Contouring the Neck: Lift, Lipo, or Both?

The neck is pretty notorious for revealing a person’s age no matter what age he or she might claim. Jowls may form, hanging down on either side of the face. “Turkey wattle” is another unfortunate side effect of aging, a condition where excess skin hangs down from beneath the chin just like what’s on a turkey. Improving the contours of the neck through surgery is a great way to achieve a younger appearance and better definition. Learn more about what types of procedures could help you achieve the best results for your neck.

When Should I Consider Neck Contouring?

Neck contouring surgery is rarely medically necessary, but a very popular option for its cosmetic benefits. The neck is a delicate area of the body, often succumbing to the signs of aging faster than anywhere else. From loose skin to weak muscles, many different factors can affect the appearance of the neck in a negative way. Often, excess fat cells will accumulate beneath the chin and jaw. Gravity and age will drag the skin of the neck down, creating that unwanted turkey neck or jowls. Neck recontouring procedures focus on restoring the natural, more youthful contour to your neck and jaw.

How Do I Know If Neck Contouring Can Help Me?

Most patients seeking neck contouring procedures are looking for an anti-aging procedure to refine the look of the jaw, neck, and the underside of the chin. Even so, prospective neck contouring patients range in age, as early as their mid- to late 30s. Many factors can speed up the aging process, such as weight gain and even pregnancy.

To be considered a good candidate for any neck lift or liposuction procedure, you should be in good overall health, without any illnesses that can delay the healing process. You should also not smoke and have realistic expectations about your procedure and your expected results. To get a better idea how neck contouring procedures could benefit you, book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your personal concerns.

Is Neck Lift Surgery the Right Choice?

Neck lift surgery is designed to address multiple areas of concern regarding the aging neck. The procedure will address weakened muscles that appear as “bands” vertically along the neck. Your surgeon will tighten these muscles and create a smoother look and feel to the neck. Excess, sagging skin will also be tightened and then trimmed before your surgeon sutures the incisions closed. Any excess fat deposits can also be addressed, but large amounts of fat cells will require the addition of liposuction to the procedure.

The final results of a neck lift surgery can leave a patient looking much younger. Without your neck revealing your true age wherever you go, you may notice that you become more confident in your appearance. These positive psychological benefits can spill over into many areas of a patient’s life, from social to professional.

Is Liposuction Necessary for Neck Contouring?

When most people think of liposuction procedures, they imagine the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, or another larger area of the body. Yet, liposuction techniques are often incorporated into facial contouring procedures as well, especially if fat removal is a part of the surgery. Patients with jowls, turkey neck, and other fatty deposits around the neck and jaw may benefit from the added contouring assistance.

On its own, liposuction does not provide the multi-layer approach needed to fully recontour the neck. When added in as part of the neck lift procedure, however, it can be a very useful tool to help patients achieve their desired results.

Where Can I Consult With the Right Plastic Surgeon?

Start your neck contouring plans today. Meet with a plastic surgeon experienced in body contouringto get your very best results. Frederick G. Weniger, M.D., F.A.C.S. provides his patients with years of experience and knowledge during one-on-one consultations regarding the surgeries and nonsurgical treatments available at his practice. Dr.Weniger is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He believes good information lies at the heart of success in all of his surgeries and interactions with his patients.

To schedule a consultation for any aesthetic service or other procedures, contact the office of Weniger Plastic Surgery today at (843) 757-0123. The practice is located at 350 Fording Island Road, Suite 200, in Bluffton, South Carolina.