Options available to help keep your chin up and neck tight

By E. Ronald Finger CONTRIBUTOR

It’s probably safe to say that no two chins or necks are identical. Not surprisingly, most people will be unhappy with their necks if given enough time. This discussion will be on how to treat the various disliked chins and necks (they are very much related). Let’s start with the various treatments and then place each chin/ neck problem into the treatment category.

Let’s start with the simplest non-surgical treatment:

• Deficient chin projection correction. This can take a simple injection of a long-term filler or even chin implant. This correction makes an enormous difference to the face profile and usually pulls the anterior neck tighter. The filler procedure takes about 10 minutes.

• Microneedling with radiofrequency (RF). Our unit is the VirtueRF device, which melts certain depths of fat and tightens skin non-surgically. Recovery is virtually non-existent regarding after-treatment activities. Treatments may take from two to four sessions.

• Liposuction of the neck with the Renuvion, which is FDA approved to use with liposuction. Liposuction removes excess fat and improves the jawline. The Renuvion RF may also be indicated to tighten the skin of the neck. Consider it like shrink-wrapping the skin. The Renuvion probe uses a small incision under the chin and behind each ear usually requiring no sutures. This is considered a one-time, minimally invasive surgery with some bruising and swelling.

• Direct excision of the “turkey gobbler.” This is often for those older ages with advanced sagging, sun-damaged skin who don’t want a facelift. It’s also a favorite with men. This minor procedure is very effective in eliminating any excess skin. The downside is a faint vertical scar in the front of the neck with no stitch marks.

• PDO threads is an office procedure that tightens the skin for about one and a half to two years. Like most procedures, it must be done correctly to be effective.

• Facelift is effective at lifting both face and neck. This is a procedure to be discussed by itself.

Who fits into these categories?

The causes of a deficient chin or saggy, fatty neck are heredity, over-weight, excessive sun exposure, smoking, and an unhealthy diet. The chin/neck problems can be one or a combination of having an insufficient chin, too much fat, or loss of neck elasticity. All of these are often related to one’s genes.

Those with insufficient chins may choose No. 1 above. They may also need liposuction of the neck according to how much fat is present.

Those with wrinkly skin due to loss of elasticity may benefit from one of the other procedures listed above.

Generally, but not always, a combination of procedures is indicated for the best results. The best approach is to make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to help assess what procedure(s) would best meet your needs.