Neck
A neck lift can be performed alone or in conjunction with a lower facelift to improve the contour of the neck and to correct loose and sagging neck skin and muscle. This procedure is used to tighten the large neck muscle, called the platysma, which thins and loosens with age. Incisions for a neck lift are well hidden under the chin and, if necessary, in natural skin creases in front of and behind the ears.
Recovery is similar to facelift recovery, with swelling and bruising lasting anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.
Stubborn submental (under the chin) fat can be present due to weight gain or due to genetic factors. Often this stubborn fat pocket does not fully respond to diet and exercise. In addition, with age and weight gain, the jowls can become more full with fat. Submental and jowl liposuction can be performed beneath the skin and above the platysma muscle to remove fat cells permanently. It can also create a more defined and smooth jaw line. Submental and jowl liposuction are done under sedation or general anesthesia and are often combined with a lower face and necklift to enhance overall results.
Recovery usually takes about 1-2 weeks, after which most patients return to work. Bruising and swelling can last 2-4 weeks.
Kybella® (deoxycholic acid) is a non-surgical injectable treatment for stubborn submental (under the chin) fat. Often, this fat does not fully respond to diet, exercise and weight loss. Kybella® is placed beneath the skin and above the platysma muscle to permanently destroy fat cells. It is ideal for patients who have a moderate to severe amount of submental fat and good skin tone. Several injections, spaced at least one month apart, are often needed to achieve the desired result, but even one treatment can provide dramatic improvement in submental fat and give a more pleasing profile. Kybella can be injected in the office in under 30 minutes with only topical anesthesia.
Swelling and bruising of the neck occur after treatment and are normal. Swelling is generally worse after the first treatment and resolves after 1-2 weeks.
Achieving balance between the upper middle and lower thirds of the face is critical to achieving the best cosmetic surgical results. Often, a recessed chin can make the nose look more prominent than it really is or can make the skin of the neck look looser or more “saggy” than it really is. A chin implant can correct these imablances. The implant is placed through a small incision under the chin, well hidden in a skin crease. Dr. Irvine performs chin implants under general anesthesia and, when indicated, combines them with a rhinoplasty or a face and necklift.
Recovery generally takes 1 week, after which patients can return to work. Swelling and bruising usually last 2-3 weeks.
