Popular plastic surgery procedures for neck contouring

Our appearances will inevitably undergo changes as we age and mature. For many men and women, these changes are most noticeable in the face, with visible alterations in skin laxity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, they often overlook another crucial location for maintaining a youthful appearance – the neck.

The skin found on our necks is just as delicate and prone to showing signs of age as the skin on our faces. For patients seeking facial procedures to counteract the signs of aging, such as facelifts or brow lifts, there is another procedure that can address this area – the neck lift. This procedure involves addressing the appearance of the neck through a variety of techniques to counter loose or sagging musculature, excess skin and fatty tissue. This, in turn, will help patients achieve a more youthful appearance with a contoured neck and jawline.

But what are the most popular procedures to address the appearance of the neck? Is there any merit to trendier modern options, such as the Nefertiti Lift? To dive deeper into the subject of neck contouring and lifting procedures, we reached out to ASPS Member Surgeon Michelle Lee, MD.

ASPS: When considering aesthetic procedures to tighten and tone around the face, one highly popular option is the neck lift. How often do you perform this type of procedure at your practice?

Dr. Lee: Face and neck lifts are the most popular procedures at my practice, as well as my signature specialty! Neck lift, in particular, is one of the most sought-after treatments among our patients who desire a more youthful, defined contour to the neck and jawline.

ASPS: Who are the patients that typically come to you for a neck lift?

Dr. Lee: Most patients seeking a neck lift are bothered by visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline areas, such as loose or sagging musculature or excess skin and/or fatty tissue. My patients often share with me that they still feel youthful on the inside, but what they see in the mirror does not reflect this. A neck lift is ideal for patients seeking a lasting solution to redefine their jawline and smooth the neck.

ASPS: What are the most common or popular techniques involved in a neck lift procedure?

Dr. Lee: A modern neck lift goes far beyond simply tightening the superficial skin tissues. At our practice, the approach involves contouring and repositioning the deeper structures of the neck, including tightening the platysma muscles and contouring the fat beneath the muscles. This structural refinement is then followed by the careful redraping of the overlying skin. This is called the deep-plane technique, which creates a more natural-looking appearance and a longer-lasting outcome than superficial lifts.

ASPS: How do you determine the right approach for your neck lift patients?

Dr. Lee: Neck lift is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every neck lift is micro-tailored to the patient's unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. During the consultation, we perform a physical evaluation and discuss the patient's goals to formulate a personalized treatment plan.

ASPS: Getting into the trendier side of neck lifts – can you speak to the recently popular Nefertiti lift? What does this involve, and who are the patients that this is best suited for?

Dr. Lee: The Nefertiti Lift is a nonsurgical option that uses neuromodulators, like Botox or Daxxify, injected along the platysma bands of the neck. This technique subtly relaxes the downward-pulling muscles of the neck and jawline, creating the appearance of a gentle lift and improved jawline definition. It's best suited for patients with mild jowling or early signs of aging who are not ready for surgery but want to explore noninvasive contouring options. While the results are temporary, it can be a great maintenance treatment or a preview of what surgical lifting can achieve.

ASPS: Do you have any advice or tips for patients who are thinking about a neck lift procedure?

Dr. Lee: Optimizing your overall health before surgery is one of the most important things you can do to support healing and achieve the best possible results. We highly recommend maintaining a clean and balanced diet, exercising regularly and staying physically active and incorporating key nutrients that promote tissue repair and recovery, like vitamin C, vitamin B5 and zinc. It is also best to minimize alcohol consumption prior to surgery to reduce inflammation, and for patients who use nicotine, they are required to discontinue nicotine consumption prior to surgery.

Taking care of your body from the inside out enhances your body's recovery capabilities, which helps to ensure optimal results!

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.