Procedures - Deep Neck Sculpting

Deep Neck Sculpting

IN WETHERSFIELD, CT

Deep neck sculpting (also known as a deep plane necklift) is the most powerful technique for sculpting and shaping the neck. By sculpting the deep neck structures, this technique allows you to achieve results not possible with outdated techniques.

A neckline not possible with older techniques:

Traditional necklift procedures relied on extensive liposuction of the fat directly under the skin. These older techniques reduce skin quality, speed up the aging process in the neck, and most importantly, fail to create a sculpted neckline.
By sculpting the deeper neck structures not addressed in older styles of surgery, the deep plane necklift procedure allows for jawline and neckline definition not possible with older techniques.
Addressing the deeper anatomical structures in the neck creates the deepest, most defined neckline possible.

Understanding neck anatomy

An understanding of neck anatomy, and the structures that contribute to neck fullness, is key to understanding the difference in the approach between the deep plane necklift and older techniques. Below the skin's surface is the subcutaneous fat. This is traditionally the only structure addressed in a necklift. The problem is, for most people the subcutaneous fat is not the main source of their neck fullness. By focusing surgical technique to this component alone, older styles of surgery fail to make a meaningful difference in neck contour.

Beneath the subcutaneous fat there is a broad thin muscle called the platysma. This is the boundary that separates the superficial from deeper structures in the neck. Under the platysma muscle centrally there is a deep fat pad, two muscles and two saliva glands. These three structures are what contribute most to persistent neck fullness. These structures can be full throughout life regardless of age or weight, and they tend not to respond to diet or exercise. The deep plane necklift is so effective at creating a beautifully contoured neck because it focuses attention on these three structures, leading to results not possible with liposuction alone.

Understanding neck anatomy

An understanding of neck anatomy, and the structures that contribute to neck fullness, is key to understanding the difference in the approach between the deep plane necklift and older techniques. Below the skin's surface is the subcutaneous fat. This is traditionally the only structure addressed in a necklift. The problem is, for most people the subcutaneous fat is not the main source of their neck fullness. By focusing surgical technique to this component alone, older styles of surgery fail to make a meaningful difference in neck contour.

Beneath the subcutaneous fat there is a broad thin muscle called the platysma. This is the boundary that separates the superficial from deeper structures in the neck. Under the platysma muscle centrally there is a deep fat pad, two muscles and two saliva glands. These three structures are what contribute most to persistent neck fullness. These structures can be full throughout life regardless of age or weight, and they tend not to respond to diet or exercise. The deep plane necklift is so effective at creating a beautifully contoured neck because it focuses attention on these three structures, leading to results not possible with liposuction alone.

The power of the deep plane technique

Traditional necklift and neck liposuction procedures rely almost exclusively on trying to remove the subcutaneous fat, the fat right under the skin's surface. But these techniques completely ignore the deeper structures which is the main source of neck fullness and lack of neck definition in most people. Without focusing attention and technique on these deep structures, most patients can not achieve their desired neck contour.

Liposuction is performed, when needed, as part of a deep plane necklift, but the majority of the work is focused on contouring the deeper structures. Through a very small incision hidden beneath the chin, we are able to go beneath the platysma muscle and improve these deeper anatomical structures. This usually includes sculpting the deep fat pads which contribute to central neck fullness, contouring the deeper neck muscle, and reducing the size of the saliva glands which cause fullness directly under the jawline. Finally the platysma muscle is supported both centrally as well as on the sides of the neck, creating a hammock that supports all of the newly sculpted deep neck structures.

All together these techniques produce dramatic improvements in the depth of the neckline, the angle of the neck, and the definition of the jawline.

The power of the deep plane technique

Traditional necklift and neck liposuction procedures rely almost exclusively on trying to remove the subcutaneous fat, the fat right under the skin's surface. But these techniques completely ignore the deeper structures which is the main source of neck fullness and lack of neck definition in most people. Without focusing attention and technique on these deep structures, most patients can not achieve their desired neck contour.

Liposuction is performed, when needed, as part of a deep plane necklift, but the majority of the work is focused on contouring the deeper structures. Through a very small incision hidden beneath the chin, we are able to go beneath the platysma muscle and improve these deeper anatomical structures. This usually includes sculpting the deep fat pads which contribute to central neck fullness, contouring the deeper neck muscle, and reducing the size of the saliva glands which cause fullness directly under the jawline. Finally the platysma muscle is supported both centrally as well as on the sides of the neck, creating a hammock that supports all of the newly sculpted deep neck structures.

