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Posted on April 8, 2022 in Plastic Surgery
The neck area is a common cause for concern among plastic surgery patients, especially as this area is particularly susceptible to signs of aging. With several options available, it can be difficult to choose a procedure. This is especially true if you see issues like a poorly defined jawline or jowls, wrinkles, or excess fat. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between two popular options, neck liposuction and neck lifts, and which might be best for you.
What is Neck Liposuction?
Neck liposuction is simply the process of removing excess fat from the neck area. Liposuction involves making a small incision in the treatment area to insert a cannula below the skin. This cannula is then used to manually break apart fat and suction it away. This permanently removes the fat from the area. Neck liposuction can be a suitable option for patients who have a “double chin,” with excess fat below the chin despite being at a healthy weight.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift differs from neck liposuction because the procedure addresses excess skin and soft tissue laxity in the area, not just excess fat. This typically occurs as a result of aging, when collagen production slows and the soft tissues of the neck lose elasticity. This results in wrinkles and sagging, which is commonly referred to as “turkey neck.” A neck lift can, in many cases, be performed with only local anesthesia or minimal sedation. The procedure typically involves making a small incision behind the ears or just below the chin. Through these incisions, the muscles are tightened and re-draped, and excess loose skin can be removed. This creates a smooth appearance with reduced wrinkles or sagging. In addition to these steps, liposuction may be used to remove deposits of excess fat.
How a Neck Lift Can Offer Superior Results
A neck lift is a better choice for many patients because the procedure addresses multiple sources of a poor appearance in the neck, not just excess fat. While some patients may believe that a neck lift is more invasive than liposuction, this is not necessarily the case. Neck lifts can be completed with small incisions similar to liposuction, ensuring that scars are small and inconspicuous. Some patients, particularly younger patients, may only be concerned with excess fat in the chin and neck area. In these cases, Dr. Ransom may recommend Kybella, an injectable, rather than liposuction. Kybella allows you to remove a “double chin,” known by plastic surgeons as “submental fullness,” without any incisions or anesthesia.
Candidates for a Neck Lift
Most patients who have sagging or drooping skin, wrinkles, and poor definition in the neck and jawline make good candidates for a neck lift. Before pursuing the surgery, they should be generally healthy overall. This can include being at a stable and healthy weight to ensure that future weight fluctuation does not affect your results. During a consultation, Dr. Ransom will examine the treatment area and work to understand your cosmetic goals to recommend the best procedure for you. He will also review your health history to ensure that a neck lift is a safe option.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about the neck lift procedure and find out whether you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ransom. Call Ransom/MD in San Francisco at (415) 843-7939 or contact us online.
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.
