A neck lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate and enhance the appearance of the neck area. As the aging process and other factors can lead to sagging skin, excess fat, and the development of a “double chin,” a neck lift aims to restore a more youthful and defined neck contour. Our neck lift in Gulf Shores can provide individuals with a refreshed neck profile.
The Aging Neck: Double Chin
& Turkey Gobbler
In most people, loose skin and fat are gradually deposited below the chin until the so-called “double chin” develops. This hanging pouch of fat and skin obliterates the ideal angle of the chin-neck profile and definitely contributes to the appearance of aging. Other people develop a “turkey gobbler” deformity, which consists of vertical bands of loose skin (and sometimes muscle) extending from the chin to the base of the neck.
Some double chins may be improved by a procedure known as submental suction-assisted lipectomy (or liposuction), wherein a small incision is made under the chin, the excess fat is removed, and the skin of the upper part of the neck is tightened as part of a cheek-neck lift. In most cases, there is negligible postoperative discomfort, and the scar is camouflaged when it matures. When the condition is extreme, other incisions (i.e., a direct midline neck incision) may be designed to obtain a better surgical result. It is rarely possible to do a neck lift without some work in the muscles and cheeks as well.
Submental lipectomy alone is not sufficient for most people over the age of forty. At least a cheek-neck facelift is required in addition to the submental dissection and suction lipectomy. This is particularly true when the face tends to sag along the jawline or when a “turkey gobbler” deformity is present.
The Neck-Lift Procedure
A neck lift, also known as a lower face lift, is a surgical procedure tailored to address specific aesthetic concerns in the neck area. A neck lift in Gulf Shores primarily focuses on rejuvenating the neck’s appearance by targeting excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity. This procedure aims to redefine the neck’s contour, eliminate the “double chin” effect, and reduce the appearance of vertical bands or wrinkles that can develop with age. However, it does not directly address issues in other facial regions like the cheeks, brows, forehead, or eyes.
A neck lift typically involves making small incisions under the chin and behind the ears, allowing the surgeon to access the underlying tissues. Excess fat is commonly removed through liposuction, while loose or sagging skin is meticulously lifted and removed. In some cases, neck muscles may also be repositioned or suspended to create a more youthful and firm neck appearance. The goal is to achieve a smoother, more defined neck contour, reduce sagging skin, and restore the natural angle between the chin and neck.
Patient Testimonials
”If I could give 10 stars I would. Over 25 years ago I walked into Dr McCollough's office for a procedure. Over the years I have returned to him. He is such an amazing man. Words can't express my gratitude for his skills, professionalism, and kindness.
-A.S.
Techniques Involved in a Neck Lift
Submental Liposuction
Submental liposuction is a vital component of many neck lift procedures. This involves the removal of excess fat from beneath the chin and along the jawline regions. To perform submental liposuction, the surgeon makes a small incision below the chin; then inserts a thin tube called a cannula to remove the undesirable fat. This process helps to eliminate the “double chin” appearance and refine the neck’s contours, resulting in a more youthful neck profile. Submental liposuction is particularly effective in cases where the primary concern is the accumulation of fatty tissue beneath the chin.
Cheek-Neck Lift
A cheek lift is often performed in conjunction with a neck lift to comprehensively address a patient’s facial aging concerns. This technique involves making incisions around the ears and potentially along the hairline. Through these incisions, the surgeon can access and lift the underlying tissues of the cheeks, jawline, and neck. This not only improves the appearance of the neck but also addresses sagging or skin laxity in the lower face. By repositioning and tightening the facial muscles and tissues, a cheek-neck lift provides a more harmonious and youthful facial contour, ensuring a balanced and natural result.
Direct Midline Neck Lift
In cases where the neck’s skin laxity is extreme, a direct midline neck lift may be used to achieve a more significant and long-lasting improvement. This technique involves making a vertical incision directly along the midline of the neck. Through this incision, excess skin and fat can be excised, and the underlying muscles can be tightened to create a smoother and tighter neck contour. While this technique can provide dramatic results, it typically leaves a more noticeable scar, so it is usually reserved for situations where other approaches may not achieve the desired outcome.
How Long Does It Last?
The longevity of results achieved through a neck lift in Gulf Shores can vary from person to person. The severity of the initial neck conditions play a significant role in the lasting effects of a neck lift. In cases where sagging skin and excess fat were pronounced before surgery, the improvements achieved during the neck lift can last for many years. Essentially, the procedure can turn back the clock, making patients appear as if they’ve reversed the aging process by a decade or more. However, the natural aging process continues, and factors like sun damage and extreme stress can accelerate the reappearance of sagging or wrinkles over time.
In such cases, additional procedures, referred to as “tuck-up” or “spot-welding” procedures, can help maintain a youthful and refreshed appearance. These procedures can provide dramatic and long-lasting improvements, ensuring that patients continue to look years younger than if they had not undergone a neck lift. Regular follow-up evaluations with a plastic surgeon within a year or two following the initial surgery are recommended to assess the need for any further enhancements.
Schedule Your Consultation
With Dr. McCollough
Dr. McCollough is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, holding certifications from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. If you’re considering the procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. McCollough about a neck lift in Gulf Shores. His expertise and commitment to every patient’s well-being make The McCollough Institute and Plastic Surgery Clinic a trusted destination for those seeking comprehensive facial and full-body aesthetic transformation.
