A patient recently came to my clinic with a significant "turkey neck" deformity. As you can see in her transformation video, the excess skin and lack of definition in her neck and jawline were her primary concerns. She, like many, initially inquired about a neck lift. However, after an evaluation, I explained why a combined lower face and neck lift would provide her with the most harmonious and lasting result.

The Intrinsic Connection Between the Face and Neck

The face and neck are not two separate entities; they are intrinsically connected. The aging process affects both simultaneously. Gravity, loss of skin elasticity, and the descent of facial fat pads all contribute to the appearance of jowls, a poorly defined jawline, and the dreaded "turkey neck." To truly understand why a combined approach is often superior, we need to delve into the anatomy of facial aging.

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is a crucial layer of muscle and connective tissue that extends from the neck to the forehead. As we age, this layer begins to sag, leading to the visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck. A well-executed facelift, particularly a deep plane facelift, addresses this by repositioning and tightening the SMAS layer, which in turn lifts and supports the neck.

Why a Neck Lift Can Fall Short

For patients with significant skin laxity, a neck lift alone can create an unnatural and unbalanced appearance.[3] Imagine pulling a tablecloth smooth in one area while leaving the adjacent area wrinkled. This is analogous to what can happen when only the neck is addressed. The neck may appear tighter and more youthful, but the sagging skin of the lower face can create a noticeable transition zone along the jawline. This "pulled" look is precisely what we strive to avoid in modern facial rejuvenation.

Furthermore, a lower facelift provides crucial support for the neck lift. By lifting the facial skin and underlying structures, we are also lifting the skin of the upper neck, creating a more seamless and natural transition from the face to the neck. This approach ensures that the aging process will proceed more uniformly, maintaining the harmony between your face and neck for years to come.

The Power of a Combined Lower Face and Neck Lift

Combining a lower face and neck lift allows me to address the root causes of aging in a single, comprehensive procedure. This approach offers several key advantages:

• A More Natural and Harmonious Result: By treating the face and neck as a single aesthetic unit, we can achieve a balanced and natural-looking rejuvenation. There is no tell-tale line of demarcation, just a smoother, more youthful contour that flows seamlessly from your cheeks to your collarbone.

• Longer-Lasting Results: Addressing the underlying SMAS layer provides a more robust and durable lift, ensuring that your results will stand the test of time. A deep plane facelift, in particular, is known for its longevity, with results often lasting 10 to 15 years.

• A More Defined Jawline: A combined approach is the most effective way to restore a sharp, well-defined jawline, which is a hallmark of a youthful appearance.

• Rejuvenation: For many of my patients, the "turkey neck" is just one of several concerns. A combined procedure allows us to address jowls, marionette lines, and other signs of lower facial aging simultaneously, resulting in a more complete and satisfying transformation.

Advanced Techniques for Optimal Results

In my practice, I utilize the most advanced surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for my patients. This often includes a deep plane facelift, which is a more sophisticated procedure that repositions the deeper layers of the face for a more natural and long-lasting result. Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily tighten the skin, the deep plane technique addresses the underlying muscular structures, which is key to achieving a truly rejuvenated appearance without a "pulled" look.

For patients with specific concerns in the neck, I may also incorporate techniques such as platysmaplasty and salivary gland removal.

• Platysmaplasty: The platysma is a thin sheet of muscle in the neck that can separate and create visible vertical bands. A platysmaplasty is a procedure that tightens these muscles, creating a smoother and more youthful neck contour.

• Salivary Gland Removal: In some cases, enlarged submandibular salivary glands can contribute to a bulky or ill-defined neck. By carefully and partially removing these glands, we can achieve a more sculpted and elegant neckline. This is a delicate procedure that requires a deep understanding of neck anatomy, which is why it is crucial to choose a surgeon with extensive experience in this area.

Your Journey to a Rejuvenated You

The decision to undergo facial rejuvenation surgery is a deeply personal one. My goal is to provide you with the information and guidance you need to make an informed decision that you will be happy with for years to come. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive international training, including a fellowship with the renowned Dr. Raul Gonzalez in Brazil, I am committed to providing my patients with the highest level of care and expertise.

If you are considering a neck lift, I encourage you to think beyond the neck and consider the overall harmony of your face. For many, a combined lower face and neck lift is the key to achieving a truly natural and lasting result. I invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your unique goals and learn more about how we can help you achieve the rejuvenated, confident appearance you deserve.

The cost of a deep plane facelift and neck lift in Turkey is often more affordable than in many Western countries, without compromising on quality or safety. My clinic is an internationally certified health tourism center, and my team and I are dedicated to providing a seamless and supportive experience for our international patients. We can assist with all aspects of your journey, from virtual consultations to your recovery in beautiful Istanbul.

Remember, the goal is not to change who you are, but to restore a more youthful and refreshed version of yourself. By taking a comprehensive and artistic approach to facial rejuvenation, we can achieve results that are not only beautiful but also uniquely you.