Rejuvenation of the aging neck: current principles, techniques, and newer modifications

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Facial Rejuvenation
• Aesthetic Medicine

Background:

• Neck aging presents complex aesthetic challenges, including skin laxity, submental fat accumulation, and altered anatomical positioning.
• Patient dissatisfaction with neck appearance stems from aging, weight fluctuations, sun damage, and other factors.
• Achieving optimal neck aesthetics requires a comprehensive understanding of anatomical changes and available surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current surgical techniques for neck aesthetic improvement.
• To outline the decision-making process for selecting appropriate neck rejuvenation procedures.
• To provide guidance for surgeons on managing challenging neck aesthetic concerns.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of various neck rejuvenation techniques.
• Analysis of preoperative evaluation parameters for patient selection.
• Discussion of procedural options from minimally invasive to extensive surgical approaches.

Main Results:

• Neck rejuvenation involves a spectrum of techniques, including laser skin resurfacing and sub-superficial muscular aponeurotic system (sub-SMAS) rhytidectomy with platysmaplasty.
• The choice of technique is dictated by a careful preoperative assessment of individual patient anatomy and aesthetic goals.
• Combination therapies are often employed to achieve comprehensive results.

Conclusions:

• Effective neck aesthetic improvement requires tailored surgical strategies based on thorough patient evaluation.
• A range of techniques, from skin resurfacing to advanced rhytidectomy, can address diverse neck aging concerns.
• The decision-making process is crucial for optimizing outcomes in surgical facial rejuvenation of the neck.