If you have reached a certain age and have begun to notice loose skin in the neck area or extra fat beneath the chin, you may have attempted to remedy the issue with neck exercises or overnight creams, only to find that the results are not what you'd hoped for. While wearing turtlenecks or scarves may help to camouflage the neck, this age-old beauty trick only usually works during the winter months. Fortunately, there is a solution. Neck lift procedures can take years off of your appearance, allowing for beautiful, tightened skin and increased self-confidence. Educating yourself on neck lift procedures and discussing your options with a professional facial plastic surgeon can help you in making an informed decision on the best treatment for your particular skin care needs. 

What is a Neck Lift Procedure?

Neck lift procedures are treatments performed in order to remedy the signs of aging that take place in the neck area. Aesthetic issues that can be corrected with neck lift procedures include excess or sagging neck skin, fat below the chin and muscle banding, a condition in which the neck muscles become weakened, resulting in a "turkey neck" appearance. Depending on your specific needs, there are several options when it comes to neck lifts that range from injections to surgical procedures. When you meet with your cosmetic surgeon for a consultation, they will perform an examination and advise on the best procedure to tighten and tone your neck area. 

Neck Lift Treatment Options - Non Surgical

Two non-surgical options that can help rejuvenate the neck area are Botox injections and cosmetic fillers. Botox is often recommended for individuals who struggle with neck bands, as the injections work to hinder nerve impulses, which allows the muscles to soften and relax. When the muscles are relaxed, this helps to minimize the harsh appearance of the muscle bands. Cosmetic fillers that contain hyaluronic acid are often recommended for individuals who wish to soften vertical neck lines and tighten the skin of the neck. The filler treatments work by plumping up the affected areas, creating a smooth and supple appearance. Hyaluronic acid is an essential substance produced by the body that aids in keeping the skin and joints fluid and hydrated. As people age, the body produces less hyaluronic acid, which can lead to a loss of elasticity in the skin. During a neck rejuvenating procedure, synthetic hyaluronic acid is injected into the neck and beneath the chin. The treatment works to firm the area, smooth out wrinkles and re-hydrate the skin. 

Neck Lift Treatment Options- Surgical

Neck lift surgery procedures are ideal options for individuals with significant amounts of sagging skin in the neck area, as well as those who struggle with fatty deposits beneath the chin. The two options for neck lift surgery are traditional incision procedures and limited incision procedures. During a traditional incision procedure, the facial plastic surgeon creates an incision in the skin that starts where the sideburns end and travels around the ear to the hairline at the back of the neck. The surgeon then re-positions the neck skin, which also helps to tighten the neck muscles. If the neck contains excess fat, an additional incision may be required beneath the chin in order for the material to be suctioned out. During a limited incision procedure, incisions are typically created around the ear and do not travel to the back of the neck. Once the incisions are created, the fat in the neck is re-sculpted and the skin is re-positioned. 

A Youthful, Fresh Appearance

While there is no way to completely halt the natural aging process, the good news is that there are a variety of cosmetic solutions available that help individuals age gracefully and slow down the hands of time. Surgical and non-surgical neck lift procedures help to create a fresh and youthful outward appearance.