The neck is often where the effects of ageing first begin to show. As skin loses elasticity it can begin to sag, resulting in the appearance of vertical bands, lines and wrinkles. Also, if you lose a lot of weight you may be left with excess skin under the chin and around the neck area. A neck lift reshapes the skin around the neck and jaw, reducing the appearance of sagging and other visible signs of ageing.
Neck lift surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue, leaving the skin around the area of the neck and jaw smoother and more defined. During surgery loose or sagging skin is removed or tightened. Fatty tissue may be removed with liposuction. Vertical bands and lines can be eliminated using platysmaplasty; a procedure which involves making small incisions under the chin or behind the ears to tighten the muscles of the neck.
A neck lift is sometimes performed in conjunction with a facelift. As with any other cosmetic procedure, your expectations should be realistic. The results of neck lift surgery will depend on the elasticity of your skin and to what degree it has been affected by sun damage.