A neck lift and neck liposuction are surgical procedures that can both provide a substantial improvement in the aging neck. Patients who have only a mild to moderate amount of excess submental fat and/or jowls are good candidates for liposuction only. This requires only a single small incision under the chin to introduce the liposuction instrument. A neck lift is recommended in patients who have more substantial aging of the neck resulting in moderate to severe jowls, sagging and visible banding of the platysma muscle, and loss of skin elasticity with skin excess. This is a more invasive procedure, because more work is required. I perform a neck lift by making a small incision under the chin and also a short incision around each ear. In general, a neck lift includes removal of excess neck fat, tightening of the platysma muscle, and excision of redundant skin to achieve the desired neck contour.

Posted by William E. O'Mara Jr., M.D.