Plastic Surgeon Dr. Dean Kane of Baltimore Answers Question Regarding Face and Neck Lifts
Q. I have had an asymmetric double chin to the left of my face since I was young. I am now 71 and having lost 3 stone – I was very overweight – in 2012, the firm double chin of youth is now just hanging flesh, mainly on the left; the right side is what I would say ‘normal’ for someone of my age. I have been offered a wattle neck procedure or a lower facelift but not a neck lift and wondered why.
A. Thanks for this question. It is confusing as each facelift surgeon uses different marketing slang.
A facelift performs 2 basic procedures:
- lifting and compressing of the soft tissues under the skin to suspend the drooping neck muscle and cheek muscles,
- unfurling and redraping the overlying skin of the face and if needed, the neck.
In some cases, the neck definition can be improved from a facelift alone; where the skin lifting is to the jawline and not onto the neck. For loose neck skin, further lifting of the neck skin will be necessary to fully elevate and properly spread the drooping skin excess.
I further add a corseted platysmaplasty to the neck if the muscle bands under the chin are separated and will add to a tight neck appearance.
The length of the incision around the front and back of the ear and along the side-burn and neck hairline are as long as it takes to distribute the skin excess to remove any extra darts and pleats.
Consult with a skillful and talented Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will properly examine you and your desires for the best outcome.
All the best!
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our practice would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
