The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging, and a neck lift can significantly rejuvenate the appearance, restoring a youthful contour. Aging in the neck manifests through excess fat, wrinkled and lax skin, and changes in the neck platysma muscle. Here, we break down the essential steps of a neck lift, detailing how each step addresses these common issues to achieve a taut and youthful neck.

Before diving into the neck lift procedure, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the key factors that contribute to neck aging. These three factors include:

1. Excess Fat: As time goes on, fat can accumulate under the chin and around the neck, resulting in the dreaded double chin or a less defined jawline.

2. Aging, Wrinkled, and Lax Neck Skin: The natural aging process causes the skin to lose its elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging. This lack of firmness can contribute to an overall aged and tired appearance in the neck area.

3. Neck Platysma Muscle Aging: The platysma muscle, which runs from the chest to the lower jaw, can weaken and separate over time. This can cause the formation of platysma bands and a loss of the sharp cervicomental angle, which is the angle between the chin and the neck.

By addressing each of these factors during a neck lift procedure, it is possible to achieve a rejuvenated and more youthful appearance in the neck area.

Step 1: Liposuction of the Neck Fat

Procedure

1. Your board-certified plastic surgeon makes small incisions under the chin or behind the ears.

2. Tumescent solution is injected into the fat to decrease pain and bruising.

3. Typically an energy source is used to melt the fat, tighten the skin, and yield a smoother result. Dr. Burns prefers the VASER ultrasound device.

4. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted to suction out the excess fat.

5. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

Benefits

-Reduces the appearance of a double chin.
-Enhances the definition of the jawline and neck.
-Provides a smoother, more contoured neck profile.

Liposuction is especially beneficial for younger patients with good skin elasticity, as their skin can naturally contract to the new contours without needing additional skin removal.


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The next essential step in a neck lift procedure is the removal of excess skin, which is critical for achieving a smooth and youthful neck appearance. This step involves strategically placed incisions behind the ears and around the earlobes, ensuring minimal visible scarring.

Procedure

-The plastic surgeon makes incisions behind the ears and possibly under the chin.
-Excess skin is carefully trimmed away.
-The remaining skin is redraped over the neck, and the incisions are closed with sutures.
-Dr. Burns also typically tightens the lower SMAS layer to help with jawline contour and lessen the appearance of the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.  

Benefits

-Eliminates sagging and wrinkled skin.
-Restores a firmer and more youthful neck appearance.
-Improves skin elasticity and texture.

Removing the excess skin not only enhances the neck’s appearance but also complements the results of neck liposuction, providing a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

The last crucial step in a neck lift procedure involves addressing the effects of aging on the platysma muscle. As this muscle naturally ages, it can become lax and separated, leading to the formation of vertical bands that contribute to an aged and sagging neck appearance. Repairing this muscle, known as corset platysmaplasty, is essential for restoring a smooth and youthful contour to the neck.

Procedure

-An incision is made under the chin.
-The surgeon tightens the platysma muscle by suturing it together in the midline, like a corset.
-This procedure can also involve removing or repositioning a portion of the muscle to achieve the desired contour.

Benefits

-Restores the sharp cervicomental angle.
-Reduces the appearance of vertical platysma bands.
-Provides a smoother and more defined neck and jawline.

A corset platysmaplasty ensures long-lasting results by structurally supporting the neck muscles, complementing the effects of fat removal and skin tightening.

The neck lift is a powerful procedure that tackles the effects of aging in the neck area. It can be broken down into three key steps: liposuction to remove excess neck fat, the removal of sagging skin, and the repair of the neck's platysma muscle. These steps work together to create a transformed, more youthful, and visually appealing neck contour. By addressing these specific areas, patients can effectively combat the signs of aging and achieve a comprehensive rejuvenation of their neck region, ultimately enhancing their overall appearance.