24 Mar How Can I Address My Aging Neck? Neck Lift vs Mini-Facelift
Does Your Neck Need Some TLC?
The cosmetic skin care industry is primarily focused on the face. Numerous serums, creams, and anti-aging solutions like fillers are available to help people look younger. While much of the focus is on the face, the neck can also show visible signs of aging. The neck has a similar texture to the face and ages at about the same speed, causing wrinkles, folds, fat deposits, and sagging skin. Over time, addressing the neck will be necessary to reverse the signs of aging. A plastic surgeon may recommend a neck lift or mini-facelift. Both can manage the aging neck in different ways and to varying degrees.
What is a neck lift?
People interested in targeting signs of aging in the upper neck and jawline may consider a surgical procedure called a neck lift. The goal is to tighten the skin while smoothing out folds, wrinkles, and other changes contributing to aging. Neck lifts can also target fat deposits under the chin, called a double chin, as well as loose skin and bands of muscle. The procedure happens under general anesthesia. The surgeon will first make incisions along the sideburns and near the ears. The skin is gently lifted, and fat and tissue are sculpted and repositioned. The surgeon then tightens and drapes the skin to give the neck a youthful appearance. Any excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is stitched back in discreet locations. After several weeks of recovery, patients should begin to see fantastic results.
Aiming for a mini-facelift
More and more patients are opting for mini-facelifts to address issues with the neck. Mini-facelifts are gaining popularity thanks to smaller incisions, faster recovery, and excellent results. These procedures are also called ponytail facelifts, weekend facelifts, or superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) plication facelifts. Mini-facelifts start with making small incisions around the front of the ear, hairline, and earlobe. The skin is gently pulled up, and the underlying tissue is repositioned. Any excess skin is trimmed off, then the incisions are closed. Mini-facelifts target jowls, slight neck looseness, and sagging skin around the chin.
Which procedure is best?
For minor cases of sagging skin near the chin and upper neck, a mini-facelift can help. However, a neck lift is better for deeper wrinkles, sagging skin, folds, and bands of tissue. Mini-facelifts are great for younger patients who are just now noticing the signs of aging. These patients do not want or need the dramatic results of a full facelift. For older patients with more detailed aging around the neck and chin, a neck lift can target these issues. The surgeon will recommend the best procedure to provide a refreshed, youthful look.
A neckline to be proud of
Both neck lifts and mini-facelifts can help define the area and improve confidence. Mini-facelifts offer a quick turnaround, smaller incisions, and a defined jawline. Neck lifts are best to address sagging skin and folds in the aging neck, providing dramatic, long-term results. No matter what procedure is selected, a younger-looking appearance is achievable.