Are you unhappy with the appearance of your jawline or neck? Maybe you see yourself as having visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck, a common occurrence as we age. Are you wondering if there is any sort of fix or solution to this problem? Good news: this is not an uncommon “problem,” and can be addressed with a lower face lift and neck lift or mini neck lift, depending on several factors.

It’s possible that you’re searching specifically for a female plastic surgeon to perform a lower face and neck lift. Dr. Stephanie Teotia is a board certified plastic surgeon who has ample experience in completing both lower face and neck lifts as well as mini neck lifts. In fact, the mini neck lift is quickly becoming one of Dr. Teotia’s most popular procedures!

When selecting a plastic surgeon to address your neck and jawline, it’s crucial to ensure that she is board certified. Dr. Teotia will share before and after pictures of her patients who have received treatment that you desire. If their “after” pictures look similar to what you’re going for, you’ll know you’ve found the right Dallas plastic surgeon.

Before you arrive for your consultation, it’s good to have some background information regarding the procedure that you’re interested in. Armed with this information, you will be able to follow what the doctor is talking about as well as have questions prepared. The next few paragraphs will provide you with more information about the lower face lift and neck lift procedure.

Officially known as a lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift decreases signs of aging along the jawline and neck. Here are a few specific problems that a rhytidectomy can treat:

• The relaxation of skin and extra fat that forms jowls
• Saggy neck skin
• Abnormal muscle banding in the neck which creates different contours
• Excess fat beneath the chin
• Deep wrinkles
• Drooping corners of the mouth

While aging leads to a decrease of collagen in the skin, which in turn causes sagging skin, it’s not the only factor that contributes to a lax jawline. Other factors can include heredity, the environment, sun damage, skin care, stress, weight loss, and even gravity! An individual may be self-conscious of sagging skin under the chin, creating jowls or a double chin, which is sometimes referred to as a “turkey waddle.” Sometimes, this procedure is thought to “turn back the clock” on aging. If only your jawline and neck are showing visible signs of aging, you might not be ready for a full facelift, especially if the upper part of your face is still youthful. That’s why a lower face and neck lift might be perfect for you.

A lower face and neck lift requires deft hands and fingers, also another reason to work with a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Stephanie Teotia. Not all plastic surgeons are trained for facial procedures.

In a traditional lower face lift, the incision travels from the front of the ear and extends down behind the ear. If your procedure is being performed endoscopically, several short incisions will be made in the same area. A neck lift that is being performed simultaneously will require a small incision under the chin. Skin and tissue is separated and excess fat is removed. Dr. Teotia also tightens facial muscles to restore them to a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Teotia and her skilled staff will provide you with instructions for steps post-procedure. One important point to note: DO NOT place ice on the surgical area following the procedure, as this can inhibit blood flow. Most patients will experience some degree of swelling, which will take several weeks or months to fully dissipate. Once the swelling and bruising disappear, you will be able to see the effects of your procedure more clearly. Protection when you’re under the sun and a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet and exercise) will only extend the results of your rejuvenation.

A lower face and neck lift is performed to not only create a more youthful appearance now, but also to age along with you. Nothing has the power to stop the aging process, but a facelift is a way for you to look and feel more youthful. The only way that you will know if this procedure is right for you is to visit a certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Stephanie Teotia can provide you with a welcoming and informative consultation and will assure a safe, productive, and impactful procedure that will allow you to enjoy a fresher, younger looking face.