Alternatives to Neck Lift Surgery

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Surgery can be life changing, but if you are concerned about the risks involved in neck lift surgery, or do not wish to have the surgery repeated once the effects have worn off, there are other options for maintaining and prolonging the effects of the operation. Even the simplest alternatives to surgery can make some difference. Merely watching your weight, exercising, and eating a healthy diet can improve things, whilst not smoking and using high factor sun creams can reduce the loss of elasticity of the skin. These efforts will not, however, significantly change the look of your neck. There are many non-surgical techniques though, that can create great results without cutting into the skin.

• Botox

Everyone has heard of Botox. This can reduce moderate to severe wrinkles making the skin appear smoother, but it is not advisable for people with weak and drooping muscles, because it is a muscle relaxant. The effects of Botox last up to four months.

• Facial Fillers

Facial fillers are another treatment that can improve the neck area somewhat. They return plumpness to tired skin, but, as the name suggests, they may be more suitable for facial skin rather than neck skin – ask your clinician. They can be temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent.

• Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing, also known as laser peel, is another facial procedure that can be used on the neck skin. It removes sun damaged or wrinkled skin by eliminating three to six layers of skin, and it can reduce and improve scarring.

• Thermage

Thermage can be applied to any part of the body and is intended to improve skin contours and tightness.

These alternative procedures can work wonders for you, but they are either temporary treatments, or, to achieve any decent effect, many treatments are needed. Consequently, for people with jowls, these treatments are unlikely to resolve the problem of drooping skin; especially since they focus more on wrinkles than extensive tightening of the skin. More invasive work is therefore needed, but this does not necessarily mean a neck lift. There are three other surgical procedures that might be suitable as an alternative to a neck lift:

• Chin Implant/Augmentation

A chin implant can create a much more attractive jaw line. It can make a lovely distinction between the jaw and neck, because skin is stretched over the new implant. For people suffering from retrognathia, the recession of the jaw, a chin augmentation may be the better choice.

• Liposuction

This is the permanent removal of fat deposits. Liposuction could be a great way to improve double chins caused by being over-weight, or due to genetics, by creating a distinction between jaw line and neck. Compared to a neck lift, liposuction is a shorter procedure and a lot less expensive; however, liposuction on its own could leave the neck looking empty and saggy.

• Facelift

A facelift rejuvenates the whole face, especially if combined with a brow lift. Perhaps this is more appropriate for you if your neckline doesn’t have severe jowls.

It is important that you discuss with your surgeon the best procedure for you, because a neck lift may not be right for you and there may be many more options.

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