All together these techniques produce dramatic improvements in the depth of the neckline, the angle of the neck, and the definition of the jawline.

Before & After Gallery

Know before you go

Many of our patients are looking for dramatic improvements in their neckline and jaw definition. This desire almost always leads to choosing the deep neck lift procedure over less effective techniques. We strive to make your journey as seamless as possible through education, preparation, and attention to detail.

After inquiring, expect to have a phone consultation with our patient care coordinator specialist, Erin.
During this call we will be exploring your areas of concern and understanding your desires and goals. We
review options in detail and, we are a good fit, will schedule you for an in person consultation.
Your in person consultation is a deep dive into neck anatomy and understanding the deep neck sculpting procedure in detail. We'll go over the procedure steps, what to expect on the day of surgery, the post-surgical recovery, and all the costs and logistics details. At the end of your consultation you should have a detailed understanding of the whole surgical journey.
We make the surgical booking process as easy as possible. We will take care of all the communications and payments with our surgery center and anesthesiology team. You'll only need to bring your calendar and a fully-refundable 20% deposit to secure your surgical date.
We always have a pre-operative visit with our patients prior to surgery. We will review the whole expected recovery process in detail. You will get a post-surgical care kit with all of your post surgical needs and supplies within. We will take all pre-operative photographs and do consent forms during this visit. After this visit you should be completely prepared for your surgery, however we are always available for any questions that may arise.

Post Surgical Course

We find that the deep neck sculpting recovery is very well tolerated for the majority of our patients and that they are essential back to normal in no time at all.

The downtime for deep neck sculpting is about 2 weeks for the vast majority of patients. At the two week mark you should look essentially normal to the average person, as if you had not had surgery at all.
Pain is usually limited with this particular surgery. Most of our patients use non-narcotic, over the
counter pain medication during the first few days after the procedure. In the rare case that this is not
enough to control pain, a stronger prescription pain medication may be prescribed.
While most patients look essentially normal at the two week mark, full healing does take time. Most patients will notice a dramatic difference in the neckline at two weeks, but it will continue to improve over the next few months. For most patients, the fine definition really shows between 3 and 6 months post-op.
We follow our patients closely through the whole healing process. We usually see patients at 1-day, 3- days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and one year post-op. During that time we take any extra steps needed to make sure you have the absolute best results possible.

What is the downtime for a Deep Neck Sculpting procedure?

Most patients will look essentially normal 2 weeks after the procedure. Final results really start to show at 3-6 months post procedure.

What are the scars like for a Deep Plane Necklift?

The scars for a deep plane necklift are small and very well hidden. There is a small scar under the chin and, sometimes, a small scar hidden behind each ear. We treat the scars with a laser at 6 weeks and 3 months to make them as absolutely invisible as possible.

What is the Ideal age for deep neck sculpting?

The deeper structures in the neck are oftentimes enlarged for the entirety of a patient's life. For that reason this surgery may be suitable for someone as young as their early twenties. As patients get into their mid to late 40s, we start to think about the need for addressing the cheeks and jowls at the same time through a Deep Plane Facelift procedure.

What other procedures are typically performed with a Deep Plane Necklift?

When deep neck sculpting is done in a younger patient for facial balancing it can often be combined with other facial balancing procedures such as rhinoplasty, chin implantation, and buccal fat excision. When deep neck sculpting is done to reverse facial aging changes, it is often paired with the deep plane facelift, upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, and lip lifts.

Complimentary Procedures

Buccal Fat Removal

Chin Implant

Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery

249 Main St
Wethersfield, CT 06109

Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm

Contact Us
karterplasticsurgery@gmail.com
(860) 775-5595

Start your surgical journey

A free consultation with Erin, our Patient Care Coordinator, is the first step along your surgical journey. Appointments are available either online or in person; please note your preference when requesting an appointment. Appointment days and times will be confirmed via a phone call. If you cannot find a day or time that works for you, please reach out to our office directly at 860-775-5595. Consultations with Dr. Karter will be scheduled during this initial meeting.