Surgical management of the aging neck

Blunting of the cervicomental angle with age is caused by progressive laxity of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, along with proliferation of fatty deposits and platysma muscle banding. This contributes to a loss of the slender neckline associated with youth, often a primary point of concern for patients. Surgeons may avail themselves of several surgical techniques in common use to restore definition to this region. A thorough evaluation of bone and soft tissue anatomy informs the appropriate surgical approach and allows successful rejuvenation of the aging neck. The lead author's tactics for enhancement of the neck are outlined.