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Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
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The Skinny
Ever heard of a turkey wattle? It’s a natural physical feature of turkeys, and it also refers to the sagging and loose skin that can occur with aging in the chin, jaw, and neck area. While the turkeys are probably not overly concerned about their wattle, we humans are not too keen on this bird-like aesthetic. Excess fat, loose skin, a double chin, prominent underlying muscles, and a poor jaw shape and size can all contribute to an undesirable neck and jaw appearance (learn more in our complete guide to Neck & Jawline Definition Concerns). Fortunately, a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can utilize one of numerous non-surgical or surgical techniques to ensure your features are ideal for you.
The Specifics
Who may consider procedures for neck and jawline definition?
Let’s take a quick anatomy refresher. The jaw and neck area is defined from the mandible (lower jaw bone) to the clavicles (collar bones). The shape and size of the lower jaw is determined at birth. The overlying soft tissue, the fat pads in the chin and neck, and the musculature of the neck all contribute to the overall appearance of the jawline and neck. The sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trapezius muscle will give definition to the neck, as will an individual’s body weight and body fat levels. As we age everything falls apart-let’s be a little more specific below:- Jaw Shape & Size: Typically the jaw shape and size is perceived in relation to the overall facial aesthetic, therefore, disproportionate or asymmetrical features may create the appearance of a poorly sized or shaped jaw.
- Jowls: Jowls are a gift from Mother Nature and Father Time. Aging causes skin to lose tone and structure leading to a drooping and sagging appearance of the soft tissues in the chin/neck.
- Aging Neck: A neck lacking the luster of youth will have loose skin and overly prominent musculature. The aging neck is a testament to the power of gravity.
What can you expect from a procedure for neck and jawline definition?
There are both surgical and non-surgical options to better define the neck and jawline. Depending on your unique concern, a plastic surgeon will determine which option is most appropriate for you.- Surgical Procedures: These procedures allow the surgeon to access bone, muscle, fat, and skin tissue such as in a Neck Lift or Liposuction. Jaw Implants can be placed within tissues to alter the appearance of the jawline.
- Non-Surgical Procedures: These less invasive procedures such as skin tightening treatments, Botox, or Thread Lift can still significantly alter the jaw and neck appearance with less side effects.
Surgical procedures allow access to deeper tissues for more permanent and widespread alterations. They will, however, also require increased recovery time with more side effects. Non-surgical procedures are less invasive, but are typically temporary and require maintenance.
When should you consider a procedure for neck and jawline definition?
If we’re being totally honest, neither you nor your body, like being poked and prodded. With that in mind, a good candidate is one in generally good health who has ruled out underlying medical conditions, has realistic expectations, and can make some time for recovery.Those whose concerns correlate to genetics or lifestyle may choose to pursue treatment when they have met the above criteria. If your concern relates to an ongoing battle with nature and time-the earlier the better.
Why should consider a procedure for neck and jawline definition?
If you plan to audition for a production of an Ancient Greek tragedy then you should consider a neck and jawline procedure so you have a better shot at getting the part. Alternatively, if you feel you would like to make some changes to the double helices of your DNA then by all means consult a plastic surgeon.Jaw Augmentation Procedures
This surgical procedure can enhance and augment the appearance of the mandible (lower jaw) through the strategic placement of implants and neurotoxins.- Jaw Implant
- Overview: Synthetic implants are placed at the front of the lower jaw to define and augment appearance.
- Cost: $2,000 - $4,0000
- Recovery & Results: Swelling and bruising resolves within four weeks. The results are permanent and will finalize after nine months.
- Jawline Slimming with Botox
- Overview: Botox is injected into the jaw muscles to reduce size and smooth the contours of the lower face and jaw.
- Cost: $100 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Mild irritation resolves the same day. Maintenance treatments are generally needed every eight months.
Surgical Neck Lift Procedures
A neck lift (a.k.a. lower rhytidectomy) is used to correct and restore the soft tissues of the neck and/or alter the underlying musculature. This rejuvenation procedure is targeted to correct the effects of aging.- Direct Neck Lift
- Overview: A combination of the techniques used in cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty. Targets the soft tissue and the muscle.
- Cost: $5,000 - $8,000
- Recovery & Results: Normal activities can be resumed in two to four weeks. Results are immediate and usually permanent.
- Cervicoplasty
- Overview: An incision is made into the neck and excess skin and fat tissue is removed.
- Cost: $3,500 - $6,500
- Recovery & Results: Bruising, swelling, and tenderness will resolve within one week. The results are permanent.
- Platysmaplasty
- Overview: This procedure only targets the muscles of the chin and neck. It tightens and tones these areas.
- Cost: $4,000 - $8,000
- Recovery & Results: Swelling, pain, and bruising will resolve within one month. The results are permanent, but like cervicoplasty will be affected by weight gain and aging.
