Neck

Men do not typically experience looseness of the neck tissues as commonly as women, but instead are often troubled by excess fat deposits beneath the chin and in the neck. These can prove to be stubborn and unappealing, and are common among aging men, despite a healthy total body weight. In these cases, depending on its location and distribution, various surgical and nonsurgical options such as Kybella, CoolSculpting, liposuction or surgical removal (submentoplasty) of these fat pockets can be explored. When excess skin is also present, a neck lift can be an considered as well.

The Consultation Process

There are several techniques (non-surgical and surgical) that Dr. DeFatta utilizes to treat these aging neck issues. During a consultation, Dr. DeFatta will examine your neck to determine the best technique to give the correction you desire. There are many different criteria that will be taken into account and discussed during your consultation. These will include your anatomy, your lifestyle and needs with regard to post-procedure downtime. Dr. DeFatta strives to help patients achieve a natural-looking appearance that brings harmony to how the neck relates to the rest of the facial features. Digital photographs and computer imaging will help you visualize how you will look after this procedure. These techniques can also help you see how this procedure can be combined with other procedures to achieve your best results. During your consultation process with Dr. DeFatta, these options can be discussed and a custom plan can be tailored to help you achieve the look you desire.

Method of Treatment

The method that Dr. DeFatta will chose dependents upon where your neck is in the aging process. Through the years, Dr. Defatta has learned to classify an individual’s neck aging process into one of four specific types.  These include:

• Vertical neck bands
• Sagging skin under the chin (turkey neck)
• Excess fat underneath the chin (double chin)
• Combinations of these

Dr. DeFatta will discuss how each requires a different treatment technique. 

Vertical Neck Bands

These can be effectively treated with Botox, although they are less common in men than in women. If neck bands present as a problem for you, it can be addressed within the comfort of the office. Dr. DeFatta injects small amounts of Botox directly into the bands to relax the platysma muscle and create a smoother neckline, both at rest and during smiling and other facial movements.

Isolated Sagging Skin Under the Chin (Turkey Neck)

Dr. DeFatta can treat this through a small incision under the chin that is virtually invisible.  Through this incision, he repairs the thinning of the platysma muscles where they have separated. This is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed under light sedation in the operating room. This procedure can also be combined with liposuction (removal of fat present under this muscle) from the neck. This allows the contour of the neck to be returned to a flat, more youthful appearance. 

Excess Fat Underneath the Chin (Double Chin)

Non Surgical

KYBELLA® is a non-surgical procedure indicated for treatment of stubborn, localized fat pocket under the chin, commonly known as double chin. KYBELLA® and CoolSculpting are the only non-surgical FDA approved treatments for double chin. KYBELLA® is an injectable treatment that shows results slowly over time and is indicated for those who have achieved a healthy body weight but the localized area of fat remains. It can improve the appearance of your profile by addressing the double chin area.

For more information on our KYBELLA® procedure, visit here.

Coolsculptling is a new FDA cleared tool for addressing this area of fat is CoolSculpting. This procedure is FDA-cleared for treating visible fat under the chin and jawline. It is based on the principle of cooling the fat beneath the skin to the point that the fat cells are destroyed by the cooling process and eliminated by the body. It is non-invasive, results in little to no downtime, and results are noticed in just one or two treatment visits.

For more information on our CoolSculpting procedure, visit here.

Surgical

Submentoplasty is a more direct approach for some cases of neck fat. Dr. DeFatta can treat these through a small incision under the chin that is virtually invisible. This will allow him to remove the excess fat that has accumulated in this area as well as reattaching the platysma under the chin and returning your neck to that of a younger you. Through this minimally invasive procedure (submentoplasty) that is performed under light sedation in the operating room, Dr. DeFatta can add significant definition to the front of your neck and profile.  This procedure can also be combined with liposuction of fat from areas further from the chin in the neck. 

A submentoplasty differs from a neck lift:

• Less invasive and requires less recovery time
• Focuses specifically on the chin and upper neck area
• Recommended for those with excess chin fat and normal skin elasticity (do not require face or neck lift)
• Addresses excess fat deposits beneath the chin that are not reached by weight loss

Moderate to Severe Platysmal Banding, Excessive Laxity of the Skin and Submental Fat Excess

Dr. DeFatta will discuss performing a neck lift to address all of these issues at the same time. A neck lift procedure is considered the gold standard to address these various changes that occur in an aging neck. This procedure can be performed by itself but is most commonly performed along with a lower face lift and/or neck liposuction. The procedure is slightly more invasive than the above procedures and is normally performed under general anesthesia. By reshaping the neck muscles and removal of fat, Dr. DeFatta will be able to restore your younger and well-defined neck and jawline. 

What to Expect

A patient usually experiences swelling and bruising following this surgery which disappears on its own within a few weeks. It usually takes a few weeks to months for all of the swelling to subside and the final result to be seen. 

Immediately following neck rejuvenation surgery, a secure dressing will be applied and worn for about three to five days. Recovery often requires a patient to keep their head elevated as much as possible, even while sleeping. It generally takes about seven to 10 days for the incision to heal.  At three to four weeks, the patient can usually return to normal activities. However, any activity that can jar or bump the face must be postponed for about six weeks. Some patients receive medication to help accelerate the healing process. Any medication should be taken as prescribed.

Dr. DeFatta will provide post-operative instructions for a patient to follow during their recovery. The instructions will explain how a patient can care for the surgical site and describe any medications that should be taken during the recovery period. He will also follow your progress throughout the recovery period, to make the experience as easy as possible. He performs periodic evaluations to ensure a full and speedy recovery while avoiding post-treatment complications. Dr. DeFatta is always available to respond to a patient’s questions during the recovery period.

If you’re considering facial plastic surgery, consider an experienced and modern facial plastic surgeon. Contact Dr. Robert DeFatta at 715-828-2368 for a cosmetic consultation.