What Is the Right Age for Neck Lifts?

Have you been tucking your chin or trying to cleverly hide your neck behind clothes, jewelry, and hair? If the appearance of your neck and chin are making you self-conscious, then you aren't alone in your struggle. The undeniable fact is that one of the most obvious signs of aging is sagging, loose skin on the neck. Dr. Steven Dayan in Chicago, IL believes that compassionate care starts with reassuring patients that there treatments that can alleviate all of your cosmetic concerns, including neck lifts to restore the appearance of your neck and chin.

What Is the Right Age for Neck Lifts?

Generally speaking, most patients who have a neck lift are between the ages of 40 and 60. Determining the "right" age for any cosmetic surgery is truly something that is up to the patient. In short, the "right" age to have a neck lift is whenever you feel that you need one. However, most physicians recommend postponing permanent cosmetic surgeries such as this one until after the aging process has begun, which for most patients is during middle age.

Is Waiting Longer Better?

If the right age to have a neck lift is between 40 and 60, then is it better to wait longer? Again, this is something that depends on the patient. For some, it makes more sense to wait until the cosmetic concern is severe enough to warrant surgery, while others use this procedure as a preventative step earlier in their aging process.

For patients who do not have severe skin laxity but who would still like to improve the appearance of their neck, it is possible to use non-surgical treatments to slow the aging process. When those treatments are no longer effective, then a neck lift might be more appropriate.

Is There a Best Time for Neck Lifts?

If age is only a relative concern, then is there another factor you should think about when considering neck lifts? A neck lift has no appropriate season - you can have a neck lift done at any time of the year provided you have enough time for the recovery period.

However, if you are preparing for a life event such as a wedding, work function, or even a vacation, then it is best to be mindful about when you schedule your treatment. A neck lift requires some downtime to heal from the procedure, so it is generally best to schedule your treatment about four to eight weeks or more before your life event.

What Is a Neck Lift?

Neck lifts are a surgical technique that removes excess skin and fat from beneath the chin and tightens the remaining skin to produce a more youthful appearance. A neck lift is performed by a plastic surgeon who will lift and tighten skin to help you renew the appearance of your neck. Dr. Steven Dayan treats neck lift surgery as an opportunity to rejuvenate the appearance of his patients with a subtle, subliminal difference.

Common Techniques

There are several techniques that are used to perform a neck lift. Both surgical and non-surgical treatment options are all performed with the goal to smooth, lift, and tighten the appearance of the neck. The most common techniques include neck liposuction and neck lift with threading.

Neck Liposuction

Liposuction is a treatment that removes fat from the body with a small cannula which physically sucks fat cells out of a targeted area. A neck liposuction is a surgery that removes the pocket of fat that forms beneath the chin. Neck liposuction is frequently combined with surgical lift techniques or liposuction on other areas of the body.

Neck Lift With Threading

Most neck lift surgeries are completed by using certain methods to assist in the lifting aspect. One of the more common methods is to use a thread or a ribbon to help lift the skin into a higher position. Neck lifts done with these methods also help redefine the shape of the jaw.

What It Treats

A neck lift rejuvenates the appearance of the neck or chin. As a whole, this treatment can correct several appearance concerns, including:

• Sagging or loose skin
• Skin laxity
• Jaw shape
• Unwanted fat
• Multiple chins

Are There Other Treatments?

If you aren't ready for a neck lift, then you might be wondering if there is an alternative treatment. The good news is that there are several non-surgical interventions that can be used to reduce the appearance of excess skin and fat on the neck or beneath the chin. Other treatments include radiofrequency and ultrasound as well as Kybella.

Kybella

Kybella is a revolutionary non-surgical injection that helps reduce the appearance of fat beneath the chin. Kybella was formulated specifically to eliminate the dreaded double chin. The active ingredient in Kybella dissolves and deconstructs adipose fat under the chin and prevents new fat from forming. This treatment produces permanent results and is a safe alternative for eliminating the same fat that would be removed by a neck lift.

Can Neck Lifts Be Combined With Other Procedures?

