As the face ages, we see the effects of the constant force of gravity coupled with changes in the skin and adipose (fat) tissues. In some patients, the majority of the signs of aging occur at the jawline, under the chin (submental area), or in the neck region – leaving the upper face looking younger and more vibrant than the neck. These patients may seek rejuvenation of the neck region alone, rather than undergoing a full facelift. Luckily, Dr. Ransom offers a variety of approaches that are specifically designed to treat the aging neck in men.
Planning Your Procedure
Significant amounts of drooping neck tissue (“turkey neck”, “turkey gobbler”, or “waddles”), thick neck bands (platysmal banding), and the double chin (submental fat pockets) can all be treated by Dr. Ransom using a neck lift. A neck lift is a minor surgical procedure that can be performed with local anesthesia and sedation. The procedure has multiple elements, each based on the patient’s unique anatomy (degree of skin laxity, amount of fat, and position of the hyoid bone), skin condition, and other specific concerns.
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First, gentle liposuction of the neck and under-chin (submental) area is performed. This is accomplished through tiny incisions (the size of a straw) hidden behind the earlobes and in a crease under the chin. A small liposuction cannula is then used to remove excess fatty tissue from the anterior neck, without disrupting the delicate overlying neck skin. Next, if distinct platysmal bands are visible, these are treated either by releasing the muscle laterally from its tough attachment to the underlying neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid) and then tightening it behind the ear, or medially (under the chin) by tightening the muscles in the midline. The third component involves a small incision hidden behind the ear and in the hairline on the back of the head. This provides access for Dr. Ransom to remove redundant or loose skin.
For men who have severe skin laxity in the neck or very thick platysmal bands, a more direct approach can be used. In this procedure, sometimes referred to as a “Grecian urn” because of the shape of the skin excision, excess soft tissue in the neck (“waddle”) is removed. The muscles and skin of the neck region are then redraped and tightened to recreate the firm jawline and sharp angle of the youthful male neck.
The neck lift for men can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as upper eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) and chin augmentation. After the procedure, the neck will appear mildly swollen. A soft cotton dressing is used to wrap the area for about 24 hours, after which a light bandage is applied. Some bruising will occur, but pain is limited. Patients are generally able to return to work in about a week, though direct or prolonged sun exposure should be avoided during the healing process. For more information about neck lift for men, please contact Dr. Ransom or schedule your consultation today!
Who is a candidate?
Candidates for a neck lift include all patients with loose or sagging skin in the lower face and/or neck region, a poorly defined jawline or prominent jowls, or thick, hanging bands in the neck. The terms neck lift and facelift (or face-lift) can be used by doctors and in the media to imply a wide variety of procedures and approaches. Dr. Ransom tailors his surgical approach to each specific patient, working to achieve the desired goal, and avoiding an “operated” look. For patients with issues predominantly in the neck region, a neck lift is an excellent option. This is particularly true for men, as there are more direct approaches to the aging neck available. Dr. Ransom will review a variety of options during your consultation, helping you to choose the best possible plan for your unique anatomy and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that all patients are different and individual healing times and results may vary. The statements regarding procedures and recovery made here are general rules.
Depending on the exact surgical approach needed in your case, the down time will vary. For most patients, a week off of work is sufficient. Mild bruising and swelling will occur immediately after the surgery, and begin to resolve around the third day. The majority of this process occurs in the first week. Pain is very minimal, and any significant increase in pain or swelling should be reported immediately. Dr. Ransom works closely with you throughout the postoperative period, making sure that you are making progress toward an excellent result. Further details can be discussed with Dr. Ransom during your confidential consultation.
Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.