Introduction to Neck Aesthetics

Ideally, a woman has a long, smooth neck that makes her look and feel graceful. A man’s neck, meanwhile, should provide support for a masculine jawline that signifies strength. As men and women age, the skin of the jaw and neck naturally loses strength and tissue begins to sag. In many cases, excess fat and muscle develop, dramatizing this effect.

An aging neck can cause the jawline and chin to lose their youthful angles and make the person appear older or even overweight. A platysmaplasty, or cosmetic i, restores the jawline, chin, and neck to their youthful appearance to produce a proportional chin. Issues addressed include excess skin, excess fat, neck bands, or a “turkey wattle” appearance.

At Shapiro Plastic Surgery, we understand that your decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure is a deeply personal one. Dr. Daniel Shapiro is nationally recognized for his prowess with facial plastic surgery, having been included in Newsweek Magazine’s annual list of the top 100 Plastic Surgeons in the country. His extensive skill enables him to create subtle, naturalistic results that will restore your appearance and your quality of life along with it.

Are You a Candidate?

The best neck candidates for the neck lift in Scottsdale & Phoenix are in good physical health with fairly good skin elasticity. Patients should have realistic expectations about their results and be able to devote at least one full week to the recovery process. In addition, the procedure is ideal for Phoenix men and women who want to address any of the following issues:

  • Double chin or fat under the chin
  • Turkey wattle appearance or loose neck skin 
  • Jowls, or excessive skin and fat along the jaw
  • Excessive skin or fat on the neck
  • Neck bands

Before & After

Patient is a 73-year-old female who thought she looked much older than she felt. She thought that her neck had become quite matronly, and did not like the loss of the youthful definition of her cheekbones, her puffy eyes and the deep wrinkles between her eyebrows, and her downturned mouth that imparted a sour tone to her face. She wanted to appear younger, more youthful and more attractive.

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An Overview Of The Traditional Neck Lift

The traditional neck lift is the most common form of this procedure. It is ideal for men and women with advanced signs of aging.

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The Procedure

A platysmaplasty involves the removal of excess fat and skin beneath the chin and neck to restore definition to the area. Dr. Shapiro, a Scottsdale plastic surgeon, will also tighten the neck muscles to restore a sharp jawline. Our Paradise Valley patients with good skin elasticity, who are typically younger, may have this procedure performed through a single small incision beneath the chin.

For older patients who have a very relaxed neck or poor elasticity, incisions will be located behind the ears to remove excess skin. If a significant amount of tissue must be removed, a drain may be placed overnight to prevent a build-up of fluids that may cause complications. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in an operating room setting.

If you choose to receive liposuction as well, this will be performed first to target fat on the neck and diminish a “double chin.” Next, muscles are released from the skin and tightened. Skin will be firmed and excess tissue removed through hidden incisions under the chin and around the ears.

The Recovery

The final result will take time as the swelling dissipates, however, some results will be apparent immediately following surgery. Most of our Phoenix patients achieve full, optimal results within six months.

Bruising and swelling after the platysmaplasty surgery are usually minimal, although the neck may feel sore and tight with mild to moderate pain that will be controlled with oral pain medication prescribed by Dr. Shapiro.

There may also be numbness around the incision sites for a few weeks. Bruising and swelling -should dissipate within seven to 14 days. Patients are encouraged to keep the head and neck still following the procedure to allow for healing. The head should also remain elevated during sleep for the first one to two weeks to minimize swelling. Most of our Paradise Valley patients are back to socializing after a week or so, and we’ll ensure that you have detailed aftercare instructions.

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Combining a Neck Lift and Chin Implant

A balanced chin is necessary for a beautiful neck, for both men and women. Many of our Scottsdale patients who have chosen the platysmaplasty procedure also have chin implant surgery performed at the same time. This implant can be added through the same incision beneath the chin and complements the results beautifully.

Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure designed for patients who retain good elasticity in their skin, usually younger patients, and for whom a neck lift would be unnecessarily extensive. Neck liposuction is different than a neck lift; only extra fat is removed with liposuction, but many of the newer forms of ultrasonic liposuction can assist in significant skin tightening. No skin is removed, and as a result, there are fewer smaller scars than a neck lift. Dr. Shapiro, a facial plastic surgeon, performs this procedure in his Scottsdale office.

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Nefertiti Neck Lift

This procedure uses Botox to redefine the neck and jawline by smoothing, lifting, and tightening the area. Injections are placed along the lower jawline and down the sides of the neck. The toxin causes the neck muscles, skin, and wrinkles to relax. Once the muscles are relaxed in the neck, the facial muscles will actually overcome the pull of the neck muscles, and help lift the fat and skin into place. The net effect is a shapely jawline, a youthful neck, and a smooth lower face.

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Experience World-Class Excellence

For nearly three decades, now, Dr. Shapiro has been busy earning a reputation for excellence in the Phoenix area, creating impressive results that rejuvenate his patients’ appearances and enable them to truly live their best lives. 

Recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the most highly-skilled plastic surgeons in the country, Dr. Shapiro offers his patients an environment built upon expertise, safety, and compassion. He’ll ensure that your outcome doesn’t just meet your expectations—he’ll exceed them.

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