SHOULD YOU WAIT TO GET A NECK LIFT?

At the first sign of a neckband, we think of getting a facelift or neck lift. This may not be the wisest choice. Taking a step back we must understand that looseness of the neck is one of the first telltale signs of aging in the face. The aging face shows many characteristics. None of which are particularly pleasing to the human eye. Men may tolerate it a little more acceptably than women. That glowing youthful wrinkle-free face rejects the first telltale signs of sagging in the neck. This may occur in the thirties.

What to do? Are we doomed to live with the turkey neck? THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING NO!

Technically speaking this problem can be addressed surgically and non-surgically. The least invasive should probably be embraced first, depending upon the severity of the sag. Some people have advised exercising the muscles of the face. The muscles of the face are flat and do not respond to strengthening exercises. Therefore facial muscle exercises will fail.

There are some creams that contain N-acetyl glucosamine that works by firming and smoothing the skin. Keep in mind that the sag or turkey neck is a result of the loosening of the platysma or PLA muscle. This can be compounded by excess fat in the region as well as a loss of skin elasticity. The creams may have a temporary and positive effect. Usually, not an overwhelming improvement, however.

Botox or botulism toxin type A has shown to be somewhat effective as well, again only temporary. The hypo neck lift sutures the skin and the PLA  muscle to the hyoid bone. I do not recommend this. It will not

produce a lasting result. There are absorbable threads that are becoming more popular at the present time and may show some significant benefit in mild cases. Some forms of laser treatment may also have some benefit in tightening the skin but will do nothing to tighten the PLA muscle which as you recall is the original offender.

The mini-lift is a possibility for the younger patient who desires to eliminate or attenuate that minor central skin muscle SAG. Of course, the gold standard for facial rejuvenation and tightening is a full SMAS facelift. This requires the appropriate incisions that begin in the temple are carried down in front of the ear, around the lobe, and in the groove behind the ear and then follow the hairline to the neck. This incision allows full access and exposure to all of the offending tissues  – especially the sagging platysma muscle and skin.

One or more of these less invasive procedures may be of assistance, but eventually, the sagging neck will respond most beneficially to the full professionally performed facelift.