Over time, the long-term effects of gravity, exposure to sun, dry air, and general stress takes its toll on an individual’s face and neckline. Jowls can develop under the jaw line with folds and fat deposits. Sometimes creases begin to form between the nose and the mouth. A facelift can considerably reduce these signs of aging by tightening the underlying muscles, and re-draping the skin around the neck and face. Facelifts can be done alone, or are frequently performed in conjunction with another procedure such as a forehead lift or eyelid contouring.

With increasing age the neck also loses skin elasticity and volume and begins to lose its youthful contour. The crisp angle of the neck disappears, the underside of the chin droops, fat begins to accumulate in the chin and neck and the skin sags or forms bands. In some patients, there are vertical bands from the neck muscles (called “platysmal bands”) that are visible. The neck has a muscle lining, like a sock that weakens over time. This muscle can be found in the plane underneath our jaw, as well as in the neck and is known as the platysmal muscle. As fat tends to deposit above and below this muscle it gradually weakens the skin of the neck and causes a loss of elasticity over time. Unprotected sun exposure, smoking, weight changes, and genetics all play a role in this process.

To combat this loss of elasticity Dr. Boxrud will carefully make small incisions that are concealed behind the ears and in the scalp and gently lift the soft tissue of the neck and jowl to create a beautiful, natural appearance. Since the architecture of your neck is being restored, the results of the procedure are very enduring and should last five to ten years or more. Many women like to wear their hair up and this is possible after this rejuvenating procedure