The older you get, the more your neck is likely to give away your age. Aside from that, going through a major physical transformation like a dramatic weight loss or weight gain can also cause the skin under your neck to loosen and sag or give you the appearance of multiple chins. Fortunately, there are several cosmetic procedures like neck liposuction or a neck lift that you can undergo to remedy this. However, the results and procedural protocols are different for both men and women. If you’re wondering what the difference is between neck liposuction vs. neck lift surgery and which one is the right choice for you, then keep reading for all the information you need.
What Is Neck Liposuction?
The purpose of neck liposuction is to remove excess fat deposits that typically rest directly under the chin around the neck line. An instrument called a cannula, which is connected to a suction vacuum, is used to suck the fat deposits out of the area. This procedure is typically ideal for younger patients who still have some skin elasticity that can heal and tighten back up quickly and on its own. Neck liposuction doesn’t tone or tighten the skin, so if that’s what you’re looking for then you might want to consider getting a neck lift instead.
In fact, some facial plastic surgeons might even suggest undergoing both procedures in conjunction with one another because they complement each other so well.
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What Is Neck Lift Surgery?
A neck lift surgery is perfect for older patients who want to tighten up and contour loose or sagging skin. The procedure usually involves your facial plastic surgeon making incisions just beneath the neckline. Then, they work to contour and reshape the muscles around your neck and chin area while also removing excess skin.
As you get older, your skin naturally loses its elasticity and collagen production begins to slow down. For a lot of people, this decrease in collagen production and increase in skin laxity can result in saggy neck skin, which is also commonly referred to as a turkey wattle. Through recontouring and reinforcing the neck structure, a neck lift surgery combined with a neck liposuction can help restore a youthful and more defined appearance for middle aged or older patients.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
That depends on what your expectations are and what you’re hoping to accomplish. If you’re hoping to remove excess fat deposits from your neck to give you a thinner and more defined appearance, then you might want to consider neck liposuction.
However, if you just want to recontour or reshape and add more definition to your neckline, then a neck lift is the right choice for you.
During your initial consultation, your facial plastic surgeon will closely examine your face, listen to your concerns, and answer all of your questions. Based on your physical needs and expectations, they’ll make the appropriate surgical or non-surgical recommendations. As mentioned, in some cases, they might recommend that certain patients undergo both procedures simultaneously to achieve optimal results.
Neck Liposuction for Men and Women
As is typically the case with many surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, men and women have vastly different needs when it comes to neck liposuction. Men have denser fat cells than women. In addition to being heavier, men’s fat cells tend to stick very closely to the surface layer of their muscle, which makes it a lot harder to remove.
Because of how hard it is to remove fat deposits in male patients, facial plastic surgeons typically remove less fat for men than they do for women. Statistically speaking, women are more interested in looking thinner, whereas men are more interested in looking toned. In light of this preference difference, it actually works out quite well for a lot of male patients that their fat cells are harder to remove since some fat cells are needed to help create a more toned look.
In contrast, more fat cells are removed in female patients because their main priority is usually to achieve a slimmer, younger, more defined look. As mentioned, neck liposuction is typically more ideal for younger patients in their early to late-20s because the healing process relies strictly on the skin’s natural ability to heal and tighten itself back up. Unfortunately, this ability is usually lost in old age, regardless of gender.
Neck Lift Surgery in Men and Women
Neck lift surgery is ideal for patients of all ages, but is more common among men who want to tone their necklines and muscles for a more masculine appearance. If anything, more women tend to have their necks contoured with the intent of looking a little less toned to achieve a softer, more feminine appearance.
Even though the surgical technique is pretty much the same for both men and women, facial plastic surgeons must be a little more mindful of preserving certain masculine features like a strong jawline when performing the procedure on men.
Facial plastic surgeons also have to be especially careful while working around the Adam’s apple to avoid causing potentially irrevocable damage or injury while contouring the surrounding muscles and tissues.
Are you a male or female considering getting a neck liposuction or lift in Toronto?
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgery can help you achieve your neck augmentation goals. With over 20 years of experience working as a facial plastic surgeon in Canada and on an international level, Dr. Gantous has worked with numerous patients around the world to help them look and feel their absolute best. During your initial consultation, he’ll take the time to thoroughly examine your neck and chin area, explain all of your surgical and non-surgical options to you and make recommendations based on your personal needs and preferences. Contact us today to book your consultation!