Neck lift

When the neck starts to sag and the skin under the chin is wrinkled, it negatively affects the appearance. It is one of the first changes in the face that makes you look older. The skin and the underlying muscle lose elasticity and vitality. In addition, there is often a smaller or larger accumulation of fat under the chin and on the neck. There is a certain heredity, not infrequently there are several in the family or relatives who have a similar neck. Some people who experience this may not enjoy being in pictures in angles where the neck is exposed, you may also feel that your self-esteem is affected in certain situations.

surgery

There are several options when it comes to chin and neck surgery. Depending on how the neck looks and your wishes, we choose the procedure that is best suited to get the best possible result. Perhaps you are not prepared to do the most possible and are satisfied with a slightly smaller procedure. It is important that we discuss what result we can achieve with the different procedures for you so that your expectations are correct.

• If it is mainly an excess of fat, a “double chin”, this can be suctioned out or in some cases also surgically cut away. However, it is important to leave a certain layer of fat behind. The fat forms a sliding layer between the muscle and the skin that is needed for it to look natural. In cases where the skin has good elasticity, liposuction is sufficient. The procedure is performed under anesthesia and takes no more than half an hour.

• In addition to excess fat and skin, underlying muscles may also be loose and need to be tightened. If there is a small to moderate excess that is concentrated in the middle of the neck, this can be done via an incision under the chin, preferably in combination with liposuction. A small amount of skin can be removed. The operation is performed under anesthesia and takes about an hour.

• If the excess skin is a little more distributed over the entire neck, we need another technique. With a relatively simple addition, we can hold up the muscle with a remaining thread, which we place as a band under the skin, this improves the contour of the neck in a relatively simple but effective way. In addition to the incision under the chin, this requires a shorter incision behind each earlobe. The operation is performed under anesthesia and takes about 60-90 minutes.

• If there is a larger excess of skin on the neck and along the jawline, you need better access to sew up the underlying muscles and remove a couple to several cm of skin. This requires a longer incision and we recommend a classic lower facelift for the best results. This means a slightly longer procedure and also a slightly longer scar, see separate information about facelifts.

Common to the operations above is that you stay a few hours in the recovery room where you lie with a cooling mask to reduce swelling and bruising. It is possible to go home the same day (although not in the case of a classic facelift).

Follow-up & convalescence

An important part of the operation is the subsequent compression bandage that keeps the skin in the correct position until healing has occurred. The bandage should be used around the clock for at least one, preferably two weeks. Then another month during the evening and night time. After a week it is time for a return visit to your plastic surgeon and the stitches will be removed. Depending on what work you have and how much bruising you get, you usually stay home for up to a week.

Risks and complications

As with all surgery, there is a risk of infection and poor wound healing, but this is uncommon in facial surgery. Liposuction of the chin and neck can temporarily affect the nerve that pulls down the corner of the mouth, which can result in a crooked smile.

Book a consultation and talk to a specialist to find out what is best for you.