You may have noticed that your jawline doesn’t look quite as sharp as it once did. Perhaps you’ve developed fullness under your chin, or your skin has begun to sag despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While makeup or clothing can temporarily disguise these concerns, only a cosmetic procedure can truly redefine the contours of your neck and jawline.
At Vinings Surgery and Hair Restoration Center in Atlanta, Dr. Robert Colgrove, a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience, helps patients achieve graceful rejuvenation through procedures like neck liposuction and neck lift surgery. Both approaches enhance neck definition, but in different ways. Below, we’ll explore each option in detail and help you understand which procedure may better sculpt your ideal jawline.
Overview
Neck lift
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that aims to tighten and smooth the neck’s underlying structures: skin, muscle, and fat. Over time, gravity, genetics, and collagen loss can lead to sagging skin, banding muscles, and deep fat deposits that obscure jawline definition. During a neck lift, Dr. Colgrove repositions and tightens the platysma muscle, removes excess skin, and trims or redistributes fat for a more sculpted contour. The result is a refined neckline that transitions seamlessly into the jaw, restoring a naturally elegant profile.
Neck liposuction
Neck liposuction focuses on removing localized fat deposits under the chin and along the jawline through tiny, hidden incisions. It’s ideal for those whose main concern is excess fullness rather than considerable skin laxity. Dr. Colgrove uses precise techniques to contour the area, ensuring smooth transitions and symmetry. Because the skin of younger patients typically has good elasticity, it tightens naturally once fat is removed, creating a sharper, more refined jawline without the need for more extensive surgery.
The ideal candidate
Neck lift
A neck lift is generally recommended for patients experiencing visible skin laxity, vertical muscle banding, and deeper fat accumulation beneath the platysma muscle. You might be a candidate if your neck appears creased or “turkey-like” even when you’re not tilting your head down. This procedure is often favored by patients in their 40s, 50s, or 60s seeking long-term rejuvenation.
Neck liposuction
Neck liposuction is best suited for individuals who have mild to moderate fullness under the chin but still possess firm, elastic skin. This is commonly seen in younger patients or those whose neck changes are primarily due to genetics. Since liposuction doesn’t address sagging skin or muscle separation, it works best when the skin can contract on its own after fat removal.
The procedure
Neck lift
A neck lift typically involves incisions discreetly placed around the ears and sometimes under the chin. Through these, Dr. Colgrove tightens the platysma muscle, removes redundant skin, and recontours fat deposits. The surgery is performed under anesthesia and usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of correction. This ensures that each structural layer of the neck contributes to a youthful, harmonious result without looking overly tight or artificial.
Neck liposuction
Neck liposuction is performed through tiny incisions, often less than a quarter-inch in size, beneath the chin or behind the earlobes. A small cannula is used to suction out fat deposits, sculpting a smoother jawline. The procedure can often be done under local anesthesia with minimal downtime. Because the incisions are so small, scars are nearly invisible once healed. Many patients return to work or social activities within just a few days.
Recovery and downtime
Neck lift
Recovery after a neck lift typically involves one to two weeks of downtime. You may experience swelling, bruising, or tightness, which gradually subsides as healing progresses. Dr. Colgrove provides detailed postoperative instructions to ensure optimal healing and scar minimization. The results continue to refine over several weeks, revealing a firm, defined neck contour.
Neck liposuction
Recovery from neck liposuction is generally faster. Mild swelling or tenderness may occur for a few days, but most patients resume normal routines within a week. You may be advised to wear a compression garment to help the skin conform to its new contours. The early results are visible within days, with full definition emerging over several weeks as swelling subsides.
Longevity of results
Neck lift
Because a neck lift corrects multiple structural layers, the results tend to be long-lasting, often 10 years or more. While the natural aging process continues, the neck typically remains more youthful-looking than if no procedure were done. Maintaining a stable weight and good skincare can extend the benefits even further.
Neck liposuction
Neck liposuction permanently removes fat cells, meaning the treated area will not store fat the same way again. However, significant weight fluctuations or loss of skin elasticity over time can subtly alter the contour. Younger patients who undergo neck liposuction often enjoy long-lasting results, especially when maintaining a consistent weight and healthy habits.
Verdict: Which defines the jawline better?
If your jawline has softened due to sagging skin, muscle banding, or deeper fat accumulation, a neck lift provides a comprehensive solution. It not only tightens the surface but also corrects the underlying structures responsible for neck laxity. The outcome is smoother, tighter, and more youthful, often paired with dramatic yet natural-looking improvement.
If your main concern is a “double chin” or fullness beneath an otherwise firm neckline, neck liposuction may deliver a sharper contour. It’s less invasive, involves minimal downtime, and can make a remarkable difference, particularly for younger patients with resilient skin.
At Vinings Surgery and Hair Restoration Center in Atlanta, Dr. Robert Colgrove customizes each procedure to harmonize with your facial features and deliver balanced, natural refinement. Whether you’re ready for a subtle enhancement or a more transformative rejuvenation, he ensures the results beautifully redefine your jawline. Schedule your consultation today to discover which option is right for you.
