Central Neck Lift to correct a stubborn double chin

WHAT IS A CENTRAL NECK LIFT?

A central neck lift is a surgical procedure intended to improve the neckline for those with a prominent double chin or poorly defined neckline by enhancing the transition between the jawline and the neck. Dr. Sean Delaney is one of the few surgeons in Houston, TX, performing this specialized neck lift. 

Ideal candidates for a central neck lift are individuals in their 20s to 40s with a genetic predisposition to a double chin or a poorly defined jawline and good skin elasticity. Often, patients have had previous chin liposuction with persistent fullness. Good skin elasticity is necessary because we count on the skin to contract after the deeper structures have been reduced. Without good skin elasticity, the neck skin could hang after

However, decreased skin elasticity is not an absolute contraindication to this procedure. For those with reduced skin elasticity, we also perform FaceTite/AccuTite radiofrequency skin tightening at the same time. For individuals with a small chin and a poorly defined transition between the jaw and neck, chin implant augmentation together with a central neck lift, is a great option as well.

The central neck lift is an excellent option for addressing neck fullness, aka double chin. If the primary issue is too much loose neck skin, then a conventional face and neck lift would be more appropriate. As with submental liposuction, a central neck lift should not be considered a replacement for healthy weight loss.

HOW IS A CENTRAL NECK LIFT PERFORMED?

A central neck lift is typically performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. First, an incision is made in the crease under your chin. Next, two additional small incisions are placed behind each earlobe. These same incisions could be used for chin implant augmentation and FaceTite/AccuTite skin tightening, so there would be no additional scars. 

Liposuction is performed initially through these incisions to sculpt the jawline. The central neck has deeper fat deposits and soft tissue that liposuction alone cannot address. The deep neck structures are assessed and carefully reduced during the central neck lift. Finally, your surgeon will modify the muscles under your chin to further improve the neckline definition. The procedure typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

RECOVERY

Immediately after surgery, patients can see a more defined jawline with reduced double chins. You'll have a compressive wrap on the day of the procedure that will be exchanged for a facial sling the next day. You'll wear the sling 24/7 for one week and only in the evenings for a second week. Most of the swelling takes about one to two weeks to dissipate. Bruising is uncommon but can occur. Parts of the neck may feel stiff or numb for several weeks. There will be faint scars where the incisions were made, but these are very small and will fade over time. After five days, you can return to work.

SAY GOODBYE TO A STUBBORN DOUBLE CHIN

If you have a pronounced double chin or an obtuse neckline that you were born with, simple liposuction alone may not give you the neckline definition that you desire. The central neck lift is an excellent option for young patients with good skin elasticity who wish to address their double chin. Complementary treatments such as FaceTite/AccuTite radiofrequency skin tightening and chin implant augmentation may help even more patients achieve great results. If you are interested in discovering your treatment options to enhance the appearance of your neck, we welcome you to contact Facial Plastic Surgery Associates in Houston, TX, to speak with a member of our team. We are excited to share this fantastic cosmetic procedure with you.