What conditions can a facelift and neck lift 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 on the neck and around the chin and jowls. 

A face lift and neck lift primarily target overall facial rejuvenation with a view to restoring a natural, fresh facial appearance. The goal is to achieve a balanced appearance that works.  

Facial rejuvenation can be achieved by targeting these common conditions associated with facial ageing.  

• Excess Fat: localised fat deposits that occur in the neck and lower face  
• Jowls / Jawline: folds of sagging skin that form around the lower face and chin, weakening the contour of the jawline 
• Loose neck: loose neck skin is common after weight loss and loose neck skin treatment can be needed 
• Loose Muscles: loosened facial muscles can require tightening to support the face and keep it lifted and rejuvenated  
• Loss of Jawline: jawline definition loss can be corrected to create a more sculpted, sharper jawline appearance 
• Neck Bands: vertical bands that appear on the neck as neck skin weakens and loosens  
• Sagging Skin: sagging skin tends to form in the lower face, jawline, and neck, sometimes in the form of jowls  
• Wrinkles: common facial wrinkles and fold lines include nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines 

Any given face or necklift procedure may choose to target one or more of these conditions based on an individuals specific concerns and baseline anatomy and ageing profile.  

There is also an array of different face and neck lift surgery options to target these conditions with variable techniques, varying degrees of invasiveness, expected associated outcomes, permanence of outcomes, and costs.  

It is important to speak to an expert plastic surgeon to provide professional independent advice to determine which might best target your specific conditions. 

A double chin is exactly as it sounds - extra fat under the skin gives the illusion of a person having two chins. 

The condition occurs when an extra layer of fat is formed beneath the chin and this can be caused by several different things. The most common cause of a double chin is weight gain and it is often associated with obesity. The condition is also caused by ageing, where the skin loses its elasticity and genetics.  

Another equally important factor is the anatomical level of the insertion of the muscles of the floor of the mouth into the hyoid bone, which supports the windpipe (trachea) at the level of the vocal cords. If this level is high, there is a sharp angle between the chin and the neck. If it is low, then the angle disappears and however much fat is removed, there will never be the desired definition. 

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 lower 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 in conjunction with a lower facelift and neck lift to remove fat under the skin and sculpt the chin.

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. 

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, tightening the skin on the neck. 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. 

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. 

Many patients want to get rid of their turkey neck instantly and turn to facial exercises that report to help lessen the appearance of a turkey neck quickly. There is no medical evidence that any of these work as effective turkey neck treatments.  

The most effective turkey neck treatments are turkey neck surgery procedures, such as a neck lift. Turkey neck surgery tightens the skin on the neck to help get rid of the turkey neck, sometimes in combination with liposuction to improve contouring and definition. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 on the neck and around the jawline 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. 

A Nefertiti neck lift is a non-surgical neck lift that uses Botox injections to lift and rejuvenate the neck and jaw areas. Patients who have lost weight in the face and those who regularly stress the neck, causing wrinkles and neck bands, can benefit from this therapy. The procedure is minimally invasive and can give you younger-looking skin in a matter of weeks. Learn more about the difference between a surgical and non-surgical neck lift if you think this might be a good option for you. You can also research neck lift costs here.  

Dermal fillers are another popular method to get rid of neck bands - these are injections containing a gel-like substance that plumps up the skin. This non-invasive procedure helps to restore the natural tone of your skin, smoothing out wrinkles and making you look younger. Vertical and horizontal banding can be reduced with neck fillers.