A neck lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline. The goal of this surgery is to create a smoother, more youthful contour by addressing concerns such as sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity. This procedure can significantly enhance overall facial harmony and provide a more defined profile.
Main Incision Sites for Neck Lift
The primary incision locations for a neck lift are chosen to minimize visible scarring. Incisions are typically placed behind the ears and sometimes under the chin, hidden within natural creases or the hairline.
Incisions made behind the ears often begin in the hairline at the level of the sideburn, continuing down and around the ear, and ending in the posterior hair. This placement allows the surgeon to access underlying neck muscles, reposition tissues, and remove excess skin. The natural contours of the ear and the hairline help to conceal these incision lines as they heal.
A small incision is often made in a natural crease under the chin, known as the submental incision. This incision provides access for procedures like liposuction to remove fatty deposits, or for tightening the platysma muscles (platysmaplasty). This submental incision addresses a “double chin” or prominent vertical neck bands.
Tailoring Incisions to Patient Needs
While common incision sites exist, the exact pattern and length of incisions are customized based on an individual’s anatomy, the extent of correction, and aesthetic concerns. A surgeon considers factors such as skin elasticity, excess fat, and muscle laxity. This personalized approach ensures effective and natural-looking results.
For less extensive correction, a “short scar” technique uses shorter incisions primarily around the ear. More comprehensive neck lifts, especially those addressing significant loose skin or prominent muscle bands, require longer incisions. The goal is to balance effective correction with minimal scar visibility.
The combination of incisions is tailored to address issues. For instance, if significant muscle tightening (platysmaplasty) is needed for vertical neck bands, a submental incision is typically used with ear incisions. If excess fat is the primary concern, a small submental incision can suffice for liposuction alone.
Managing Incision Appearance Post-Surgery
After a neck lift, incisions will be visible and initially appear red or slightly raised. This is a normal part of the body’s healing response. Over time, these scars mature, gradually becoming flatter, softer, and fading to a less noticeable color, often resembling a thin, white line.
The full maturation process for neck lift scars can take several months to over a year, with significant fading often observed between 6 to 12 months post-surgery. Surgeons place incisions in less visible areas, such as behind the ears or within the natural crease under the chin, to help conceal their long-term appearance.
To support optimal healing and minimize scar visibility, following a surgeon’s post-operative instructions is important. This includes protecting healing scars from sun exposure, as UV rays can darken them permanently. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to the incision areas is a common recommendation once the skin has healed.