Overview
A mini neck lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that tightens and contours the neck and chin by removing excess fat and skin from these areas. Excess fat and skin in the neck and chin areas are telltale signs of aging. As you age, your skin begins to lose collagen and elasticity and this sign of aging together with gravity can cause your neck muscles to weaken and your skin to sag. The skin of your neck is particularly vulnerable to sagging and wrinkles, commonly called ‘turkey neck’, because it is very thin and delicate.
The appearance of sagging or wrinkled skin in the neck can also be a result of other factors including heredity, stress, and other environmental factors. In some cases, individuals may notice the skin of their neck sagging even when the skin of their face looks good. Other individuals may notice the skin of their face and the skin of their neck sagging at the same time as a sure sign of aging. Whether you want to tighten the skin of your neck alone to correct signs of aging or you’re considering complete facial rejuvenation, a mini neck lift might be the best option for you to achieve your desired appearance.
You should know that other facial rejuvenation procedures can be performed in place of or together with a mini neck lift to improve the appearance of your chin and neck areas. Before you decide to get a mini neck lift, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Karan Chopra to get the best advice on the exact facial rejuvenation procedure or combination of procedures that will benefit you the most and meet your aesthetic expectations.
Benefits
A mini neck lift helps to correct sagging and wrinkled neck skin by reducing the excess fat and skin in the neck and under the chin. A mini neck lift also helps to eliminate jowls in the lower face and improve the jaw contours by working on the muscle banding in the neck. This procedure produces similar results to a traditional neck lift with lower costs and fewer risks and complications:
- A mini neck lift procedure is less invasive than a traditional neck lift and can be performed under local anesthesia;
- This procedure involves the use of little incisions beneath the chin and the ears. These incisions when done right by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Karan Chopra will leave barely visible scars;
- Mini neck lifts require a shorter recovery period and they heal pretty quickly with less bruising, swelling, and discomfort.
"Am I the right candidate?"
The best candidates for a mini neck lift are individuals who have maintained a relatively healthy weight and are in good health generally. You will be considered for a mini neck lift if you:
- Are a younger individual in your 30s, 40s, or 50s and are experiencing early signs of aging in your neck such as early jowling, mild sagging, or neck banding;
- Have a double chin or sagging skin in your chin that extends to your neck;
- Have enough skin elasticity and firmness that will prevent more skin laxity in your neck after the surgery;
- Are a healthy individual without the presence of any health condition that may impair your recovery;
- Have reasonable expectations for the procedure and desire mild to moderate results;
- Are a non-smoker.
Procedure
A mini neck lift corrects sagging neck skin by removing the excess fat in the neck and tightening the little excess skin present. Your plastic surgeon will usually redrape the little excess skin in the neck to create a tighter jawline or they may create tiny incisions behind the ears to lift and remove some excess skin. This procedure involves the use of small incisions under the chin or behind the ears that are well hidden. A mini neck lift is best for individuals with mild to moderate excess skin in their neck as this procedure is primarily used to remove excess fat in the neck area.
A neck lift, also known as a traditional neck lift or platysmaplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that helps to correct sagging neck skin by eliminating excess fat and skin on the neck. This procedure also involves the lifting and tightening of the platysma which is a superficial muscle in the neck. The platysma is a thin sheet-like muscle that can separate into rope-like bands and cause the appearance of wrinkles in the skin of the neck with aging and irregular tension. The platysma also tends to shorten and thin as the skin ages and loses elasticity. A traditional neck lift is a more extensive neck lift that helps to remove excess fat and skin from the neck as well as tighten the platysma muscle itself.
Another main difference between a mini neck lift and a traditional neck lift is the size and number of the incisions. A traditional neck lift involves more incisions and dissections in the neck. Additionally, a traditional neck lift is usually more expensive than a mini neck lift and requires a longer recovery time due to the type of incisions made. Depending on the extent of the procedure, a traditional neck lift will generally produce longer-lasting results than a mini neck lift.
You should know that a mini neck lift procedure does not have a specific agreed-upon definition and different surgeons may have different opinions of what it entails. Therefore, you need to discuss your specific goals and expectations of this procedure with your surgeon during the initial consultation.
Time A mini neck lift is a relatively short in-office procedure and it usually lasts for about 60-90 minutes depending on your plastic surgeon and the type of anesthesia used for the procedure.
Cost The cost of a mini neck lift may vary from patient to patient depending on various factors such as the type of correction, surgical fees, and anesthesia fees. A detailed quote will be provided during your consultation.
Process
- Local anesthesia will be administered to the patient before the procedure with or without IV sedation depending on the plastic surgeon and the condition of the patient. If you are not sedated, you will be awake during the procedure but the anesthesia will make you numb to pain all through.
- Small incisions will be made under your chin and possibly behind your ears extending up to the hairline. The location and type of incisions that will be made will depend on your plastic surgeon, your mini lift goals, and the exact location and amount of excess fat and skin to be removed.
- Through these small incisions, your surgeon will sculpt or redistribute fat from below your chin and along your neck. Your superficial neck muscles may also be tightened to create a slimmer neck.
- Depending on your mini neck lift goals, your surgeon may either redrape the skin of your neck or lift and remove some excess skin through the incisions made behind your ears to tighten the skin of your neck.
- The incision lines will then be closed with sutures that are well concealed.
Recovery
The recovery after a mini neck lift generally takes a shorter time frame than the traditional neck lift and comes with less swelling, bruising, and discomfort. After the procedure, you may be asked to wrap your head and neck for the first 24 hours with a pressure dressing to help reduce swelling and bruising. You should try as much as possible to refrain from exercises and strenuous activities for at least two weeks after your mini neck lift. Performing activities that apply pressure to your neck and chin areas during your recovery can disturb your recovery process. To reduce the risk of swelling, you should try as much as possible to keep your head elevated above your chest at all times. You may be prescribed medication to help relieve pain and combat any possible infections. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your incision sites during the recovery period. You may be required to see your surgeon some days after your surgery for a follow-up.
FAQs
A mini neck lift is a minimally invasive procedure and the pain associated with it is minimal compared to a traditional neck lift. The actual surgery will not be painful at all due to the anesthesia you will be given and possible sedation. You should expect to feel a little discomfort and soreness in your neck for a while after the surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help relieve pain and aid you in your recovery process.
Since a mini neck lift is not as extensive as a traditional neck lift, the results of a mini neck lift will likely not last as long as the results of a traditional one. Depending on your body type and the success of your surgery, your mini neck lift can last for about 2-5 years.
It is possible to get another mini neck lift once the results of the first neck lift have begun to fade
A mini neck lift involves incisions made under the chin and possibly behind your ears. The scars formed from these incisions are usually small and barely visible.
If you do not feel like a mini neck lift is the best procedure for you, there are other non-surgical alternatives such as Kybella injections, and CoolSculpting.