How Do I Slim Down My Neck?

Though facelifts get a lot of attention these days, your neck also has a huge impact on your overall appearance. An otherwise youthful face can be aged considerably by a sagging, jowly neck. And sometimes even very fit or slender people can find it difficult to get rid of a stubborn double chin. Fortunately, both of these issues can be fixed quite easily by an experienced facial plastic surgeon. Let’s have a look at how this is done:

What Does A Neck Lift Involve?

Neck lifts are designed to counter the effects of aging, which can be particularly noticeable around your neck and jawline. Some common problems include jowls, double chins, and the “turkey wattle”—an unappealing area of loose skin that hangs down from the chin. Plastic surgeons can address any of these issues by making a subtle incision in the skin of your neck, removing any excess fat or skin, and then carefully sealing it back together. The whole process can take anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on how much work needs to be done.

The end result is tightened skin, a smoother and more refined jawline, and diminished neck-wrinkles. It’s worth noting that the procedure is most effective when performed by a facial plastic surgeon with plenty of relevant experience. Someone who performs many neck lifts every year will have a much better grasp of the technique and aesthetics involved than a generalist who dabbles in all types of plastic surgery.

What About Neck Liposuction?

Neck liposuction and neck lifts aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, some neck lifts involve an element of liposuction if a double chin is part of the problem. There’s an important distinction, however. Neck lifts are generally an outpatient procedure, requiring a slightly larger incision and usually performed under general anesthesia. By contrast, neck liposuction only requires local anesthesia. It removes excess fat, but isn’t as effective at addressing the loose and sagging jowls that are a common sign of aging. For that reason, neck liposuction is popular among younger patients (20–50 years old), while neck lifts are mainly popular among patients aged 40+, who are hoping to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Are There Any Other Options?

Many patients also choose to combine a neck lift with a facelift. This is often the best way to see dramatic improvements, though it’s perfectly reasonable to get one without the other.

There are so many different options out there, it’s difficult to know which procedure is best-suited to your needs without talking to an experienced facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Siegel prides himself on his approachable manner and his years of expertise. To find out more about which treatment plan might be right for you, contact him today!