A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves the contours of the neck. Neck lifts tighten sagging skin, eliminate unwanted fullness, and reduce the appearance of the muscle bands, prominent vertical muscles that stretch upwards from the collarbone. The neck is a highly visible feature that influences our overall appearance. A lithe, smooth neck projects youth and grace. Whether from aging or genetics, the various structures of the neck can undergo changes that can make us feel older or heavier than we actually are. If you find that you’ve been opting for higher collars or turtleneck sweaters and scarves to conceal a neck that doesn’t quite align with the image you wish to project, consider a neck lift.
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The platysma is the muscle that extends from each clavicle and extends to the mandible (the lower jaw). As we age, the muscle and overlying skin weaken and begin to loosen and separate. This is what leads to the dreaded “turkey neck” below the chin, and the neck banding that can give away our age.
If you’re troubled by a discrepancy between the appearance of your neck and the rest of your face, an isolated platysmaplasty may be performed. This requires a small inconspicuous incision below the chin, and occasionally behind the ears. This allows access to the inner and outer edges of the muscle. The medial (center) edges are brought together and tightened. This procedure can be performed with an isolated submental incision if the platysma laxity is minimal. If necessary, it can be performed with an incision behind the ear to help redrape the skin and pull the muscle in a lateral direction. Sagging neck skin can be lifted upwards and tightened using small incisions concealed behind the ears. (2)
Direct excision of platysma submental liposuction
Some patients have a large redundant platysma below the chin with overlying fat. For patients who wish to avoid a full facelift but want simple correction of this problem, a direct excision in the midline portion of the neck can be performed. The skin is incised with a vertical incision extending from behind the chin, the muscle approximated in the midline and submental fat is removed. A small z-plasty is placed in the skin to minimize scarring. For these patients, there is a trade-off: a midline scar that is usually inconspicuous for a dramatic change in the neck
The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia, or sedation anesthesia if the patient desires. The procedure takes less than 2 hours and the patient returns home with a chin support. Bruising varies. Return to work is possible in about one week.