Mini-lift, jawline lift, neck lift, central lift, lateral lift, cervicofacial lift, full lift, mannequin pinch, superficial lift, deep lift... with all these terms, it's easy to get lost because they can refer to different parts of the face, each with its own, often marketing-oriented, definition.
What matters in defining a lift is the area involved and the working plan.
Here, we'll focus on the jawline and neck lift.
The working plan can involve skin lifting or, more deeply, repositioning the muscle. From an anatomical perspective, what happens?
As previously discussed, the platysma muscle is a major contributor to jawline and neck sagging.
The contraction of the mouth part of the platysma, extending from the corner of the mouth to the clavicles, pulls the cheek down and forward, forming jowls and the lower part of the marionette line.
Functionally, this exerts a powerful negative vector on the corner of the mouth and the lower eyelid, ultimately hindering mouth and eye closure.
The neck cords are linked to repeated contractions of the front part of the muscle originating under the chin and also extending to the clavicles.
These cords, through repeated contractions, take the shortest path from the chin to the base of the neck, detaching from the depth.
They come closer together, pulling the skin and fat of the neck forward and toward the center.
Therefore, it seems more anatomically and functionally accurate to reposition this muscle high and back into its youthful position through a high and low deep-plane technique.
This helps restore the jawline and neck by repositioning the musculo-fatty structures that have slid over time.
This technique, known as deep-plane or deep lift, is considered the international gold standard for cervicofacial lifting.
The surgery is not aggressive on tissues, as it follows the natural plane of sliding.
There is almost no subcutaneous detachment, preserving the integrity of the muscle-fat-skin unit and maintaining fine expressions.
The surgery, performed under general anesthesia, generally lasts between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with a one-night hospital stay.
Activities can be resumed at around the 15th day, and follow-ups are scheduled in advance, from one month to a year, to monitor the healing process.
As aging is multifactorial, jawline and neck sagging are often not isolated. It's common to find fatty deposits under the chin and loss of fat volume in the face. Therefore, liposuction of the neck and lipofilling of the face are almost systematically associated with the jawline and neck lift for a more natural and harmonious result.
If sagging eyelids are also present, they can be treated during the same session.
During the first consultation, a comprehensive analysis of the face is conducted together in front of the mirror.
An anatomical analysis of the neck structures is also performed to objectify expected results and, most importantly, rule out unrealistic expectations.
Various medical and/or surgical techniques to correct the jawline and neck will be discussed, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
If a lift is considered, the technique, hospitalization, early postoperative phase, maintenance, and, most importantly, risks will be thoroughly reviewed.
Like any surgery, there is a risk of edema, hematoma, infection, sensitivity disorders, and scarring issues. Specific risks of neck lift and liposuction include temporary induration and discomfort lowering the lower lip. Specific risks of lipofilling include the non-take of fat grafts and exceptionally, necrosis.
All these verbal explanations will be supplemented by the French Society of Plastic Surgery's sheets on lifting, lipofilling, and liposuction. Detailed cost estimates covering surgery, anesthesia, clinic, and postoperative consultations will be provided by my assistants.
Before surgery, usually during the penultimate preoperative consultation, facial and neck Botox will be administered to relax the lowering muscles, aiming for a more beautiful and enduring result.
During the last consultation before surgery, LED therapy will be performed to prepare tissues and minimize postoperative swelling.
The surgery takes place at the Saint-George Clinic, in Hall 2, in an aesthetic care-dedicated service located at the walkway, in the same building as the underground parking.
The duration of general anesthesia is between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, and the jawline and neck lift usually involve a one-night hospital stay.
Driving is not allowed for 24 hours after general anesthesia.
The first 4 to 5 days can be painful, marked by facial and ear edema, making self-recognition difficult.
For the first 3 to 4 weeks, patients are seen twice a week, aiming to accelerate healing through LED therapy and provide moral support.
Resumption of social and professional activity is possible on the 15th day. Mid-term follow-ups are planned at one, two, three, and six months, and one year to monitor healing.
Long-term follow-up is recommended, as surgery does not stop time!
It is strongly recommended to maintain the results of the surgery with biannual injections of botulinum toxin and annual hyaluronic acid, as well as skincare at home at a minimum and, if possible, at the clinic.
