The first area of the face to show the signs of aging is usually around the jaw, under the chin, and the neckline. Thinning skin, years of sun exposure, and especially gravity combine to make us look older than we feel. You may be asking yourself: how can I turn back the signs of time in my jaw and neckline?
Using medical grade skincare, applying sunscreen daily, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise plan can help delay the inevitable signs of aging. But these preventions only go so far. If you are satisfied with the overall shape of your face, yet your neckline or jaw have lost their youthful contours, a licensed, board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Michael Somenek can help.
Non-Invasive and Minimally-Invasive Options
There are several non-surgical options available if you have a mild-to-moderate amount of fat and loose skin around your jawline and neck.
Dermal Fillers
When injected, dermal fillers can produce a more defined, contoured jawline. Results are seen immediately and usually last 12 to 18 months before requiring another treatment, depending on the type of filler that is chosen.
Neurotoxins
Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are neuromodulators that can improve the appearance of sagging jawlines, double chins, and neckbands. For example, injections into the masseter muscles of your face can slim and create a more contoured appearance. (The masseter muscle is the bulge at the end of your jaw when you clench your teeth.)
Injections into your neck will relax the muscles pulling down from your jawline and allow the opposing muscles to pull up and visually tighten the skin. Double chins can also benefit from this treatment. Results are typically seen within 10 days and last around three to four months.
Kybella Injections
With a Kybella shot, deoxycholic acid is used to break down fat cells permanently. This is a popular treatment option to reduce double chins. It usually requires a minimum of 2-3 treatment sessions for noticeable results. If you maintain your body weight, these results can last for years.
Radiofrequency Energy
Radiofrequency treatments are slightly more invasive than injections but can effectively restore natural contours to your jawline and firm up areas under the chin and on the neck. Radiofrequency energy is applied under the skin to simultaneously destroy fat cells, tighten loose skin, and promote collagen production. FRAXIS Pro is an example of radiofrequency treatment. This procedure can also be used effectively with liposuction.
Surgical Options
If you have moderate-to-larger amounts of fat and loose skin in the jawline, neck, and chin areas, you may want to consider a more comprehensive surgery of the face.
Neck Liposuction
Neck liposuction has been proven effective for removing excess fat under the skin of the neck (as opposed to under the muscles of the neck). This treatment can give you a nicely defined jaw, and its results are long-lasting.
Neck liposuction partners well with radiofrequency energy treatments. The liposuction eliminates large quantities of fat, while the radiofrequency treatment will tighten the skin afterwards.
Neck Lift
A neck lift can improve laxity of skin, the appearance of jowls, neck banding, and a double chin. This surgical treatment involves incisions at your hairline and around your ears to the back of the neck. During this process, Dr. Somenek will reposition the tissue under your neck skin and tighten the platysma muscle (the main muscle under your chin that continues down your neck). Fat is removed or redistributed from your jawline and neck.
There Are Numerous Plastic Surgery Treatments to Rejuvenate Your Jaw and Neckline
If the signs of aging showing on your neck and jawline make you look older than you feel, it may be time to move beyond topical treatments. The effects of aging do not have to rob you of self-confidence when there are so many options available to help you regain that youthful appearance.
How can you turn back the signs of time in your jaw and neckline? For more personalized information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Somenek and our professional support staff. You can openly discuss your expectations while receiving guidance from a professional about which surgery or treatment is best for your specific situation.
