Which Procedure is Best for my Neck?

I would recommend a neck lift with platysmal tightening medially. It would be best to get a complete evaluation from a qualified surgeon.

   Botox may help with the bands.  A neck lift would be a more definitive treatment.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Options for loose neck skin in the younger patient -
The lax skin in your upper neck can be approached directly by a less invasive facelift in the miniface lift category The least invasive would be a mini-facelift. My own personal preference and in my hands the one with the least invasive approach is a Lite Lift which is performed in my office under local anesthesia with some oral sedation without the need for IV sedation or general anesthesia

Based on your photos it seems your neck contour problem is caused by some early visible platysma muscle bands.  These can be tightened from a small incision just under the chin or an incision behing the ears, which would also allow tightening of the neck skin.  Be aware that someone with minimal body fat and a thin neck may always tend to have visibility of muscle fibers in the neck.  Also, the submandibular salivary glands under the jaw on each side can often show as a rounded fullness in thin necks.  The trampoline lift is one of a few new minimally invasive procedures to tighten the muscles under the chin.  Long term results are not really available as yet.  Your best choice will depend on your actual anatomy, and your surgeon can discuss all possible options after a thorough examination and conversation about your goals.

For many women, the first signs of significant facial/neck aging are the skin changes between the chin and voicebox area.  Folds of skin and bands may appear.

What is actually happening to many patients in this age range is that the platysma muscle is forming bands or cords and pulling the skin down with the muscle.  This makes it look like the skin is loose when it often is not.

I prefer to treat young patients with isolated early neck bands with Botox or Dysport.  When injected along the bands, patients often note dramatic improvement in neck appearance and can avoid surgery.  This procedure takes just a few minutes and costs only a few hundred dollars.  Maintenance is required, but the results are quite good!

If you are a young person with good skin and neck bands, consider trying this non-surgical approach first!

There are many options for neck rejuvenation as you mentioned. In my practice, this can range from non-surgical radiofrequency treatments, neck liposuction, or a face/necklift. A specific answer of what would help you would require photos or a consultation. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Best procedure for sagging neck depends on the causes of your particular issues. To give a proper answer I need to see photos. It appears from the photo that a neck lift is what would be best IF the skin is not tight.  Beware of marketing names--- this is a neck lift period. 

Patients in thier late 30's are beginning to show signs of aging and losing definition in their jawline.  At this age, the skin still maintains its elasticity.  For this reason, depending on your anatomy, you may benefit from facial liposculpture/liposuction and possibly a chin implant if you have a weak chin. 

 

A mini-lift or neck lift could also be an option.  These procedures limit the extent of the surgery and decrease your downtime.  To give you the best advice, I would need to see pictures.

 

I personally do not advocate the trampoline lift.  I do not know of good long term evidence that it is effective and safe. 


I hope this helps. 

From the photos you sent, your major issue appears to be platysmal bands and not much in the way of loose skin. Have you tried Botox for the bands?

A non-surgical skin tightening may help whatever loose skin you have. If that is unsuccessful or if you want something more permanent, a minimal necklift such as a MACS-Lift may also be something to consider for the loose skin. At the same time a suturing of the bands could be done.

 

Best of success!

 

 

There are essentially 3 options for treatment of the aging neck:


Facelift

Necklift/Minilift

Neck Liposuction


Each has advantages and disadvantages and can be performed in a variety of nuanced ways. There are few people that are actually good candidates for neck liposuction alone. My criteria for neck liposuction alone is age under 45 years and neck fullness from extra fat (not just skin laxity). My patients also wear a face-neck support garment following surgery for 4 weeks.

The most common procedure in your age group is a Necklift. This is essentially a "mini" facelift in that less skin elevation is performed. Liposuction of the neck is a standard part of this surgery as well (no extra charge). It must be emphasized that there is no comparison to the results from a Facelift procedure. The Necklift is designed for treatment of fairly mild neck complaints, and does a good job in suitable patients. If you are not a suitable candidate, you may be disappointed with the limited results.