Often, the desire for a youthful and well-defined jawline and neck contour is an eco-aesthetic appeal on occasion, sending maybe some seekers to look for surgical rejuvenation interventions. Whereas “neck lift” being a general term implies a multitude of surgical techniques, it embraces procedures that engage with differing degrees of aging and anatomical abnormalities. Hence, it would be good for the patient desirous of choosing between a traditional neck lift and a deep neck lift to be familiar with their fundamental differences since their implications, suitability, and degree of results all vary.
The traditional neck lift also called the superficial one, was made with its implied intention of fighting visible signs of aging due to skin laxity and superficial platysma muscle. An incision is generally placed behind the ears and sometimes extends to the hairline or along the jawline, in this lift. The surgeon tightens the skin after removing the excess skin, and sometimes tightens the platysma, which with aging develops into visible “bands” or “cords” in the neck due to sagging. Liposuction might be employed to also take away excess fat deposits under the chin. It reduces wrinkly skin, minimizes the visibility of the turkey wattle, and tightens the neck contour to a more elegant grade. This is mainly suitable for people with mild to moderate skin sagging and muscle laxity, with the main concerns being superficial.
A deep neck lift is an extensive and involved surgical procedure meant to address the deeper anatomical layers of the neck. Whereas a traditional neck lift treats the superficial layers of skin and muscle, a deep neck lift delves under the platysma muscle to provide a more definitive solution to factors responsible for a heavy, full, or ill-defined neck contour. These factors include the following:
Removal of deep fat: This fat is often resistant to dieting and exercise and is found beneath the platysma muscle, thus, creating a “double chin” even in youthful and otherwise slim persons.
Reshaping of the digastric muscles: These muscles under the chin sometimes cause an unsightly bulge that cannot be corrected by a superficial lift.
Reduction or repositioning of enlarged salivary glands (submandibular glands): In some persons these glands descend or enlarge, producing a bulky effect under the jawline.
Tightening of the deeper neck muscles and connective tissues: This deep work allows for greater re-contouring and a more well-defined angle between the neck and jawline.
The incision for a deep neck lift is generally discreetly placed under the chin so that the surgeon may reach these deeper layers. By remedying the neck’s basic structure, a deep neck lift can assure more dramatic and longer-lasting results, especially for those with a genetically heavier or fuller neck and those harder hit by aging. Though big in project, the deeper neck lift crafts a sharp, sculpted jawline that gracefully outlines the neck, something that cannot be achieved by the superficial neck lift.
Choosing between a traditional neck lift or a deep neck lift revolves predominantly around anatomical concerns of the patient and their aesthetic goals, as well as underlying causes of their neck fullness or laxity. Deep neck lift patients usually comprise those with submental fullness extending deep into the neck, prominent neck bands due to muscle laxity, or the wish for a dramatic and sculpted jawline. Traditional neck lift persons are more likely those with superficial only. A thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial and neck aesthetics is an absolute must for all prospective patients. The surgeon will then evaluate their individual anatomy, have discussions on expectations, and finally recommend the surgical approach most appropriate to achieve their desired natural-appearing and long-lasting results.
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