Often with aging, one develops deep bands or cords in the neck. This is due to laxity of the platysma muscle. Surgically re-supporting this muscle can provide a more pleasing contour.
Often, people develop a significant laxity in fullness in the neck area — the so-called turkey gobbler neck. This is due to laxity in the skin, muscle, and often, the collection of fatty tissue under the chin. This to can be surgically improved by using incisions in small creases underneath the chin and behind the ear. Endoscopic techniques using small telescopes attached to TV cameras allow doctors to use much smaller incisions than were used in previous years. Liposuction is used to remove the fatty tissue and surgical techniques are used to re-support the muscle and to remove the excess skin. Incisions are usually camouflaged under the chin, behind the ears, and in the posterior hairline. Recovery time can vary but usually takes approximately four to five days.
It should be remembered that the necklift only treats the neck and does not affect laxity in the jaw area. A facelift improves the neck, the cheek, and the lateral temporal area. A necklift can be used in people who have more advanced aging in the neck area or are aging more quickly in that area. A facelift can be performed at a later time when laxity develops in these other areas. The necklift is usually done under IV or “twilight” sedation on an outpatient basis.
The costs of these procedures vary depending upon the complexity and extent of the procedure. It is usually necessary to have an evaluation by the physician to determine this as well as the costs.