Neck Contouring Procedures

In the aging process, different areas of the face and neck are affected differently. Some people develop wrinkling and sun damage in their entire face and neck. Some people seem to lose facial fat, while others accumulate fat in the neck and maintain good skin tone. Others may develop more exaggerated signs of aging in their neck.

Neck rejuvenation surgery as an isolated procedure or in combination with other facial surgery can provide dramatic results. The best method to determine if a neck procedure will be successful is to have a consultation with a Dr. Applebaum where he can examine the skin tone and elasticity and make the best recommendation for a procedure.

The best candidates for neck rejuvenation are patients in good health with realistic expectations. They have good skin tone and elasticity. It is helpful if they have a fat pad under the skin and on top of the neck muscles.

What type of results can be expected from an Isolated Neck Lift?

The better the skin elasticity the better the overall results. In some cases areas of fat under the skin and muscle layers can be contoured in combination with the skin rejuvenation which can lead to dramatic results. With the presence of banding from laxity in the neck muscles a procedure can be performed which will tighten the muscles and give a contoured appearance with reestablishment of the neck chin angle.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Applebaum will discuss your goals for the surgery and explain your probable outcome of treatment. He will also help you decide which procedure or combination of procedures will best meet your cosmetic goals. You may be shown before and after treatment photographs of patients having similar conditions, and we will explain the treatment you can expect to receive. Before and after photographs may be taken of your neck to document the results.

The Procedures

Neck rejuvenation procedures are generally performed as outpatient procedures, in our surgical center. Different types of anesthesia are used depending on the procedure involved. Each procedure may be combined in order to maximize improvement.

A neck lift may be the best approach if the excess skin is significant. The skin is pulled up and back and the excess skin is removed. This provides a new, more pleasing neck and jaw line. The incisions are hidden inconspicuously behind your ears and under your chin.

There are many non-surgical options available using skin tightening procedures have demonstrated some results with improvement in the range of 15-30%. Cost is a factor in many of these technologies and multiple treatments are required.

The use of lasers for resurfacing the skin has limited benefit due to the poor healing capacity of resurfacing skin on the neck. Therefore resurfacing of the neck with a C02 or Erbium Yag Laser is limited to the upper 1/3 of the neck area.

The up and coming technology that has the most promise of improving the texture and surface appearance of the skin on the neck is the Fraxel laser treatments. This relatively new procedure requires 2-3 treatments and can be used over the entire neck and upper chest areas. Expectations must be realistic however; the patients have been pleased with the visible level of improvement.

What is the Process of Surgical Neck Lifting Procedures?

Depending on the extent of the procedure, you may have some swelling and localized bruising which can be covered with make-up. Both are generally gone within 7-14 days. A bandage will be placed underneath your chin and an elastic bandage is wrapped around your neck and head. The next morning you may remove the bandage. However, it is important that you continue to wear the elastic garment at night for 2 weeks.

Any sutures that require removal are taken out after about a week to ten days. Over the next several months, as the healing process occurs, the soft suppleness of the neck skin will return. Following your neck rejuvenation procedure, you’re pulled back and tightened neck will have a youthful, more defined profile. You may resume normal activities almost immediately. Most patients are active and going out by the next day.

To find out if you could benefit from a neck rejuvenation procedure or another cosmetic procedure, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Applebaum today.