8 Steps to find the Right Solution for Sagging Neck

A well-defined neck and jawline can significantly impact your overall appearance, conveying youthfulness and confidence. If you’re considering neck rejuvenation but are unsure which procedure fits your needs – neck liposuction, neck lift surgery, deep neck lift, or other treatments – this guide will help you understand how to self-assess your suitability for these options.

This article will walk you through various factors to consider when determining the best treatment for your neck, so you can make informed decisions before consulting a surgeon like Dr. Thomas Sterry, a leading board-certified plastic surgeon in New York.

How to Determine which Neck procedure can help tighten and contour a sagging neck

Step 1: Identify Your Neck Concerns

Start by standing in front of a mirror with your head in a neutral position. Ask yourself the following:

• Excess Fat: Do you notice a double chin or pockets of fat under the chin?
• Loose Skin: Is there sagging skin, often called a “turkey neck”?
• Muscle Banding: Do you see vertical bands or cords running from your chin down the neck?
• Lack of Definition: Does your jawline appear less defined?
• Combination of Issues: Are multiple concerns present, such as fat, sagging skin, and muscle banding?

Your answers will help you narrow down the procedures most suitable for your situation.

Step 2: Assess Your Skin Elasticity

Skin elasticity is a critical factor when considering neck procedures. Try the “pinch test” by gently pinching the skin under your chin:

• If your skin retracts quickly and feels firm, you likely have good skin elasticity and may benefit from neck liposuction or a deep neck lift.
• If the skin sags or doesn’t retract well, you may have poor skin elasticity, making you a better candidate for a neck lift or skin tightening treatments.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Age and Skin Quality

Age can influence both skin quality and the severity of neck aging:

• Younger Patients (20s to early 40s): If you’re noticing mild fat accumulation without sagging skin, neck liposuction may be the ideal solution.
• Middle-Aged Patients (40s to 50s): If you have mild skin laxity combined with fat deposits, a deep neck lift or combination liposuction with skin tightening could be suitable.
• Older Patients (50s+): Significant sagging, muscle banding, and skin laxity often require a full neck lift surgery for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Step 4: Consider Your Goals and Desired Results

Think about what you hope to achieve:

• Smoother Neck with Minimal Downtime: Neck liposuction for fat removal.
• Dramatic Anti-Aging Effect: Neck lift surgery for comprehensive skin tightening.
• More Defined Jawline: Deep neck lift to address deeper fat and muscle structure.
• Non-Surgical Refinement: If you’re looking for subtle improvement without surgery, treatments like Kybella or Ultherapy might be worth exploring.

Step 5: Self-Assessment for Neck Procedures

Use this quick checklist to narrow down the best option:

Concern	Best Treatment Option
Excess fat but good skin elasticity	Neck Liposuction
Sagging skin and muscle banding	Neck Lift Surgery
Deeper fat and muscle tightening	Deep Neck Lift
Mild fat, no surgery preference	Kybella (Non-Surgical)

Step 6: Understanding Different Neck Procedures for a Sagging Neck

✓ Neck Liposuction (Smartlipo)

• Ideal for: Patients with good skin elasticity and excess fat.
• Procedure: Fat removal using a small cannula through tiny incisions.
• Recovery: 5-7 days of mild swelling.
• Results: Permanent fat removal with minimal downtime.

✓ Neck Lift Surgery

• Ideal for: Skin laxity, muscle banding, and fat removal.
• Procedure: Skin tightening, fat removal, and muscle repair through discreet incisions.
• Recovery: 2-3 weeks with dramatic anti-aging results.

✓ Deep Neck Lift Surgery

• Ideal for: Patients needing fat removal and muscle tightening.
• Procedure: Focuses on deeper fat compartments and muscle work.
• Recovery: 2-4 weeks with a sculpted jawline appearance.

✓ Kybella Injections (Non-Surgical Option)

• Ideal for: Mild fat under the chin.
• Procedure: Series of injections that dissolve fat over time.
• Recovery: Minor swelling; results take weeks.

Step 7: When to Consult a Plastic Surgeon

While self-assessment can be helpful, a professional evaluation is essential to confirm the best treatment plan. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Thomas Sterry can:

• Perform a detailed skin and muscle analysis.
• Explain the nuances of each procedure.
• Customize treatment based on your anatomy and goals.

Step 8: See Real Patient Results and Read Patient Testimonials

Seeing real transformations can help set realistic expectations. Dr. Sterry provides:

• Before-and-after photos showcasing neck liposuction, neck lifts, and combination treatments.
• Patient testimonials emphasizing satisfaction and natural results.

Neck Lift Before and After Photos

Take the Next Step Toward a Defined Neckline

If you’ve identified your concerns and feel ready to explore the next steps, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Thomas Sterry. His expertise in neck contouring procedures ensures personalized care and outstanding results.

FAQs

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Further Reading

• Read more about Smartlipo® Neck Contouring
• Read more about Deep Plane Facelift
• Read Dr Sterry’s Blog on Neck Liposuction: Your Selfie Chin Solution for Improving Your Profile
• All Face Procedures by Dr Sterry