What conditions can a facelift and neck lift target?

What conditions can a facelift and necklift target?

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, the underlying tissues lose their volume and the bones lose their structure. Facelifts and neck lifts are both straightforward procedures which can help problems caused by the ageing process, including a double chin, sagging neck, jowls and neck bands.

A facelift works by repositioning the soft tissues and skin to its former level and plumping out the soft tissues to give the refreshed look of natural youth. A neck lift tightens the skin around the chin and jowls.

Here we will look at the different problems of a double chin, sagging neck, jowls, and neck bands and explore how a facelift or neck lift can be beneficial.

What causes a double chin?

How to treat a double chin

Having a double chin can have a huge impact on a person’s self-esteem, making them feel self-conscious and anxious about their appearance.

However, a facelift and neck lift at the Cadogan Clinic can help to tackle this problem area.

During a facelift the surgeon will remove excess fat and loose skin around the chin and neck region, causing the double chin to disappear. In the case of a neck lift, extra skin around the chin is removed and the neck muscles are tightened, resulting in a better facial appearance and eliminating the double chin.

Liposuction can also be used to remove fat under the skin and sculpt the chin.

What causes a sagging neck?

Loose, sagging skin in the neck area can be caused by a number of common factors, including genetics, ageing, dramatic weight loss and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and excessive sun exposure.

People who do not have a defined angle between the chin and the neck (also known as the mento-cervical angle) and significant submental fat are at greatest risk. The mento-cervical angle is determined by the level of the hyoid bone above the windpipe. If the hyoid is low, there is no angle and the skin of the chin slopes directly into the neck.

Ageing, sunshine and smoking are the main causes of sagging skin of the neck, causing the skin to thin and reducing elasticity. This allows the vertical bands of the platysma (neck cords and neck bands) to show through. Sometimes these gather together with the surplus skin in the middle, resulting in a so-called turkey neck.

How to treat a sagging neck

There are nonsurgical treatments available, but these are not as effective at tackling a saggy neck as the standard neck lift, where the skin is drawn upwards and backwards towards the ear. This is by far the best option when the jawline (jowls) is also an issue. This procedure is combined with fat grafting around the chin and face.

What causes turkey neck?

A turkey neck, also known as a wattle, refers to the loose surplus skin which hangs down in the midline from the chin to the neck. It takes its name from the farmyard bird which has a noticeable flap of skin hanging from underneath the chin.

Once again, a turkey neck is a side effect of the ageing process. When the skin in this area loses its elasticity, it takes the shortest route from the chin to the neck. It occurs when the neck muscles begin to weaken and the skin loses the ability to stretch and stay tight.

A turkey neck is typically worse when a person has experienced significant weight loss.

How do you get rid of turkey neck?

What causes jowls?

Everyone develops jowls along the jawline as they age. The soft tissues naturally lose elasticity and descend. They are held up by deep ligaments to the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, chin and mandible behind the chin. The wider, triangular upper face and narrow chin become inverted, resulting in a sunken, narrow upper face and wide jawline. The outer angle of the eyes slips down and there is a downturn of the mouth. The deep attachments force the skin to fold at the nasolabial (smile) lines and the hitch at the jawline behind the chin forms the jowls behind it.

As part of the ageing process, the appearance of jowls happens to all of us, but it is more of a problem for some people than others as it can be inherited. A person’s nationality and skin type can affect the severity of jowls. For example, a person with Celtic skin, who has been exposed to sunshine, can find the problem more acute. Strong cheekbones and jawbones delay the onset of jowls.

 

How do you get rid of jowls?

The onset of jowls can also be delayed with the use of sunblock and quality skin care, but eventually, the condition will require surgical intervention. This will recreate the triangular shape of a youthful face, with strong cheekbones and a defined jawline.

A facelift is one of the most effective treatments we offer to tackle the appearance of jowls. Our expert surgeons here at the Cadogan Clinic will lift the soft tissues away from the mandible to restore the volume to the upper part of the face, tightening the floppy skin.

What causes bands on the neck?

Neck bands, or platysmal bands, are two lines of muscles that run vertically down the sides of your neck. They are triggered by contractions of the platysma, the most superficial muscular layer in the face and neck. While they offer no health dangers, some people can be concerned about their appearance.

These bands are a normal part of the ageing process as the loss of elasticity in the skin causes the skin overlying the platysma to weaken and sag. Genetics may play a role in this, as the bands can appear earlier in those with thinner skin.

The simplest way to avoid neck bands is to keep your neck skin moisturised. This helps to keep the sensitive underside of your neck free of lines and wrinkles. A moisturised complexion also helps to protect the underside of your neck and shoulders from UV damage. Though there is no guaranteed solution for preventing neck bands, they are often inevitable.

How do you get rid of neck bands?

Facelift or neck lift surgery can assist to reduce the appearance of ageing in the mid and lower face. This is a surgical procedure that eliminates fat and tightens the skin around the jawline and neck to improve visible signs of ageing. 

The mini-facelift is a modified version of the standard facelift that is substantially less invasive. This operation is most commonly used to tighten loose skin in the lower area of the face, such as the chin, jaw, jowls, and upper neck, and it is effective in treating neck bands. Compare a mini facelift with a 'full' facelift to see which may be best for you.