Neck Lift

A consequence of aging is sagging of the skin and neck tissues.

In any case, a double chin looks unsightly, makes the face look old, fat and sickly. Likewise, it is possible that fat accumulation is the cause of a double chin. A neck lift can greatly improve the appearance.

The neck lift
(synonym: face-neck lift) is an essential part of facelift (face lift) and for this reason it is also called lower facelift (upper facelift – forehead lift). The aim is to rejuvenate the neck by eliminating the usual signs of aging in the neck region. This extends from the tip of the chin, under the mandible (lower jaw bone) along to the area of the clavicles (collarbone) and to the M. trapezius (hood muscle) dorsal (back). Very common blemishes include double chin or turkey neck (turkey gobbler), which is caused by shortening of muscle cords and skin aging on the neck.

Indications (areas of application)

  • Wrinkles in the neck area due to loss of elasticity and tension of the skin.
  • Laxity of the platysma – loss of tension of the delicate mimic neck muscle.
  • Ptosis (descent) of the glandulae submandibularis (submandibular salivary glands).
  • Increase in submandibular adipose tissue – excess fatty tissue below the mandible.
  • Increase in retroplatysmal adipose tissue – excess adipose tissue behind the platysma.

Before surgery

You should not take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), sleeping pills or alcohol for about fourteen days before a neck lift. Both acetylsalicylic acid and other pain medications delay blood clotting and can cause unwanted bleeding. Smokers should severely limit their nicotine consumption as early as four weeks before the procedure to avoid jeopardizing wound healing.

The surgical procedure

During neck lift surgery, the skin and platysma are stretched. Depending on the extent of the procedure, a fairly long incision is usually made at the temples, retroaricularly (behind the ear) and along the hairline to the nape of the neck. For smaller corrections, an incision below the chin is sufficient. In the classic method, only the skin is prepared and stretched with a thin subcutaneous layer. To avoid a mask-like face, the so-called SMAS technique (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) can be used as an alternative. Here, not only the skin is tightened superficially, but also the deeper layers consisting of musculature, connective tissue and tendons. Excess skin and muscles can be removed.

Liposuction (fat removal; liposuction) in the neck area both sub- and epiplatysmal (under and on the platysma/neck muscle) improves the result and can effectively eliminate a double chin. In younger patients (35-40 years old), liposuction is often used in isolation, while in older patients a combination of neck lift, liposuction and platysmaplasty is successful.

Depending on the severity of the procedure, general or local anesthesia may be chosen.

After the surgery

Neck lift is an invasive procedure. Once the wounds are sutured, an elastic bandage is applied, which usually covers the entire head. In addition, thin drainage tubes may be placed behind the ears to drain wound secretions and blood. As after any cosmetic procedure, swelling may occur. Stitches can be removed after just one week. The scars fade to an inconspicuous line over time.

Benefits

A neck lift is an effective way to correct blemishes like a double chin or turkey neck and give you a younger, more beautiful appearance.