Reduction Neck Lift: The Importance of the Deep Structures of the Neck to the Successful Neck Lift

Abstract

A description of the deep structures of the neck that are responsible for submandibular fullness and a systematic surgical approach to reduce them are presented. The structures susceptible to surgical management include the subplatysmal fat, inter-sternocleidomastoid origin fat, anterior belly of the digastric muscle, hyoid bone, submandibular gland and the tail of the parotid gland. A thorough analysis of the key anatomic landmarks of the young and attractive neck is detailed in resting and dynamic positions. A clinical classification of parotid reduction in the face lift/neck lift patient is also presented.

Keywords: Cervicofacial rejuvenation; Face lift; Facial rejuvenation; Jawline definition; Neck lift; Parotid gland; Submandibular gland; Submental fat.