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On the show Ally McBeal, a character was romantically pursued
because of her neck "wattle" or loose skin - a scenario that would only happen
on television, right? In reality, many people want to rid themselves of neck
"wattle" to look younger or to wear certain clothes or accessories more
comfortably, without having facelifts. They may feel they are too young or old
for an invasive procedure, are not able to afford the prolonged recovery time,
or only want targeted improvement of their neck region. Patients have less
invasive options to rid the "wattle," reports a study in May's Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery?, the official medical journal of the American Society of
Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), through targeted neck rejuvenation techniques.
"Not every patient who seeks to correct facial aging wants or
requires a facelift," said James Zins, MD, author of the study. "Today's
patients are extremely active and may not want to undergo invasive surgery where
they are unable to work or play for several weeks. With this alternative, many
patients look younger without the financial cost and downtime associated with a
standard facelift."
As people age, they often loose definition in their chin and jaw line due to
fatty deposits, weakening muscles and loose skin where the neck and chin once
made a right angle. By improving the neck region, patients' profiles look years
younger and clothes and fashion accessories such as ties, turtlenecks, and
necklaces are worn more comfortably.
Skin in the neck region differs from skin on other parts of the body because it
maintains its elasticity and will contract after it is released from underlying
muscle. Fat removal through an incision under the chin and behind the ears can
be combined with muscle tightening and freeing the skin from the muscle,
depending on the degree of aging and individual patient characteristics.
Younger patients, who generally have more skin elasticity and have a "wattle"
because of an overload in fat deposits just under the skin, often benefit from
liposuction alone. Middle-aged patients generally have fat deposits, as well as,
loose neck muscles and skin, requiring the fat removal and muscle tightening
technique. Patients older than 75 usually need more contouring in the neck
region and require a facelift where excess skin is removed.
According to the study, 33 patients were treated using this combination of neck
rejuvenation techniques. Twenty patients experienced moderate improvement to the
neck region while 12 experienced a marked improvement.
"Approximately one in 10 patients is a good candidate for neck rejuvenation -
but patients must maintain realistic expectations," said Dr. Zins. "These
techniques are targeted specifically for the neck and chin areas only. The
mid-face and upper-face are clearly not improved by these procedures."
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