Although many people focus on addressing the effects of aging on the face, the neck and décolletage area are some of the most overlooked areas in skin care routines. These areas are susceptible to the same signs of skin aging that occur on the face—and, in fact, skin damage tends to appear more noticeably and quickly here when compared to other parts of the body. The neck area is not only very delicate, but can also become very dry because the skin produces less oil here. Some of the most common cosmetic concerns people have about this area include dryness, severe wrinkling, double chin, and “turkey wattle” or jowl lines. Cosmetic surgery may be necessary to address more severe signs of aging on the neck and jawline areas, while modest changes can require only minimally invasive procedures. If you’re wondering whether neck lift surgery from our Philadelphia-area practice is right for you, here’s what you should know about what will make someone a good candidate for this procedure.
Patients may be considered ideal candidates for a neck lift if they:
• are in good health and do not have any underlying medical conditions, especially heart conditions, that could impair healing
• are non-smokers
• are bothered by signs of aging on the neck region
• do not have allergies to anesthesia or certain medications that could make the healing process challenging
• maintain a positive outlook and realistic expectations about what can be achieved with neck lift surgery
• have an upper face that still has a youthful, pleasing appearance—but the neck doesn’t match
• do not have severe jowls or cheek sagging that would need to be corrected with a facelift
• do not have very thin skin that can’t be stretched or lacks a certain amount of laxity
During a consultation, we will assess your anatomy—including the projection of your chin and your overall bone structure—to determine whether this is the right option for you. The results of a neck lift can be enhanced with a chin implant for those who lack projection in the lower third of the face. In addition, submandibular glands can be potentially removed to treat the sometimes-prominent bulges in the neck they create.
Interested in learning about neck lift surgery? Contact Dr. Timothy Greco if you have any questions about this procedure or other strategies for addressing signs of aging below the face. Call us today at (610) 664-8830 or fill out a contact formto set up a consultation.