Hi Helen60109, Thank you for your question regarding defining your jawline with just a neck lift under local anesthetic. A neck lift as its name implies, will define your neck. Typically, a neck lift will tighten the neck muscles (platysmaplasty), remove neck fat above and sometimes below the neck muscles, and tighten the neck skin. The result of a neck lift is usually a nice, tight neck, often with a 90° angle. However, a neck lift will not define your jawline, whether it's performed under local anesthetic or general anesthesia. The neck lift only really defines the neck. The best way to define your jawline is with a lower facelift. During the facelift, an incision is made around the ear and the lower face is pulled upward and backward. The lower facelift helps to best define the jawline. Sometimes neck liposuction is also needed. The lower facelift and neck lift procedures are often combined. The lower facelift and neck lift procedures take approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. The recovery is about one to 2 weeks. If you have any questions regarding a neck lift, neck liposuction, or a lower facelift, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.
Typically a neck lift only improves the neck and throat area. It may make your jawline look a bit sleeker, but will not resolve jowls. I give my patients the option of having the procedure done with only local anesthesia. A Mini Lift (lower face, jawline and neck) can also be performed under local anesthesia. Each procedure I do is based on the patient's anatomy and needs, so what exactly a Mini Lift or neck lift will entail must be determined in person. I hope this helps.
