What is a Neck lift?*

The chief complaint of many aging patients is their neck. Excess loose skin, fat deposits and noticeable bands-called platysma bands are among the most significant consequences of facial aging. The treatment plan really depends on severity and patient expectations. Some patients with early signs can be treated with minimally invasive or noninvasive treatments such as Softwave, Facetite, Renuvion or ThermiRF or Thermage. More significant cases are better served with open surgery. Patients are frequently surprised when it is recommended that they have a facelift as significant jowling and laxity of the cheeks are also a concern and require a full facelift. Isolated neck lifts generally involve incisions behind the ear and into the hairline with a incision under the chin. If skin excess in the jowl or face is a concern they will at minimum need a lower facelift with incision in front of the ear as well. This 56-year-old woman was concerned about the loose skin of her neck as well as the separation of the muscle bands of her neck. She did not want a facelift and only was concerned about her neck. She underwent open neck lift with incision under the chin, removal of excess fat, platysmaplasty-Or reapproximating the separated superficial muscles of the neck and skin removal behind the ear and in the hairline. She was very pleased with the improvement. Additional laxity under the jawline may persist and can be treated minimally invasive devices ( i.e.Softwave)