It is very common to combine a neck lift with other cosmetic surgeries, such as a facelift, breast lift, tummy tuck, or a butt lift. It is also common for this treatment to be combined with non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including laser hair removal, energy-based skin tightening and resurfacing, dermal fillers, and neurotoxin injectables. This procedure creates the best overall result for patients who also use other treatments to rejuvenate their appearance so the results are comprehensive and natural-looking.

What Causes Multiple Chins?

Many patients wonder what exactly is responsible for multiple chins. The truth is that the causes for multiple chins and sagging skin on the neck vary from patient to patient. However, there are a few causes that are common factors for many patients, including:

Aging

Skin laxity, or sagging, loose skin on the neck, is the result of the natural aging process. As we age, the production of skin-supporting proteins within our skin slows, which leads to a loss of skin volume and an increase in looser, thinner skin. Sagging skin on the neck as a result of aging is inevitable but can be slowed by the right surgical or non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

Genetics

Genetics can dictate the amount of fat that we store on the neck, which ultimately means that multiple chins caused by genetic predisposition can only be removed by surgical means. Genetics can also determine how quickly our skin ages as well as how fast we store excess fat elsewhere on the body.

Weight Gain and Loss

Weight gain is often the cause of excess fat beneath the chin, while weight loss can sometimes contribute to loose skin on the neck. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital to maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance. Excess fat and skin caused by weight-related issues is something that can be managed by the right cosmetic treatments.

Can Multiple Chins Be Prevented?

To a certain extent, yes. Multiple chins can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and maintaining an ideal weight. Preventing multiple chins - and other cosmetic concerns - can be done by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as drinking alcohol in moderation. For those who have multiple chins as a result of genetic factors, making the right lifestyle choices can sometimes delay or minimize the development of multiple chins.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment

Many patients want to know what they can expect from a neck lift procedure, and that starts with knowing each of the steps involved in the process.

Consultation

You will need to attend a consultation appointment to determine if neck lift surgery is right for you. During the consultation, we will gather information about you, such as your general medical history, current medications, drug allergies, current health issues, and any previous cosmetic surgeries you have had. You may also be asked to complete certain labs and exams to verify that you are healthy enough for a surgical procedure. We will discuss the surgery itself along with your expected results.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Preparing for a cosmetic surgery is the same as preparing for any other surgery. We will give you a list of pre-treatment instructions to follow to ensure that your surgery is safe and effective. Some pre-treatment instructions will include:

• Avoid aspirin or similar medications
• Take certain vitamins
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
• Fast on the night before surgery
• Do not wear jewelry or make-up to surgery

Because a neck lift is a procedure that involves general or local anesthesia, you will need to arrange for transportation on the day of your surgery. Some patients elect to stay at the hospital overnight, while others prefer to return home as soon as the surgery is completed.

Treatment

In general, a neck lift procedure involves at least two incisions, which are made near the chin beneath the ears. Depending on the exact method used during your procedure, your treatment may involve incisions for liposuction, trimming away excess skin, or restructuring muscles in the neck. From start to finish, most neck lift surgeries take about two to four hours to complete.

Post-Treatment Instructions

After your procedure, there are several instructions you must follow to help you through the recovery process. Post-treatment instructions are standard for most cosmetic surgeries and often include the following directions:

• Keep the head elevated
• Avoiding turning the neck
• Avoid strenuous or straining movements
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol
• Eat a liquid or soft diet

We will also instruct you on how to care for the incisions, when you can have a shower after surgery, and when you can wear make-up or use other skincare products. You will need to attend follow-up appointments during the first week or two after your procedure to ensure adequate healing.

Results and Recovery

Recovery from this treatment generally takes about two to four weeks. After two weeks, most patients are free to resume normal daily activities with the exception of strenuous exercise. After four weeks, patients are fully healed and can return to all normal daily activities. Results of this treatment are most obvious when healing is complete.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Ideal candidates for this treatment include any woman or man who is not satisfied by the appearance of the neck and the area beneath the chin. Candidates are those who are in good health, willing to complete labs and exams, and who have realistic expectations for treatment.

Renew Your Appearance With Neck Lifts!

It's time to stop being self-conscious about the appearance of your neck and chin. If you are ready to renew your appearance with a neck lift, contact Impressions Face + Body in Chicago, IL to schedule your initial consultation!