Jorge A. Perez, M.D., F.A.C.S.
One of the most common areas requested for plastic surgery improvement by both women and men is the neck. Youth and attractiveness are defined by a strong jawline and a firm, clean neckline.
The aging process in the neck usually starts by age 40 and is affected by several components: the skin, bones and cartilage, and the underlying soft tissue, including the muscles and fat. Treatment options will depend upon the correct evaluation of each of these elements.
Jaw surgery or chin implants can help compensate for a bony profile deficiency. These procedures however can be complicated and should be approached cautiously with experienced surgeons.
Younger patients with excess neck fat alone and good skin tone may benefit from liposuction. Ultrasonic lipoplasty is an advanced liposuction technique that will also stimulate neck skin tightening.
The most common aging change affecting the neck is hanging skin, affectionately known as the “turkey neck”. In addition, loose muscles can contribute to the “gobbler” or wattle.
A muscular sling in the neck that is tight in youth but begins to separate as we age is called the platysma. The separation in this muscle causes two ridges that define the neck bands of age. A common treatment to correct this separation is to sew these bands together with a small incision under the chin.
A unique, less invasive, operation performed by our office is to combine neck muscle repair with ultrasonic lipoplasty for skin tightening in carefully selected patients. We were privileged to present this procedure last year to plastic surgeons in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
The gold standard for neck rejuvenation however, continues to be the conventional face and neck lift. The procedure allows for redraping of the cheeks, jawline jowls and neck in a more even and complete fashion. The anatomy of this area is complex, therefore a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon experienced in face and neck surgery is required.
Many options exist for rejuvenation of the neck and lower face. The procedures can be safe and effective in proper hands. The plastic surgeon, facility and anesthesia all play an important role in the outcome. Cost should never outweigh quality, experience and safety. Happy Thanksgiving.
About the Doctor:
Dr. Perez has been selected among Castle Connolly/U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Top Doctors. He has lectured internationally on face and neck rejuvenation surgery and has been featured as a plastic surgery expert for major media outlets. Surgery is performed at the Broward Health Weston facility with physician anesthesiologists.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perez call (954) 351-2200. To learn more about any of these procedures visit www.PerezPlasticSurgery.com.