Neck/chin has lost shape after thyroid surgery what type of procedure would fix this?

Question

After having my thyroid removed the shape of my neck and chin have changed. I feel like I have a big double chin , but there doesn't seem to be much fat. I look best when pulling up skin on both sides by back of jaw. What type of procedure would be best for this issue??

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without pictures. I find that VASER liposuction in combination with ThermiRF are best for contouring the chin in those who are candidates. If you have skin laxity, you may also be a candidate for a neck lift, which can be performed at the same time. Kybella can be used as an alternative with or without thermage/ultherapy/exilis or coolsculpting. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Without photos, it's difficult to determine the treatment to address your concern. Also, it really depends on the amount of #sagging you are experiencing.  It's best to begin by consulting with a surgeon in-person. The presence of banding down the front of the #neck, and, amount of excess skin and condition of your skin are among some factors which determine what treatments will best rejuvenate your neck . 
During your initial examination, your chin will be evaluated along with the neck and jawline. A weak #chin implies a lack of chin support for the skin along the neck line. In younger individuals a chin implant alone is usually all that is needed to improve the appearance of the neck. Subsequently, it will also improve the overall #balance of the face and can create the illusion of a smaller nose. As a stand-alone procedure, chin augmentation can be performed in the office under local #anesthesia. For individuals with signs of #aging in the neck, a chin implant added to one of the recommended procedures above, will provide optimal results.
Your board certified plastic surgeon should evaluate both your anatomical features and aesthetic goals to suggest which procedure best suits your needs. In some cases there may be more than one option to choose from. If you are not a candidate at the time of your #consultation, your board surgeon can recommend non-surgical alternatives to address your concern.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Without an exam your question cannot be answered.  You will need to see an Oral/Maxillofacial surgeon to see if othognathic surgery, genioplasty or using an implant is best for your specific case. It should be noted that patients with severely weak jaws or abnormally functioning jaws may be better treated with other facial surgery (orthognathic surgery), although a chin augmentation may be an option at a later time. These patients should seek the advice of a plastic surgeon to determine which course is right for them. Here is some information to help you make this decision: Candidates for Chin Augmentation - Patients whose chin profiles are weak but have normally functioning jaws are candidates for Chin Augmentation. Many of these candidates have used injectable fillers in the past to strengthen the protrusion of their chins, but are looking for a permanent solution. If you are one of these patients, then you are a likely candidate for chin augmentation
#weakchin #chinimplant

Lyle M. Back, MD · Answer

Most likely a lower face-lift/neck lift type of procedure will work best for you. This procedure enables tightening of the neck muscles to eliminate bands and laxity under the skin, as well as a tightening/smoothing of the skin itself. A cleaner, lifted jawline with more of a "90 degree" angle for the neck profile is the result. The incisions used for this hide very well behind the ear.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Excess of skin in the neck ( as well of the neck muscle known as platysma) could be improved with a plastic surgery procedure called neck lift. This procedure, through small incisions behind the ear and behind the chin, tightens the neck muscle ( platysma) and redraws the neck skin behind the ears to give a rejuvenated look to the neck.Patients interested in neck rejuvenation  should make a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specialized in plastic surgery procedures of the face and neck

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Without photos, it is difficult to say, but if you don't have much fat, and it's mostly skin drooping, then a lifting procedure will definitely give you the longest lasting result. The key is to go to a facial plastic specialist who can evaluate you and give you the best advise.

William Townley, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi there. Many thanks for your post. Being a surgeon with an interest in both complex head and neck cancer treatment as well as aesthetic facial surgery, I encounter this issue quite frequently. Commonly, patients who have undergone head and neck surgery (including thyroidectomy) have an altered and unfavourable neck contour. In my experience, a combination of tissue removal (through an incision under the chin), fat transfer (to fill out contour defects after surgery) and neck suspension (neck lift in men or lower facelift approach in women often best) delivers the best result. Without photos or a careful in-person examination it is difficult to determine the best option in your situation. It is best to arrange a consultation with a fully accredited plastic surgeon who has experience in both cosmetic surgery and head and neck reconstruction. Good luck!

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

There are many options.  However, it is helpful to talk with surgeon who do a range of neck procedures to they are able to best counsel you regarding what you need rather than trying to fit you into one of the machines they have in their office.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can
receive is from an in-person consultation.   Based on your description, you may benefit from a neck
lift.  If good technique is used, this can be done with minimal scarring
and can result in a natural look, not over-done look, with rejuvenation of
your face.  Make sure you specifically
look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this
surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Without photos and  a personal exam, it would be impossible to give you any real advice.  If you are interested in understanding your options, then you should visit a capable surgeon near you.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons.

Neck/chin has lost shape after thyroid surgery what type of procedure would fix this?

Answers (11)

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