Everyone wants to have a defined jawline and well-contoured neck, but many patients will notice sagging skin and fat deposits as they grow older. Unlike many other areas of the body, it is almost impossible to remove fat around the face and neck unless a tremendous amount of weight is lost.
Our Aging Skin
Many patients do not realize just how many forces work against their skin. Issues such as sun damage, a loss of collagen, and even gravity will begin to create loose folds of skin throughout our body. Some areas can be tightened by losing weight and gaining muscle mass, but a patient’s neck can only be changed with cosmetic procedures. For those that have recently noticed skin folds and deposits of fat around their neck, it may be time to consider a neck lift or neck liposuction.
Neck Liposuction
Neck liposuction is often carried out because of a “double chin” or pockets of fat below the jawline. Just as with many other liposuction procedures, this treatment is carried out under general anesthesia and requires at least two weeks to recover. During the day of the treatment, the patient will be put under before a small incision is made on one or both sides of their neck. A small rod is then used to suck out the pocket of fat. The entire procedure typically takes a few hours depending on how much fat is removed.
Neck Lift
A neck lift is often referred to as either a cervicoplasty or a platysmaplasty, but this is not technically correct. A cervicoplasty is the actual process of removing excess skin and “lifting” the neck while a platysmaplasty is a procedure that tightens the muscle just under the chin. During the day of the procedure, the patient will be put under with general anesthesia before one or more incisions are made alongside the jaw just under the ear. Patients often describe their neck as feeling “tight” immediately following the surgery and should expect at least two full weeks to recover.
Making the Right Decision
Every patient has their own unique needs when it comes to cosmetic treatments, and this means that everyone must schedule a consultation and carefully consider their options.
Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has extensive experience with neck lift and neck liposuction procedures. We would be happy to review your cosmetic goals and develop a customized treatment for your needs. Contact us today for a consultation.
