Case Study

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Neck Liposuction

This is from a before and after patient who underwent tumescent liposculpture of the neck alone.

There are a number of changes on the neck that can lead to an aged appearance. These include:

Loss of angle so that a side-on view (as seen above) shows a falling of the skin from the chin. This sometimes appears almost as a straight line without any retraction or shape of the neck. In the majority of patients it reaches about a 45 degree angle.

Wrinkling of the skin. The skin can become aged, thin, and wrinkled. This also has an aging effect. The skin texture can change and may become mottled, pigmented and contain fine wrinkles.

Deep folds. As the neck droops, sometimes prominent horizontal folds are seen in the lower neck.

The types of changes that are seen with aging are dependent on whether or not the patient is overweight or underweight and also how much sun exposure they have had.

Another change that patients sometimes complain about is the prominent muscle bands on the front of the neck. This is the tendinous insertion of the sternomastoid muscle.

There are a number of approaches to improving the skin texture and shaping in this area.

Dr. Lanzer has been performing a specialised form of liposculpture called superficial liposculpture for over 2 decades. This involves methodically removing all layers of fat from under the skin of the neck. It induces a contraction of the skin whereby a new shape and angle of the jaw is created (as seen above).

Dr Lanzer may use different liposuction devices such as laser lipolysis, Vaser liposculpture or MicroAire vibrating devices to assist in this process. All procedures are performed using the tumescent liposculpture method. The fluid is first pumped into the fat. Due to the adrenaline in the fluid, generally speaking there is no bleeding. Dr. Lanzer has never needed to give a patient intravenous fluid or blood using this method.

Another approach to the sagging neck is a neck lift. The incision-cut for a neck lift is performed behind the ear in the groove that is formed between the back of the ear and the upper neck. Usually the incision does not reach the actual hairline. The more long term sutures are placed in the muscle of the neck which helps elevate the sagging neck and the excess skin is removed.

Skin textural changes can be treated with lasers. Dr. Lanzer offers the Viva radiofrequency laser for skin tightening of the neck, the Ulthera ultrasound which causes skin tightening and elevation, and the Aura photo rejuvenation lasers.

Commonly Asked Questions:

DO I NEED A GENERAL ANESTHETIC FOR NECK SURGERY?

Dr. Lanzer performs all neck surgery either with the patient awake or under a general anesthetic. Ultimately it is the choice of the patient as both methods work well. Dr. Lanzer uses a specialised anesthesiologist in his accredited day surgery center.

CAN CHEMICALS BE INJECTED INTO THE FAT TO DISSOLVE THE FAT WITHOUT SURGERY?

There are chemicals and vitamins that are being injected into fat to dissolve the fat. Unfortunately, they can only be used for mild cases and they still are associated with bruising and swelling. Therefore, in Dr. Lanzer’s opinion the mini surgery which he performs through tiny incisions is more effective and more value for one’s money.

DO I NEED TO SURGICALLY CORRECT THE FIBROUS BANDS OF THE NECK?

In most cases, Dr. Lanzer finds that it is not necessary to surgically attend to the fibers. This does require an extra cut and procedure under the neck. Once the skin and muscle is pulled, the skin takes on a satisfactory appearance.

DO I NEED A FACE LIFT TOGETHER WITH A NECK LIFT?

Patients have a choice and Dr. Lanzer will give guidance whether this is required.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF MUSCLE RELAXANT THERAPY ON THE NECK?

Muscle relaxants are used on the fibrous bands of the neck and can help rejuvenate the skin in this area. Unfortunately, they only last for 3-6 months.

Excess fat deposits in the neck can be removed with neck liposuction, subsequently creating a more youthful appearance for the patient in question. As a patient, it can be difficult to imagine the result a neck liposuction could provide. Therefore, the Dr Lanzer Clinic has posted numerous before and after photographs online, which display some of the results that have been obtained by our previous patients through neck liposuction. However, when viewing the photographs of neck liposuction, patients should consider that results vary from patient to patient. If you want a clearer picture of how a neck liposuction could improve the aesthetics of your neck, it is recommended to speak to your cosmetic surgeon regarding expected results.

To ensure a neck liposuction is suitable for the results the patient wishes to obtain, the patient must undergo a thorough physical examination and speak to our experienced surgeon regarding the results they wish to see. If the patient has realistic expectations about the procedure, and meets the medical requirements for the procedure, the patient will be deemed eligible for neck liposuction. For more information about the procedure itself, please refer to our neck liposuction information pages, or contact the Dr Lanzer Clinic via chat, email, web form or telephone.