Non-Surgical Neck Lift Procedures
Non-surgical procedures utilize injectables, energy, and light therapy to alter the soft tissues (skin and fat) of the neck and jaw.- Kybella®
- Overview: An injectable solution that dissolves unwanted fat deposits over time.
- Cost: $1,200 - $1,800 (learn more in our guide to Kybella® cost)
- Recovery & Results: No side effects. Multiple injections over time can produce permanent results.
- Infrared Skin Tightening
- Overview: Infrared heat energy is applied to the skin to stimulate the healing and restorative body processes.
- Cost: $500 - $6,500
- Recovery & Results: Redness resolves within one day. Multiple sessions are needed to see results and maintenance is required yearly.
- PrecisionTX
- Overview: Laser energy is used to emulsify (melt) fat and tighten loose skin. This procedure combines a brief liposuction with soft tissue therapy.
- Cost: $2,400 - $5,000
- Recovery & Results: Swelling, bruising, and tenderness resolve within two weeks. Results are temporary and finalize within six to 12 months.
- Ultherapy®
- Overview: Ultrasound waves are used to stimulate collagen and elastin production smoothing wrinkles and toning skin.
- Cost: $175 - $5,000
- Recovery & Results: Very minimal swelling and bruising. Results noticeable after three to six months, and last one to two years with maintenance treatments every six months.
- NeckTite™
- Overview: RFAL energy is used to loosen fat cells and tone/tighten skin for a rejuvenated appearance.
- Cost: $2,000 - $8,000
- Recovery & Results: Swelling, bruising, and tenderness resolve within two weeks. Results last about five years and finalize within 12 months.
Thread Lift Procedures for Neck & Jaw
A thread lift is a minimally invasive technique that stimulates the body to produce new collagen and soft tissue in response to the insertion of a thread into the areas needing rejuvenation. The different approaches are outlined below:- Silhouette Instalift
- Overview: A minimally invasive procedure to immediately improve neck appearance through the use of a coned thread through the target area.
- Cost: $3,000 - $7,000
- Recovery & Results: Minimal side effects resolve within one day. Full normal activity can be resumed within three weeks. The results are temporary and require maintenance every one to two years.
- Silhouette Soft Thread Lift
- Overview: This thread has additional cones along its length to create a more significant improvement.
- Cost: $675 - $3,400
- Recovery & Results: Limit activities for one day. Soft foods for one week. The results are temporary, improve over time, and require maintenance every one to two years.
- PDO Thread Lift
- Overview: A small barbed thread is inserted into the neck and chin. This thread encourages new soft tissue growth to rejuvenate the area.
- Cost: $700 - $4,500
- Recovery & Results: Mild pain and irritation for one day. Limit strenuous activity for two weeks. Temporary results requiring maintenance every one to two years.
Liposuction Procedures
Liposuction procedures can utilize a number of different techniques to remove excess and unwanted fat from the chin, jawline, and neck to define and refine appearance.- Tumescent Liposuction
- Overview: A form of liposuction in which tumescent fluid is injected to reduce side effects and enhance results.
- Cost: $2,000 - $11,000
- Recovery & Results: Swelling and bruising will resolve within two weeks. The results are temporary.
- Laser Assisted Liposuction
- Overview: A laser is used to melt fat tissue. This technique is believed to be easier on skin with less side effects.
- Cost: $2,500 - $5,500
- Recovery & Results: Bruising and swelling will resolve within two weeks. Full results will be seen after three months and they are temporary.
- Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction
- Overview: This liposuction technique uses radio frequency to simultaneously tighten the skin while removing fat.
- Cost: $2,600 - $8,500
- Recovery & Results: Side effects will resolve within two weeks. The results are temporary.
- SmartLipo
- Overview: Another type of laser assisted liposuction that utilizes laser energy to melt at deposits.
- Cost: $1,500 - $6,000
- Recovery & Results: Bruising, swelling, and tenderness will resolve within two weeks. The results are temporary and most noticeable after three months.
- Submental Liposuction
- Overview: A small incision is made near the submental fat pad and excess fat cells are removed.
- Cost: $2,000 - $3,500
- Recovery & Results: Bruising, tenderness, and swelling will resolve within one week. The results are temporary.
The Takeaway
Whether your concern is related to the natural aging process or caused by your genetic code, a board certified plastic surgeon can restore, rejuvenate, enhance, and define your neck and jaw. Loose skin, excess skin, underlying muscle, and excess fat deposits can be altered and refined through both surgical and non-surgical options.
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Source List
- Bhupendra C. Patel; Michael J. Lopez; Zachary P. Joos. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eyelash PubMed.gov; 2020-07-27
- Emil J Kohan Anatomy of the neck PubMed.gov; 2014-01-01
- Jonathan M Sykes Rejuvenation of the Aging Neck uc.davis.com
- Samad Rezaee Khiabanlo Innovative techniques for thread lifting of face and neck PubMed.gov; 2019-12-02
