Neck

The aging of facial skin will usually co-occur with that of the skin, muscle, and fatty tissues of the neck. Sometimes the neck will appear more aged than the face. Neck rejuvenation is another powerful procedure that results in gratifying outcomes with a natural and healthy appearance. Neck rejuvenation will usually involve some combination of liposuction, platysmaplasty, and neck lifting.

The fat under the chin is often anatomically influenced by hereditary factors independent from diet and weight loss. These pockets can be sculpted and trimmed in natural-appearing ways. Furthermore, when performed in combination with the redraping of the muscle and/or sagging skin of the neck, youthful neck lines are achieved and enjoyed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for neck liposuction?

Any patient with an excess collection of fat beneath the skin of the neck is a candidate  for neck liposuction. It is often the case that younger patients reach their anticipated outcome with liposuction alone. Older patients with sagging skin and tissues will often benefit most from liposuction in combination with a surgical neck lift or platysmaplasty.

Who is a good candidate for a neck lift? 
Any patient with excess skin or muscle of the jowl and neck area is a good candidate for a neck lift. The “turkey waddle” deformity is best benefitted by a neck lift.

What is a platysmaplasty?

This is the name for a surgical procedure that involves a small incision under the chin, used to access the broad muscle of the neck. The procedure involves tightening the laxity of this muscle in directed fashion for an improved contour line  of the neck in general.

Where are neck rejuvenation procedures performed? 
Neck liposuction and some neck lifts are performed in Dr. Sparano’s procedure room. Some neck lifts or neck rejuvenation combined with other operations may be performed in an outpatient operating room setting. Neck lifts may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgical center or in a hospital.

What type of anesthesia is used for neck rejuvenation?
Neck rejuvenation procedures are performed either under local anesthesia alone or combined with sedation. Occasionally, if combined with certain other procedures, general anesthesia may be used.

Where are the incisions made for a neck lift?
The placement of the incisions will depend on your individual anatomical circumstances.  Usually the incisions consist of a very small incision under the chin, and an incision at the earlobe crease or behind the ears.

What is the recovery like after neck rejuvenation?
Depending on the combination of procedures performed on the neck, bruising and swelling can last between 1-4 weeks. Patients are instructed how to minimize bruising and swelling, and certain dressings are often used to expedite healing. Temporary numbness can occur over the first several weeks.

How much time off from my daily activities should I schedule?
Most patients return to their normal daily activities within 7-14 days.

When can I return to exercise after a neck lift?

Exercise and strenuous work or activities are restricted for 3 weeks after the surgery.