What is a neck lift, and how does it compare to a submentoplasty?
A neck lift is a term used to describe lifting the skin and soft tissue around the neck and jawline. It can be performed by itself in some cases, but is also commonly done during a face lift. The standard skin incision for a neck lift is approximately 1-2 inches and hidden underneath the chin, in or just behind the submental crease. Fatty areas are reduced and smoothed, neck muscles are tightened and lifted, and sometimes larger or droopy glands are reduced to enhance neck and jawline definition. When glands and deeper fatty tissue needs to be treated, this is referred to as a “deep neck lift” and it is simply a neck lift that extends to deeper tissues for a more profound result. The patient’s specific anatomy and goals will determine the level of neck lift that is indicated.
A submentoplasty is also designed to enhance the appearance of the neck and jawline, but it differs from a neck lift in that it is limited to addressing excess fat (i.e. submental liposuction*) and tightening muscles under the chin. This reduces the appearance of a “double chin” but does not extend to deeper tissues or remove the amount of excess skin that creates the more dramatic result of a neck lift. Therefore, submentoplasty is an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity.
In our practice both procedures are done on their own and also commonly performed as an adjunctive treatment to enhance jawline definition. Both procedures can be performed under a light sedation, and recovery is typically quick.
*Submental liposuction reduces small amounts of isolated fat pockets in the double chin area and creates subtle results. It involves the precise removal of excess fat through small, discreet incisions.
Patient Results
View before and after photos of our patients who had this procedure.
What is the difference between submental liposuction, submentoplasty, and a neck lift?
Submental liposuction only addresses the fat directly under the skin. It is typically the least impactful treatment compared to submentoplasty or neck lift. Submentoplasty addresses the deeper fat which lays under the platysma muscle in the neck. This muscle is typically tightened as well, creating more jawline definition. A neck lift is the most impactful of the three procedures. It typically involves reduction of more deep fat and reduction of glands. Any of the above can be done with or without adjunctive procedures such as face lift, genioplasty, jawline implants, and chin implants.
Am I a good candidate for submental liposuction?
The best candidates for submental liposuction are typically young patients 20s-40s with good skin elasticity and with isolated fatty areas directly under the skin (subcutaneous fat). Other good candidates include those undergoing other jawline enhancing procedures (genioplasty, jawline or chin implants, orthognathic surgery, mini face lift), as combining the treatment is exponentially effective.
Younger patients with good skin elasticity seeking subtle results are the best candidates. Older patients with less skin elasticity or deep fat and large glands are typically poor candidates for submental liposuction. Other poor candidates are individuals with very heavy necks and desire significant results. Those patients are often better suited with submentoplasty or deep neck lift.
Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?
Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health and want to improve the contour and definition of their neck and jawline. A neck lift done on its own (without a face lift) is a good option for patients with heavy necks but minimal facial heaviness or laxity. A consultation will allow us to assess the right procedures for each individual’s needs and aesthetic goals.
How do I know if I need a face lift with a neck lift?
A common misunderstanding is that a neck lift cannot address extra neck skin without a face lift. This is actually, many times, untrue. Patients and even doctors can often not fully appreciate this concept, but by carving out deeper fatty and glandular tissue and tightening/lifting the neck muscles, the skin can be re-draped and redistributed over a larger surface area, resulting in lifted tightened neck skin without face lift incisions. This is a preferred treatment for patients with isolated neck heaviness but have minimal facial heaviness or laxity.
Are there scars? Where will the incisions be?
Yes, any skin incision will leave a scar. Neck lift incisions are typically well-hidden within the hairline and natural creases under the chin and/or ear, and if the incisions are created and closed meticulously, the scars are typically imperceptible at 6-12 months, sometimes sooner.
For submentoplasty/submental liposuction, pin-point access entries are made under the chin, and sometimes behind the earlobe. These are 1-2mm tiny dot incisions and near-invisible when healed.
Proper postoperative care will help the incisions to heal better and faster. This includes sun block, silicone gel, and avoiding sun exposure during the healing phase.
Do I need to be under anesthesia?
This is commonly done under a light “twilight” (IV) sedation. This allows you to remain comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
How long does this procedure take?
Submentoplasty typically takes about 1-2 hours; a deeper neck lift may take 2-4 hours.
What is the recovery time?
Initial recovery typically takes about 1-2 weeks, during which most swelling and bruising subside. Final results that includes the fading of scars and resolution of small amounts of swelling can take a few months (or several months to a year for a deeper neck lift).
How long until I can be out in public?
Most patients can resume work (and are considered “restaurant-ready”) within 1 week. For social events such as weddings (guest), graduations, or holidays, one should allow at least 1-2 weeks for recovery.
How long until I can exercise?
1-2 weeks
How soon can I travel after my surgery?
We typically ask patients to remain in town for a period of 1 week before flying. However, car rides of 2-4 hours are ok the following day in most cases. We would still like to see you for a postoperative visit at the 1-week mark.
How do I choose the right surgeon for this procedure?
It is important to choose a surgeon that 1) understands aesthetic sense and 2) has the skills and training to provide that. For example, the “vectors” of a lift (the direction the skin is lifted in) have to do with a surgeon’s aesthetic sense. It is also important to choose the right combination of procedures, which have to do with both aesthetic sense and training. A surgeon trained on both the hard and soft tissues of the face can give attention to where the actual deficiencies lie and provide the treatment the patient really needs. Having training and experience with complex procedures such as facial reconstruction makes a surgeon more comfortable and adept at navigating facial anatomy and managing soft tissues. A thorough understanding of facial balance and structure translates to an extra layer of preparation that improves results and recovery. Particularly valuable is the surgeon’s “fellowship” experience, which is elective higher level training performed after the standard residency training. Not every surgeon completes fellowship training.
What to Expect
After Surgery
- Most patients can resume work (and are considered “restaurant-ready”) within 1 week
- For social events such as weddings (guest), graduations, or holidays, one should allow at least 1-2 weeks for recovery
- Exercise: Very light activity such as a brisk walk or a light stationary bike is encouraged as soon as the patient feels ready for it after surgery. Moderate exercise is usually resumed in about 1-2 weeks and heavy exercise in one month
- Usually about 90% of swelling/bruising resolves within 1-2 weeks
- Patients will need to avoid direct sun exposure to the incisions for at least a year and use sunscreen to protect healing skin
- We will see the patient for postoperative appointments typically after 5-7 days, 10-14 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Sutures are removed during the first few postoperative appointments. (Standard neck lifts and submentoplasty do not usually require drains to be placed and removed)
- You may be asked to wear a compression garment or neck bandage for a short period after surgery to reduce swelling and support the treated area
Trained to “lift”
When performing any “lift,” it’s important to choose a surgeon that 1) understands aesthetic sense and 2) has the skills and training to provide that. For example, the “vectors” of a lift (the direction the skin is lifted in) have to do with a surgeon’s aesthetic sense. It is also important to choose the right combination of procedures, which have to do with both aesthetic sense and training. A surgeon trained on both the hard and soft tissues of the face can give attention to where the actual deficiencies lie and provide the treatment the patient really needs. Having training and experience with complex procedures such as facial reconstruction makes a surgeon more comfortable and adept at navigating facial anatomy and managing soft tissues. A thorough understanding of facial balance and structure translates to an extra layer of preparation that improves results and recovery.
