While the face is often associated with early signs of aging, in many cases it is the neck that experiences these changes first. These aging signs may manifest as a lack of definition in the jawline or a ‘full’ appearance in the neck. Patients who are dealing with these unwanted changes naturally feel eager to treat them in whatever way they can.
Fortunately, a deep plane neck lift in Pittsburgh can redefine the contours of the neck, dramatically improving the neck’s aesthetic and making it look years younger.
What is a deep plane neck lift?
A deep neck lift is a surgical treatment that is designed to firm and sculpt the neck’s contours, taking years off in the process. This procedure involves lifting the layers of the neck, including the skin, muscle, fat, glands, and connective tissue, to provide the area with more definition. The patient walks away with a tighter, more refined neck and jawline.
What makes this approach different from a traditional neck lift is the placement of incisions. While a traditional neck lift involves an incision around each ear, a deep plane neck lift only requires one incision, which is made in the crease behind the chin. This incision serves as an entry point by which the deep muscle layers and fibrous tissue of the neck can be accessed and moved around, restoring the contours of the neckline.
The neck glands can also be addressed during a deep neck lift. This procedure works by addressing the underlying muscle layers of the neck. It should be noted that this procedure cannot treat sagging of the lower region of the face, such as skin laxity in the jawline or jowls.
Who is an ideal candidate for a neck lift?
A deep neck lift in Pittsburgh is ideal for patients who are dealing with unwanted laxity and fullness specifically in the neck area but still have good definition in the cheeks and jawline. Having good skin elasticity is one of the fundamental criteria for this procedure.
This procedure is primarily designed to lift contours in the neck. It is not a suitable treatment for patients with loose, sagging skin. As such, patients under 40 years of age that have naturally heavy necks are considered to be ideal candidates for the procedure. Patients who are older than 40 and experiencing skin laxity will be better suited for a deep plane facelift.
Other criteria that will determine candidacy for this treatment include:
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Be free of any serious medical issues that could lead to complications
- Be a non-smoker (or be willing to quit prior to the procedure)
- Have a loss of definition in the jawline
- Have naturally thicker neck contours
- Have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure
Deep Plane Neck Lift Media
Deep Plane Neck Lift Patient Results
What are the benefits of a deep plane neck lift?
A deep neck lift procedure provides a wide array of benefits for patients who are struggling with skin laxity. Some of them include:
- Reduces the appearance of a double chin
- Improves the shape and contours of the jawline
- Makes patients look better in open-collared shirts
- Gives the neck a graceful, more refined aesthetic
- Scarring from the treatment is minimal
- Gives the patient a more defined, chiseled jawline
- Gives patients a boost in self-esteem
What does the procedure entail?
During the private consultation, a detailed assessment is carried out to determine the patient’s cosmetic goals, examine their skin quality, review their medical history, and explain all the details of the procedure.
The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia. A single 1-inch incision is made underneath the chin, keeping it hidden from sight. This incision is used to access and lift the various layers of the neck, allowing for the creation of a tighter, more elegant neckline and jawline. Both superficial and deeper layers of fat are removed from the neck, and the underlying muscles are tightened.
The surgery takes approximately one hour to complete.
What is the recovery process like?
The recovery period following a deep plane neck lift in Pittsburgh can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, rest and relaxation are of top priority, as the body is still healing. Bruising and swelling are normal and to be expected, but they can be treated with over-the-counter medications. Patients should keep their heads elevated while sleeping and avoid heavy lifting or any other strenuous activities.
It can take about 4 to 6 months for the final results to settle in. At this point, patients will be able to get back to their exercise regimens. The scar will continue to fade out over a period of 6 months to a year.
Paul Leong MD FACS
The Facial Specialist
Dr. Leong completed his medical degree at the Yale University School of Medicine. He then dedicated the next seven years honing his skills specifically in head, face, and neck surgery at the University of Pittsburgh—a university consistently ranked among the top five otolaryngology programs in the country. Dr. Leong continued to develop his surgical skills through a fellowship in Advanced Oncologic Surgery of the Head and Neck at the Pittsburgh Medical Center. This was followed by yet another fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Oregon Health Sciences University.
Why choose Leong Facial Plastic Surgery?
At Leong Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Leong provides his patients with some of the best care available. Board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, his extensive training and educational background have given him a wealth of information that he uses to perform the most innovative and effective treatments available.
Starting from the private consultation, Dr. Leong establishes a strong connection with his patients, ensuring that they feel comfortable expressing any and all concerns they have regarding their upcoming treatment. He puts a strong emphasis on natural-looking results, leaving the patient looking refined without showing any obvious signs of having work done. Patients who choose to work with Dr. Leong can rest assured that they are receiving the best of the best in cosmetic care.
Now Serving Morgantown
Dr. Paul Leong is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in aesthetic facial plastic surgery. With an international reputation for the quality of his neck lift surgery, Dr. Leong’s practice has a regional scope, drawing patients from well beyond Pittsburgh. To better serve his patients in the region, Dr. Leong has expanded with an additional office in Morgantown, WV.