Facelifts, Neck Lifts, & Neck Sculpting Explained by Dr Anzarut Plastic Surgery Vancouver: Everything You Need to Know
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This talk is going to focus on the ageing of the neck and why changes of the jawline and neck are significant. What causes them, how they're treated, the side effects of treatment, the risks of treatment, the expected recovery, and some sample cases.
What is the significance of the ageing neck and jawline?
Research studies have shown changes of the neck and jawline lead to the appearance of ageing more than changes of the central face. These red lines show the area that I'm talking about. You can see when we look at this picture of Queen Elizabeth. As she's changed over time the changes in the neck are very significant. As individuals we may focus on the central face when we're looking in the mirror, however looking at others we tend to focus more on the jawline and the neck. This circle here shows the area of the central face and the red area shows the neck and jawline.
What are the features of a youthful neck?
Features of a youthful neck include a sharp angle between the chin and the neck. This is seen on the left. A unified well-defined jawline from the chin to the corner of the jaw under the ear. This is seen with the red line which is lost in the older Queen Elizabeth. A smooth neck with no muscular bands and good quality skin.
What are the features of an old neck?
Features of an old neck are reviewed here. They include the angle between the chin and the neck changing from an acute angle in the young Queen Elizabeth to an oblique angle, as seen here. The jawline becomes indistinct. The neck and the cheek meld into one unit. The jawline and chin become more distinct and two separate structures as seen here. Muscular bands begin to appear in the neck. The skin quality worsens and wrinkles start to appear.
What are the causes of the ageing neck and jawline?
The causes of the ageing neck are shown here. The main factors are the deep structures of the neck. These enlarge and drop downward with time. In the picture on the left, the deep structures are small and held up. With time, they enlarge and drop down pushing the neck outward. The angle between the chin and neck changes from acute to oblique. Because of this, the distinct jawline is lost. The superficial fat in the cheek also drops. When it drops below the jawline it creates jowls. It also leads to increased distinction between the chin and the cheek. The superficial muscle of the neck, the platysma, can start to form bands in the neck. Finally, sun damage leads to worsening skin quality, wrinkling, and colour changes of the skin.
How is the ageing neck treated using a deep neck lift or neck sculpting?
Treatment of the ageing neck involves several manoeuvres. The key is to improve the neck by treating the deep layer. The deep layer enlarges and drops with age and this leads to loss of the acute angle between the neck and the chin and loss of a distinct jawline. Treatment involves reduction and removal of the deep fat, muscles, and glands that enlarge with time and cause this deformity. Unlike techniques that rely on lifting, sculpting the neck will result in a new and a more youthful shape that will hold its improvement over time.
Is it a good idea to treat the superficial neck fat with coolsculpting, belkyra, liposuction or energy based techniques?
Treatment of the superficial fat often leads to complications and an increased amount of loose skin. The superficial fat is important because it gives the neck a soft and smooth appearance. If this is damaged or removed the neck may look skeletonized with excess visualisation of the muscles and veins. Once this occurs it is very difficult to treat. Using these types of treatments alone will lead to increased skin laxity with time.
How is the ageing skin of the neck best treated?
Treatment of the superficial layer involves re-draping the skin and removal of excess skin. This is done with surgical resection or excision. The scar is hidden around the ear and the length of the incision depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. Colour changes and fine wrinkles can be improved with a gentle resurfacing procedure.
What are the side effects of neck lift and facelift surgery?
Side effects of face lift, neck lift, and neck sculpting procedures are things that occur in most patients. These include bruising, swelling, scars, numbness, pain, discomfort, sore throat, mouth opening difficulty, changes to motion around the mouth, dry eye, stiffness, and deep scar tissue of the neck. Most if not all of these are temporary.