I feel bad about my neck, would a lift be beneficial? 63 w/ sagging skin. (photos)

Question

I am fit, thin, and in good health. No fat to speak of in my neck area. The beginning of a slight waddle, and in my lay person opinion, just too much damn skin. Spoke with one surgeon who was not enthusiastic. Thinks I look good enough for 63. My concern is that I've seen so many celebrities who supposedly have the dollars to spend, that have lifts which address their cheek and jaw line. But their neck still looks terrible. If they can't get it right, what are my chances?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing photos. When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, a facelift can provide favorable, natural-looking results. Excess fat in the neck can be removed along with excess skin to create a smooth appearance and angulate the neckline. 
Underlying tissue that has fallen over time can be repositioned as well to achieve optimal results that may last for 10 years or even more in some patients. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. They’ll be able to conduct a thorough physical exam to determine the procedure that is right for you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

​A combination of non-surgical options like Kybella, PDO NovaThreads, Ultherapy and Thermage would do well in combination for skin tightening for the neck. VASER Liposuction (with ThermiRF, Renuvion and InMode FaceTite) is a great alternative for contouring and tightening the chin and neck and can be combined with a neck lift at the same time, if you're a candidate. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to develop a long-term treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.​

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I agree with you.  Your neck has excess skin compared to the rest of your face.  I also agree with the surgeon you saw - you do look good. However, if you are concerned about your neck now, you will be even more concerned 10 years from now.  If you are willing to have surgery, there is no advantage in waiting. 
A neck lift will help you.  An incision in front of your ear, from the hairline at the temple to the bottom of the ear, and ending behind the ear at the lower scalp at the posterior hairline will allow access for the surgery.  When I see celebrities as you describe, I wonder if they did not have the incision extend behind their ear.  The downside with this incision is that it is in a visible location.   Some surgeons try to avoid this incision because the scar can become wide and is in a visible location, but without this incision, the neck can't be accessed completely. 
Your jawline and midface look good, however these areas need to be assessed when you are not smiling as well as when you are smiling. 
Your chances of getting it right depend on who does the surgery, how the surgery is done, and how you heal.  It is often worthwhile to do more than one consultation, and make sure you discuss your goals clearly with your surgeon.  Ask for surgical details, for example, how the platysma muscle and how the skin will be managed.  Look at before and after pictures with your surgeon if possible so they can explain the results seen on the pictures.   Don't have your eyes treated as you are not bothered by your eyes and the lines around your eyes add to your smile in your age group.  This will also help you avoid looking like you had too much surgery.  Follow the pre-op and post-op instructions carefully.  
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

You seem to be a good candidate for facial rejuvenation. Based on these photos, face/neck lift would be a better solution than neck lift only. In person consultation and discussion about your goals with a board certified plastic surgeon, expert in face/neck lifts, is recommended. Good luck.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thankyou for your query. You appear to be an excellent candidate for a lower face and neck lift with platysmoplasty to tighten the muscle bands in your neck, and removal of excess skin which is lifted and removed from the back of your ears. The procedure needs some experience on the part of the operating surgeon but we are able to get very good and lasting results consistently.  Please find an experienced Board certified surgeon near you who can help you with all your concerns and give you the results you are looking for. All the best!

I feel bad about my neck, would a lift be beneficial? 63 w/ sagging skin. (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Neck vs. face/neck lift

Answer: Neck vs. face/neck lift

Answer: 63 year old with sagging lower face and neck skin

Answer: 63 year old with sagging lower face and neck skin

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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I feel bad about my neck, would a lift be beneficial? 63 w/ sagging skin. (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Neck vs. face/neck lift

Answer: Neck vs. face/neck lift

Answer: 63 year old with sagging lower face and neck skin

Answer: 63 year old with sagging lower face and neck skin

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.