Introduction:
Among various cosmetic problems, neck aging is a very common complaint as the skin and muscles on the neck become loose and saggy over time. The other reasons for this complaint are the accumulation of fat in the submental fat. Since a variety of surgical and non-surgical options are available for rejuvenating the neck, many clinicians under different specialties are trained to manage these problems.
Why Should We Know About the Anatomy and Physiology of the Neck?
The anatomy and physiology of the neck should be known to select and plan the appropriate procedure for neck rejuvenation. The procedures may vary depending on the changes noticed in the neck. The Dedo classification is the most common system for categorizing an aging neck. It is as follows.
-
Normal skin.
-
Skin laxity only.
-
Neck adiposity.
-
Platysmal banding.
-
Retrognathia.
-
Low-lying hyoid.
Retrognathia and low-lying hyoid bone are not typically involved in neck rejuvenation procedures, but they are crucial factors to consider before the surgical procedure for a better surgical outcome.
Assessing the skin quality is also important, as neck skin is thin and prone to changes due to sun damage. Besides the quality and aging changes of the skin, the other factors to be considered are the critical structures located deeply in the neck, such as the thyroid gland, internal jugular vein, larynx, carotid artery, and other nerves and vessels. Thus during surgical procedures, it is important to preserve these structures and protect them from damage.
What Are the Non-surgical Neck Lift Procedures?
As surgical procedures do not apply to every individual, some non-surgical procedures rejuvenate the neck skin. However, not just one procedure but a combination of procedures would help you achieve the best results you desire. The procedures are,
-
Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, or Jeuveau: These are all neuromodulators used to relax the thick platysmal bands to provide a smooth neck appearance.
-
Fillers: These are injected directly into the horizontal wrinkles on the neck, which get metabolized gradually, leading to a smooth neck appearance.
-
Laser-Assisted Lipolysis: This technique removes excess fat and tightens the skin. The laser energy helps liquify the fat deposits, which promotes their easy removal.
-
CoolSculpting: In this technique, the fat deposits are destroyed by freezing temperatures applied to the skin.
-
Radiofrequency Micro-Needling: This technique treats acne scars and tightens the skin around the jawline and neck.
-
Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing: It is used to correct the signs of aging by promoting collagen production in the skin.
How Do Non-surgical Neck Lift Procedures Work?
-
They help in tightening the loose skin under the chin.
-
They eliminate the double chin.
-
They help transform a loose jawline into a firm one.
-
They help diminish wrinkles on the neckband.
-
They help in relaxing the vertical neck muscles.
What Are the Benefits of a Non-surgical Neck Lift Procedure?
-
It requires minimum time to complete the procedure when compared to surgery.
-
Average cost.
-
There is a lower risk of complications when compared to surgery.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Non-surgical Neck Lift Procedure?
-
These procedures are not so significant for sagging skin.
-
Results are lesser than expected when compared to surgery.
-
The results are temporary, and the procedures must be repeated until you reach the desired result.
What Are the Surgical Neck Lift Procedures?
The surgical neck rejuvenation procedures used to enhance the appearance of the neck are,
-
Cervicoplasty removes the excess skin.
-
Platysmaplasty removes or alters the neck muscles.
-
Liposuction removes excess fat.
-
Kybella injections remove excess fat under the chin.
After the surgical procedures, the recovery time is a little too long, about three weeks for individuals involved in strenuous activities. Some people recover in 10 to 14 days, depending on their physical condition.
What Are the Conditions in Which a Surgery Is Indicated?
-
Turkey Wattle Neck: In this case, the surgeon may give a cut under your chin or behind the ears to access the platysma. Sometimes, removal of the muscle is also recommended. In addition to surgery, botox injections are also given to relax the parts of the platysma muscle.
-
Excess Fat Deposits: In excess fat, a small incision is made under the chin, and the fat deposits are removed. After removal, the incisions are sutured. Good care of the incised area will promote better healing.
-
Excess Skin: The excess part of the skin is trimmed, lifted into a place, and secured with tissue glues. The surgeon will recommend using a compression bandage for at least a week.
How Should You Prepare Before a Neck Lift Procedure?
-
Eat a healthy diet.
-
Avoid smoking four weeks before and after the surgery.
-
Tell them about your medical status, medications, and drug allergies to the physician for formulating your treatment plan.
-
Avoid taking medications like aspirin and ibuprofen before your surgery to prevent excessive bleeding after the procedure.
What Are the Risks of a Surgical Neck Lift Procedure?
-
The development of swelling, bruising, burning, and tingling sensations usually lasts for a few days.
-
Hair loss can occur along the line of the incision.
-
Scarring on the incision site.
-
Skin loss and discoloration of the skin.
-
Permanent numbness due to nerve damage.
Conclusion:
Preparing yourself before the procedure is a critical factor for any cosmetic management. The expectations you have of the results should always be low and realistic. This is because the failure of any cosmetic procedure is especially due to the individual's dissatisfaction. Besides waiting for the outcomes, also know about the various complications you might face after the procedure to prevent you from panicking. Creating a rapport with the clinician and knowing everything about the procedure would help.
