As we age, body parts may begin to lose elasticity, resulting in skin sagging and wrinkles. While we most often think of the face when we consider aging, the neck is also subjected to the loss of suppleness. Many individuals develop signs of aging in the neck as they grow older.
Signs of aging in the neck often consist of the development of jowls, fatty areas under the chin, looser neck skin, and muscle banding. Undergoing a neck lift procedure can help to eliminate these problems and restore a more youthful appearance of the neck.
Signs of aging in the neck can result from a variety of different factors. Certain factors may result in accelerated aging of the neck skin. A few of these include:
While sunbathing on a beautiful day may be appealing to most people, spending excess time in the sun (especially without sunblock) can damage the skin, leading to increased aging. The exposure of the skin to harmful rays results in UV damage. While it may not be immediately apparent, all of those days we spend in the sun in our teens, twenties, and beyond can lead to premature aging in the future.
We can’t blame all signs of aging on the sun. Some individuals may have a greater predisposition to developing aging skin of the neck. If your relatives have sagging neck skin, such as turkey neck or jowls, you may develop it as well. This can happen even if you are diligent about caring for your neck skin.
Many individuals struggle with their weight, and as a result, they may lose or gain weight quite often. Dieting and exercise trends are prevalent throughout America, and many people are constantly on the dieting hamster wheel. This can result in sudden, quick weight loss, followed by weight gain as people go off their diets. When we lose or gain weight, there are effects on the skin. If weight is gained, the skin stretches to accommodate it. If weight is lost, the skin may need time to adjust. All of these changes have an effect on the neck skin and may lead to a quicker accumulation of signs of aging.
All individuals experience a loss of collagen as they age. This loss of collagen can result in thinner skin that loses its elasticity and results in sagging of the neck. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to stop a loss of collagen, as it’s part of the aging process. However, treating your neck like it’s your face by applying lotions and creams can help to lessen the effects of aging, especially if you make it a part of your skincare routine early.
For those who are already seeing visible signs of aging in their necks, undergoing a neck lift can be a great option to consider. While there are some non-invasive treatments available to help with neck aging, these solutions aren’t permanent, and you’ll typically spend a lot of money to maintain the results over and over. A neck lift is proven to last for 10 to 15 years, so once you undergo it, you can enjoy a more youthful appearance that lasts.
If you’re interested in a neck lift with Karol Gutowski, MD, you’ll first schedule an appointment for a consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Gutowski will examine your neck and take note of your prior medical history. He’ll also ask what you’re looking to achieve through a neck lift.
Sometimes, patients may understand what they want but may not know the procedures available that can help them meet their goals. The consultation allows Dr. Gutowski to determine whether you’re a good fit for a neck lift and establish whether it will obtain the results you are seeking. Understand that a neck lift is not a catch-all for restoring youth; in some cases, you may want to undergo other treatments as well.
Not all neck lift surgery is performed in the same way. Instead, the details of neck lift surgery are determined by the aging effects that you see in your neck. Someone with jowls or fatty deposits under their neck may need liposuction or manual fat removal, followed by an incision to cut away loose skin.
An individual who has loose skin, but not jowls may seek to smooth wrinkles that have formed in the neck. This type of procedure will involve cutting away the loose skin and tightening the area that remains, resulting in a smoother and more contoured area.
Finally, some people may have muscle damage that results in vertical bands in the neck and a softened jawline. Neck lifts to treat this issue will focus on strengthening the muscles and reducing the appearance of sagging neck skin.
After the procedure is performed, you’ll rest in our relaxed recovery area for a few hours to ensure there are no complications. Afterwards, you’ll be able to go home to fully recuperate.
You’ll need some time to recover from the neck lift, and it may take a few weeks or months to see the full results of your surgery. During the consultation and after the procedure, Dr. Gutowski and his staff will give you an estimate of how long your recovery period may be, as well as instructions to ensure that you take good care of yourself following the procedure.
Undergoing a neck lift can be a great way to improve the visible effects of aging and help you enhance your self-confidence. If you’re interested in learning how a neck lift could help you, contact Karol Gutowski, MD, in Chicago, Illinois, to schedule a consultation. We’ll conduct a thorough examination and provide you with your next steps.
Many women think about what it would be like if their breasts were a different…
Do you struggle with loose, hanging skin around your abdomen? Do you ever wish you…
The abdomen is an area of concern for many women. But at Karol Gutowski, MD,…
Breasts come in all different shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, you can't choose the shape and…
Some people find themselves with loose abdominal skin that gets in the way of how…
The size and shape of your breasts can change your entire appearance. If you’re considering…