What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift. However, isolated neck lifts are frequently done in younger patients who desire a more defined neckline, and in male patients who are not bothered by the appearance of their face but want improvement in the appearance of their neck. In younger patients, an incision is made below the chin, and sometimes small incisions around the earlobe are made as well. The soft tissues of the neck are then sculpted and repositioned to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline.
In men who are concerned about the aging appearance of their neck but not bothered by the appearance of their face, an incision is typically made directly over the sagging areas of skin and muscle. The muscle and fat are sculpted, and excess skin is excised. Satisfaction is high among male patients who undergo isolated direct neck lifts.
Dr. Namin’s Philosophy
Neck lift surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The ideal surgical approach depends largely on a patient’s age, anatomy, and the underlying cause of neck fullness.
For patients beyond approximately 35 to 40 years of age, neck fullness is often not simply a problem of the neck itself. As we age, gradual volume loss and descent of the facial soft tissues contribute to fullness along the jawline and neck. In these patients, treating only the neck frequently fails to address the underlying cause of aging. For this reason, Dr. Namin often recommends combining a deep plane facelift with a neck lift to restore youthful contours and achieve a more natural, balanced result.
In younger patients, however, an isolated neck lift may be an excellent option. These individuals often have a naturally full neck despite minimal facial aging. In carefully selected patients, a neck lift alone can create a more defined jawline and cervicomental angle.
Patient selection is critical. In general, Dr. Namin prefers patients undergoing an isolated neck lift to have a body mass index (BMI) of 32 or less, although each patient is evaluated individually.
During the consultation, Dr. Namin performs a comprehensive examination to determine the specific anatomical factors contributing to neck fullness. Depending on each patient’s anatomy, surgery may address one or more of the following:
- Excess fat above the platysma (supraplatysmal fat)
- Fat beneath the platysma (subplatysmal fat)
- Prominent submandibular glands
- Prominent anterior digastric muscles
- Platysma muscle laxity or banding
By tailoring the operation to each patient’s unique anatomy, the goal is to create a stronger jawline and a more youthful, balanced neck.