Plastic surgeons in New York City have observed a sharp rise in neck contouring procedures over the past three years, with a growing number of patients seeking to harmonize their neck's appearance with their rejuvenated faces. Dr. Michael Stein, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, noted that "neck contouring cases have skyrocketed" in his practice, attributing the trend partly to patients who previously underwent less effective treatments.
Shifting Patient Demographics and Procedure Evolution
Dr. Stein indicated that many patients come to him after trying various less invasive methods, such as jawline fillers and radiofrequency devices, with disappointing results. He explained that historically, neck liposuction involved general anesthesia and multiple incisions, often combined with skin-tightening devices. However, the procedure has evolved into a quicker, approximately 30-minute treatment performed on awake patients with minimal recovery time, allowing them to return to work the next day and the gym shortly after.
He estimates that over half of his patients have tried other techniques before opting for liposuction. The cost for this procedure in his practice is around $10,000, focusing on removing excess fat beneath the chin to enhance the jawline's definition. Dr. Stein has observed a notable increase in patients aged between 20 and 40 seeking these treatments, as well as individuals who have experienced significant weight loss due to GLP-1 medications, leading to "excess droopiness" in the neck area.
The Neck as an Age Indicator
Dr. Robert Schwarcz, an oculofacial plastic surgeon also based in New York City, corroborated this trend, stating that the age range of patients undergoing neck rejuvenation has decreased. He noted that a decade ago, the typical patient was around 55, whereas now, it is closer to 45. Patients often opt for procedures like neck lifts between their 40s and 60s, a period when collagen production naturally declines.
Dr. Schwarcz explained that the neck is particularly susceptible to showing signs of aging faster than the face. This is due to its thinner skin, fewer oil glands, and lower collagen content. Sun damage, leading to wrinkled and crepey skin, along with factors like "tech neck" posture and loss of jawline definition, can further accentuate age. The result can be a noticeable "disconnect between a refreshed face and a neck that reveals one's true age."
Dr. Schwarcz also highlighted that while some celebrities, like Paulina Porizkova and Amanda Peet, embrace aging gracefully without surgical intervention, others who have facial procedures but neglect their necks may inadvertently reveal their age. He stated that the skin's elasticity at younger ages allows for better and faster recovery, potentially leading to more enduring results from rejuvenation procedures.