Many people who are focused on reducing signs of aging tend to focus on wrinkles, lines and volume loss on the face, and ignore the delicate skin on the neck. But this is not wise as the neck is susceptible to wrinkles and sagging over time, and can easily give away one’s age. At Dr. George Sanders’ state-of-the-art Encino plastic surgery practice, the doctor offers several cosmetic treatments that focus on rejuvenating the neck. In this blog post, he discusses common signs of aging and the best treatment options for them.
For the “Double Chin”
Genetics, weight gain and aging can all cause fat to accumulate underneath the chin, creating what many call a “double chin.” Liposuction is the go-to procedure for patients who wish to remove submental fat and achieve a slimmer neck and jawline, assuming that they have good skin tone and do not have significant muscle bands.. During liposuction, Dr. Sanders uses a small cannula to break up and remove the targeted fat before suctioning it out. Incisions are carefully created and placed to avoid noticeable scarring. The slimming effects of liposuction are long-lasting; patients should maintain a stable weight, eat healthily and exercise regularly to prolong their results.
For Excess Skin
If, instead of excess fat, you struggle with loose, hanging skin underneath the chin and on the neck, a neck lift may be more appropriate. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that uses small incisions around the ears and/or under the chin to remove loose skin. The underlying tissues are tightened and the remaining skin is re-draped for a tighter and smoother appearance. For lesser degrees of neck skin laxity, limited neck lifts can be done under local anesthesia and without the use of drains. Thanks to Dr. Sanders’ meticulous approach, patients can enjoy a rejuvenated neck that appears natural and not overly pulled or tight.
Non-surgical skin tightening with lasers, ultrasound, or other forms of heat energy can also stimulate the collagen, resulting in skin tightening as well as wrinkle reduction of modest degree. These techniques are not as effective as a neck lift but they do involve less downtime. If there is crepiness of the skin, microneedling can be quite effective.
For Neck Bands
Botox is a quick and easy procedure that minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and lines, including horizontal neck bands. Dr. Sanders can inject small amounts of Botox to temporarily relax the neck muscles and smooth out the overlying skin bands. Botox is an appealing alternative to neck lift (which can also smooth out neck bands) because it does not require surgery or downtime. Side effects are minimal and temporary. The results of Botox typically last three to four months. Once the effects have worn off, many patients choose to undergo repeat sessions to maintain their smoother and younger-looking appearance.
Some patients choose to combine these procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. Others combine one of these neck procedures with another facial procedure (e.g., facelift, cheek lift) for more extensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Sanders works with each patient to design a treatment plan that addresses their unique concerns. To discuss your cosmetic goals with Dr. Sanders, please contact our Encino practice by calling (818) 981-3333 or emailing us today.
