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Facelift Alternatives Rid Patients of Neck “Wattle” Without the Downtime of Surgery
Ties, Turtlenecks, Jewelry Worn More Comfortably; Patients Take Years Off Without Facelift Surgery, ASPS Study Says
For Release: April 29, 2005

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – 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.

As people age, they often lose 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.


 

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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.

“Approximately one in 10 patients is a good candidate for neck rejuvenation – but patients must maintain realistic expectations,” according to the author of this study. “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.”

This news page is adapted from August 2005 Plastic Surgery Today, a newsletter from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) offering news, advice, and information about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

 

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    The shape of THINGS to comeSM - Dr. Zevon is a board certified plastic surgeon practicing in New York City. At his plastic surgery office in Manhattan, he performs cosmetic surgery procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, face lift, and eyelid surgery. Dr. Zevon also specializes in breast surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, breast implants and breast lift. Visit Dr. Zevon's extensive archive of plastic surgery before and after photographs.

    New York City · Cosmetic Surgery: Board-certified plastic surgeon Scott J. Zevon MD maintains this website to provide general health information to the public, not medical advice to individuals. If you are interested in a cosmetic surgery procedure, please contact us at our Manhattan plastic surgery office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zevon.