Vertical Scar on Neck to Remove Loose Skin

Question

I am a 58 year old female with history of weight loss of 135 pounds. I had a very successful abdominoplasty (removal of 10 pounds of skin) and breast reduction with lift. I am scheduled for an arm lift soon and would like to have my loose skin removed from under my neck. My PS tells me there is so much skin there that I would end up with big wrinkles behind my ears so he suggests an incision down the front of my neck. I will be a long incision. Is this normal? I am concerned.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It's best to begin by consulting with a surgeon in-person to discuss your options. 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.It is usually recommended that patients who have recently experienced weight loss and massive weight loss (#MWL) remain consistent at their weight for at least six to twelve months prior any cosmetic surgery. Such will better ensure longer lasting results of the procedure without risking the fluctuation and stretching of the skin tissue. If you are not a candidate at the time of your #consultation, your board certified plastic surgeon can recommend alternatives to address your concern. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in #neck lift procedures is important to ensure you are receiving the best advice, care, and surgical experience possible.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

I have performed a number of neck lifts on patients after massive weight loss and have not needed to make a vertical neck incision.  Your situation may be different - a profile view would be helpful.

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

From your photo, you appear to be a good candidate for a lower-face and neck lift.  I rarely, if ever, perform a vertical scar reduction of the neck skin because a scar along the front of your neck is typically quite visible and therefore undesirable for most patients.The goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve the appearance with minimal scarring whenever possible.  Concealing the scars behind your ears along the hairline usually achieves this goal.  Make sure you visit a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in Facelift and Neck-lifts for an optimal outcome.  Good luck to you.

Theda C. Kontis, MD · Answer

Your photo shows a typical aging neck that is generally treated with a lower face and neck lift ("facelift"). I have performed the vertical scar you are describing, but generally on much older women who do not want to undergo a long facelift surgery. These procedures are performed under local anesthesia. I have also taken a small amount of skin after a facelift surgery on some women with very thin skin with no elasticity, who experience a recurrence of the excess skin in their neck. I recommend that you obtain a few other opinions before choosing your procedure. The physician may have a concern about your health or your ability to undergo general anesthesia, and may have recommended a simple procedure for you. Nevertheless, seek additional opinions before making your decision.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

I have performed necklifts where the incision is hidden behind the ears as well as the surgery you describe with the incision down the neck--however, that is usually for women who are much older who cannot have general anesthesia.

	If you are able to undergo general anesthesia and depending on the profile of your neck, it sounds like you would be a great candidate for the traditional necklift with the incision hidden behind the ears.

Vertical Scar on Neck to Remove Loose Skin

Answers (9)

Answer: Vertical neck scar not always necessary

Answer: Vertical neck scar not always necessary

Answer: Necklift

Answer: Necklift

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.

Vertical Scar on Neck to Remove Loose Skin

Answers (9)

Answer: Vertical neck scar not always necessary

Answer: Vertical neck scar not always necessary

Answer: Necklift

Answer: Necklift

Browse related questions

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.