting or intense physical activity for six weeks.
Technology and science are changing so rapidly and new techniques are being developed to address the aging chin and neck area all the time. If you are interested in finding out more about your options, please speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon for the most up-to-date and safe procedures.
To book a consultation for any of your skincare or plastic surgery questions, contact the offices of Queen City Plastic Surgery at 704-751-4595 or use our simple online form. Our conveniently located Charlotte office welcomes patients from throughout the region and across the country.