When it comes to facial rejuvenation, many individuals tend to focus on the more visible areas such as the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. However, an often overlooked but equally important area is the neck. The neck and jawline are prominent features that significantly contribute to one’s overall appearance. The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, and as such, there are various surgical options available to address concerns such as sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity. Submentoplasty and neck lift are two surgical cosmetic procedures designed to address concerns related to these areas, providing a more youthful and sculpted profile. Dr Denton would like to discuss these two popular options to help you make an informed decision for your desired rejuvenation journey.
What is Submentoplasty?
Submentoplasty, also referred to as “direct neck lift” or “double chin reduction”, is a facial plastic surgery procedure that targets the area under the chin and jawline or upper neck known as the submental region. The goal of submentoplasty is to reduce excess fat in this area, creating a more defined and contoured chin and neck.
Who is the Ideal Candidate?
The ideal candidate for a submentoplasty is usually a younger one who does not require a full face or neck lift, but instead may want to remove a double chin or fat deposits along the jawline. Frequently, both men and women with a double chin, may have excellent skin elasticity and a healthy weight, but are unable to get rid of the excess fat no matter how much they exercise or diet. Consequently, they turn to Dr Denton who can perform this minimally invasive procedure to quickly and effectively remove the excess fat and provide them with a more defined chin and jawline.
How is Submentoplasty Perfromed?
Submentoplasty is performed through a small incision under the chin, where liposuction removes the unwanted fat then your facial plastic surgeon may use small incisions to tighten the neck muscles providing you with a more defined jawline. A submentoplasty does not involve restructuring or tightening the lower half of the face.
Submentoplasty is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure, lasting less than one hour. It can be done under twilight anaesthesia or local sedation, depending on your preference and medical condition. The recovery time is usually one to two weeks, during which you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. You may need to wear a compression garment around your neck for a few days to support the healing process.
What is Neck Lift Surgery or Platysmaplasty?
Neck lift surgery or platysmaplasty is a more comprehensive procedure that addresses the entire neck and lower face region. The platysma is a thin layer of muscle on either side of the front of the neck that goes from your collarbones to your lower face and is separated into two sides along the midline. As we become older, the connective tissue that attaches the platysma to the skin starts to become loose and we get a sagging neck.
The aim of a neck lift is to tighten the skin and platysma muscle creating a single layer of muscle called a midline platysma plication. After the procedure, the neck bands, turkey neck, and double chin are significantly reduced and there is more jawline definition.
How is a Neck Lift Performed?
Dr Denton normally performs a neck lift using twilight anaesthesia (intravenous sedation). A neck lift is performed through incisions around the ear and under the chin. Depending on the extent of correction needed, liposuction, skin tightening, muscle tightening, and fat redistribution may be done to achieve the desired results. The incisions are then closed with sutures or special skin adhesive.
How Does The Neck Lift Procedure Compare To Submentoplasty
A neck lift is a more complex and invasive procedure than submentoplasty, lasting about two hours. The recovery time is usually two to four weeks, during which you may experience more swelling, bruising, and discomfort than submentoplasty. There are restrictions/limitations regarding strenuous activity, exposure to the sun, and neck movement for the first few weeks. However, most patients can resume non-strenuous work after 10 to 14 days.
What are the Benefits and Risks of Submentoplasty and Neck Lift?
Both submentoplasty and neck lift can offer significant benefits for your appearance and self-confidence. By enhancing the shape and contour of your chin and neck, these procedures can make you look younger, slimmer, and more rejuvenated. They can also balance your facial features and harmonize your profile.
However, like any surgical procedure, submentoplasty and neck lift also have some risks and limitations that you should be aware of before deciding to undergo them. For example, there is the possibility of infection, scarring or even nerve damage. That’s why, to minimize these risks, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr Denton who can perform these procedures safely and effectively. You should also follow your surgeon’s instructions before and after the surgery to ensure a smooth recovery.
How Do I Prepare for Submentoplasty or Neck Lift Surgery?
To prepare for submentoplasty or neck lift surgery, you should follow the instructions given by your facial plastic surgeon. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some of the common steps to prepare for neck lift surgery are:
- You’ll need to have lab tests or a medical evaluation to assess your health.
- You may need to take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
- You need to stop smoking because it can negatively affect healing and increase your chance of infection and inflammation.
- You may also have to spot taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and certain supplements for a short period before and after your operation due to the risk of perioperative bleeding.
You should also arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night after the surgery. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything for about eight hours before the surgery.
How to Choose Between Submentoplasty and Neck Lift?
The choice between submentoplasty and neck lift depends on several factors, such as:
- Your aesthetic goals
- Your anatomy
- Your age
- Your skin quality
- Your budget
- Your expectations
In general, submentoplasty is more suitable for younger patients who have good skin elasticity and only want to address excess fat and skin under the chin. Submentoplasty can also be combined with other procedures such as chin augmentation or rhinoplasty for optimal results.
On the other hand, a neck lift is a more comprehensive procedure that addresses a wider range of issues in the neck and lower face, such as loose skin, muscle bands, jowls, and wrinkles. It is ideal for patients who have more advanced signs of ageing or hereditary features that affect the whole neck and lower face area. As a result, it is generally more suitable for older patients who have poor skin elasticity and want to address multiple concerns in the neck and lower face region. A neck lift can also be combined with other procedures such as a facelift or brow lift for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
The best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can evaluate your condition and recommend the best option for your goals.
Book a Consultation with Dr Denton Today
If you are interested in improving the appearance of your chin and neck with a submentoplasty or neck lift, you should contact Dr Denton today. As a leading facial plastic surgeon in Vancouver, he has the expertise and experience to perform these procedures with the highest standards of safety and quality. He will listen to your concerns and expectations, examine your face and neck, and discuss the best treatment plan for you.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Denton can advise what the best course of action is for you. He performs facial plastic surgery procedures, including neck lifts and submentoplasty procedures, in his private and fully accredited state-of-the-art surgical facility in Vancouver, British Columbia. Before any procedure, Dr Denton ensures that his patients are fully informed in order to make the best decisions. He encourages unhurried discussion between the patient, the other team members, and himself.
Dr Denton also uses computer imaging to enable his patients to visualize the proposed changes and their effect on his patients’ overall facial balance. Schedule your consultation today and find out how Dr Denton can help you achieve the result that will make you feel more confident about your appearance.