As we begin to age and our body’s ability to produce collagen weakens, our skin naturally begins to lax, slacken and sag. This is especially true for the area around the neck and jawline. A lack of jaw definition, loose neck muscles, as well as apparent horizontal lines, tend to make patients look older then they are, undermining their self confidence and leaving them eager for a permanent solution to their sagging skin and jowls. Fortunately, Elements’ Dr. Adibfar’s extensive experience and years of successful cosmetic surgeries has allowed him to perfect his individually-tailored techniques to give his patients younger looking necks that turn back the clock and make them look younger, fresh and more vibrant.
What is a neck lift?
A neck lift is a neck rejuvenation surgery that works by sharpening the jawline, tightening the neck muscles and removing any loose or excess skin. Although the name of the surgery itself makes it sound fairly straightforward, Dr. Adibfar customizes each and every surgery to the patient’s frame, skin condition, gender and age. There are a few processes to consider when performing a neck lift that collectively combine to produce the most optimal results. Some patients may only need to remove excess skin under their chins, while others may also need to stretch the neck muscles to close any apparent gaps, as well as may require an accompanied facelift. Dr. Adibfar will conduct a comprehensive consultation to establish which surgery or collective procedures will give his patient the best and most natural looking results.
A neck lift corrects the sagging muscles, loose skin, excess fat and wrinkles resulting in a tighter neck, more defined jaw line and better utilized neck muscles. The platysma muscle directly underneath the neck is made of fibers that normally come together to create the appearance of tight and youthful skin. As we get older this muscle begins to stretch and pull apart. A loose platysma muscle is partly responsible for the heaviness and sagging skin that can appear under the chin and on the neck, as well as the appearance of more apparent horizontal lines and vertical bands.
Depending on the patient’s profile and needs, Dr. Adibfar may perform spot liposuction just underneath the chin to remove any sagging skin, as well as close any gaps by stretching, connecting and securing the platysma muscle, resulting in significant lift and the appearance of tighter skin and a more contoured jawline. Addressing this muscle is especially crucial for more mature patients who lack skin elasticity and whose signs of aging are more prominent.
When performing a neck lift, small incisions are typically made just under the chin, behind the ears and around the hairline, making the appearance of scars minimal and virtually undetectable. A neck lift can be performed on patients of most age groups and for a variety of reasons. Young patients with generally good skin elasticity may also opt for a neck lift to remove the appearance of a double chin as a result of genetics. These young women and men are also great candidates and see dramatic results that help boost their confidence and make them feel better about their appearance.
What is recovery like?
Neck lift recovery is similar to that of a facelift. Typically patients will experience some bruising and swelling around the neck and top of the chest after surgery, and will resume their normal routines within one to two weeks. Although results are apparent immediately, patients are advised that full results appear gradually and are not evident until completely healed from the procedure.
Whether the natural aging process has left your neck and jawline lacking definition, or your genetics left you with excess skin under your chin and around your neck, considering a neck lift may be worthwhile if you desire stronger jaw structure, a tighter neck, more definition, or are just eager to look as young as you feel!
Click here if you’d like to learn more about Dr. Adibfar and see the remarkable Before & Afters of his patients. Dr. Adibfar specializes in shaving years off the appearance of his patients by carefully and confidently performing neck lifts that are aesthetically pleasing and best of all, natural looking.
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