Is a neck lift necessary? (Photo)

Question

I’m 26 as of May, and lost 60lbs in 6 years. The only thing that still bothers me is the skin under my jaw. Is a neck lift the only thing I can do to remedy this and get a better jawline? I’m at a very healthy bmi so losing more weight is not likely an option.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For a more defined jawline to strengthen your profile (and help prevent the dreaded jawline "jowl" sagging), we use injectable fillers like Revanesse Versa - a filler known to limit swelling and give subtle, soft enhancements - or Radiesse. Using a cannula to limit pain and swelling, we inject on the bone in strategic points to get more lift and shaping, resulting in a more contoured lower face and defined, structured jawline. I would suggest getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are many non-surgical jawline contouring options that you may be a candidate for. You could benefit from a combination of laser treatments and injectables that work to improve skin elasticity and reveal a more sculpted, well-defined jaw contour. A bit of liposuction might also address the small pocket of submental fat underneath your chin. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can assess your needs on a more individual basis and come up with the best treatment plan for you.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be very difficult to give you good advise based on these photos. Your "deformity" is minimal; only on the basis of in person evaluation a board certified plastic surgeon, expert in face/neck lifts, could make decision what to do. Please, do not do treads! Good luck.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
Short answer is - yes, necklift may be considered. Necklift involves inconspicuous incisions around the ears to pull up the skin along the jawline. You may do well with a limited lift, without an incision under the chin. I do these under local anesthesia and that may be an option for you. What we often see with significant weight loss is advanced aging in the face: a face with more fat is a more youthful face. It is possible you might benefit from fat transfer to the face or off the shelf filler.
I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon who can provide a range of options to you.
Best of luck!

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

There are several ways to improve the jawline and neck skin.  Fillers along the jawline and chin help contour the jawline and help define the neck from the cheek; in general they last 6-12 months.  Nonsurgical skin tightening devices like Sofwave are FDA cleared for neck and chin tightening; takes several months to the see the results and no downtown.  Neck lift/ lower facelift tightening the SMAS muscle and removes excess skin to contour the neck and jawline with long lasting results.

Akshay Sanan, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear katemac52096,Thank you for your question and photos. You are a good candidate for a deep necklift. A deep necklift addresses the platysma muscle, deep neck fat and deep neck musculature. Your neck shape is genetic. It can be optimized. The limiting factor of how sharp your neck shape is your hyoid bone. I would also consider a small chin implant to lengthen your chin. I recommend you consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. I hope this helps!
All the best,Dr. Sanan, MDDouble board certified facial plastic surgeon

Yael Halaas, MD · Answer

From looking at your picture, it seems you’d be a great candidate to do MYELLEVATE. We do this in my office and this procedure is great for face tightening and the jawline. MyEllevate uses sutures that are strategically placed under the skin to lift the tissues of the neck. This will create a lifted, tighter contour. The recovery time is very short and there is minimal swelling or bruising. The results are natural looking and long lasting.