The appearance of the neck is influenced by many factors; sun damage, genetics, fatty deposits, muscle bands and skin laxity of aging. Many surgical procedures can provide improvement in the neck without doing a complete facelift/necklift. Additionally, the sun damage of the neck is usually treated with skincare regimens, chemical peels and lasers.

Submental Liposuction
The undesirable contour of the neck can be fuller than desired due to fatty deposits under the chin. The fat can be under the skin or under the muscle. Submental liposuction includes the infiltration of fluid, application of external ultrasonic energy, and then suctioning with very thin liposuction cannulas. The procedure takes less than one hour under twilight or local anesthesia. Postoperatively, a chin strap is worn for one week continually and an additional week at bedtime. Recovery is a few days and results are noticeable almost immediately. Risks include bruising, swelling, contour irregularities, dimpling, sensation changes, temporary motor nerve weakness, and incomplete flatting of the neck due to anatomic limitations. Results are generally extremely impressive in appropriately selected patients. Youger patients and patients who carry mostly fat in the neck are the best candidates for this procedure.

Platysmaplasty with Liposuction
The undesirable contour of the neck may be due to central neck muscle laxity as well as fatty deposits. The cervicoplasty addresses muscle laxity and fatty deposits through a combined technique of liposuction of the neck and anterior muscle plication through a submental incision (an incision under the chin). This procedure is generally not indicated when a significant amount of excess skin is present. The procedure takes about an hour with only a small scar under the chin and two small liposuction scars behind each ear. Postoperatively, a chin strap is worn for one week continually and for an additional week at bedtime. The recovery is similar to submental liposuction except usully will take longer for the neck to soften and feel normal. The risks include those for submental liposuction, but also include risk of poor scarring, thickening, recurrence of platysmal bands and skin irregularities/redundancy.

Necklift (Cervicoplasty)
The undesirable contour of the neck may be due to fatty deposits, muscle laxity of the neck and/or skin excess. This is seen most often in the aging neck. The necklift addresses each of these problems as required. The approach generally involves a small incision under the chin and limited scars around and behind the ears. This is similar to a lower facelift, but does not address the lower facial/jowl region and involves shorter scars. Liposuction is performed if necessary, muscle is tightened through both the submental and lateral incisions, and skin is removed from around the ears. The surgery takes about two hours and recovery is generally from a few days to a week. Postoperatively, a chin strap is worn for 5 to 7 days. The risks are similar to the cervicoplasty, but may also include poor scarring around the ear, ear distortions, permanent nerve injuries and skin necrosis.

Lower Facelift and Facelift
The lower facelift and full facelift include contouring of the neck as well as addressing aging in the cheeks and jowls. Pleas see section on Facelifts for more information.