Over time, the neck can begin to show some of the most noticeable signs of aging. While many people focus primarily on facial rejuvenation, changes beneath the chin and along the neckline can have a significant impact on overall appearance. Fullness under the chin, loss of jawline definition, loose skin, and visible muscle banding can all contribute to a look that feels older than how you feel inside.

At Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Young S. Paik offers several approaches to neck rejuvenation based on each patient’s unique anatomy, concerns, and goals. Modern neck contouring procedures are not one-size-fits-all. The best treatment depends on what is contributing to the changes you’re seeing—whether that’s excess fat, skin laxity, muscle changes, or deeper structural aging.

Understanding What Causes Neck Aging

Not all neck concerns stem from the same cause, which is why treatment recommendations can vary significantly from one patient to another. Some patients are primarily bothered by fullness beneath the chin, often referred to as a “double chin.” This can be caused by genetics, weight fluctuations, or natural changes that occur with aging. Others may notice loose or crepey skin, reduced definition along the jawline, or vertical neck banding caused by changes in the platysma muscle—the thin muscle layer that extends through the neck.

In more advanced cases, aging can affect deeper structures beneath the surface, creating a heavier or less defined appearance that cannot be fully improved with surface-level treatments alone. A personalized evaluation helps determine which structures are contributing to your concerns and which treatment approach will provide the most natural-looking improvement.

Neck Liposuction

For patients whose primary concern is excess fullness beneath the chin, neck liposuction can be an effective option for improving contour and definition. Often referred to as submental liposuction, this procedure is designed to remove excess fat beneath the chin and along the upper neck. By reducing this fullness, neck liposuction can help create a more sculpted transition between the jawline and neck.

This treatment is often ideal for patients who:

• are younger that have a “double chin” caused by localized fat
• maintain good skin elasticity
• want improved jawline definition
• are not experiencing significant skin laxity or muscle banding

During the procedure, small, discreet incisions are typically placed beneath the chin and/or near the ears. Through these openings, excess fat is carefully removed to refine the neck contour. Because neck liposuction addresses fat rather than loose muscle or skin, it is best suited for appropriately selected patients. In some cases, it may be performed on its own, while in others it may be combined with more comprehensive rejuvenation procedures.

Deep Neck Lift and Platysmaplasty

When neck aging involves more than excess fat alone, a more comprehensive surgical approach may be recommended. A deep neck lift with platysmaplasty addresses deeper anatomical structures that contribute to an aged or heavy neck appearance. This procedure can be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing loose skin, visible neck banding, poor jawline definition, or the appearance commonly described as “turkey neck.” The deep neck lift with platysmaplasty can be performed in isolation in younger patients with fullness of the neck without significant aging changes of the face.

Rather than focusing only on surface contour, this approach addresses multiple layers of the neck, including:

• excess fat above and below the platysma muscle
• loosened neck muscles
• structural contour concerns contributing to heaviness beneath the chin and neck including digastric muscles and/or submandibular gland fullness

During surgery, the deep fat, digastric muscles, submandibular glands and the underlying platysma neck muscles are sculpted and tightened and repositioned to restore a smoother, more youthful definition. By addressing the deeper structures of the neck rather than simply removing surface fat, this technique can create more comprehensive and longer-lasting rejuvenation. For patients with more advanced concerns, this approach often provides the most meaningful improvement in neck contour.

When Neck Rejuvenation Is Combined With a Facelift

Because the face and neck age simultaneously, treating one area without addressing the other can sometimes create imbalance. For this reason, neck rejuvenation is most frequently combined with facelift procedures, including deep plane facelift techniques.

Pairing these procedures allows Dr. Paik to create smoother transitions between the face, jawline, and neck, helping patients achieve natural-looking harmony rather than isolated correction.

Why Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon Matters

The neck contains delicate anatomy, including important nerves, muscles, glands, and structural tissues that require both technical precision and specialized expertise. Procedures involving the face and neck are not simply about tightening tissue—they require a thoughtful understanding of anatomy, facial balance, and aesthetic proportion.

Dr. Young S. Paik, Evansville’s only double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes exclusively in procedures of the face and neck. This focused expertise provides patients with the benefit of advanced training in the anatomy and surgical techniques specific to facial rejuvenation.

At Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery, treatment plans are designed to enhance natural features and help patients look refreshed, confident, and like themselves.

A Personalized Approach to Neck Rejuvenation

There is no single “best” neck rejuvenation procedure for every patient. The ideal treatment depends on several factors, including:

• skin elasticity
• the presence of excess fat
• muscle laxity
• prominence of submandibular glands
• jawline structure
• overall facial balance
• personal aesthetic goals

Some patients may benefit from a focused procedure such as neck liposuction, while others may require deeper structural correction or a combined facial rejuvenation approach.

During consultation, Dr. Paik carefully evaluates each patient’s anatomy and goals to recommend the treatment plan most likely to deliver balanced, natural-looking results.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re considering neck rejuvenation and want to better understand which treatment options may be right for you, the best next step is a personalized consultation. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Paik at Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery, call our office at 812-469-3434.

Our team looks forward to helping you explore your options and create a treatment plan designed around your goals.