Subtle surgical artistry for a refreshed, refined appearance.
A graceful neck is defined as having a sharp angle between the jaw and neck, smooth skin, and no muscular bands showing. However, genetics predetermines in youth the overall shape of everyone’s neck. Some of us have a very high and tucked voice box, which showcases the thin, long neck. Others have a fuller, shorter neck with a voice box that is low-slung and forward.
Surgery cannot correct the shape of the neck that you were born with; however, Dr. Edward Szachowicz can address aging of the neck with cosmetic surgery. If you are interested in a neck rejuvenation procedure such as a neck lift in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Dr. Szachowicz can answer any questions you may have. A double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Szachowicz has many years of experience performing face and neck rejuvenation procedures at his Edina plastic surgery practice.
This is a 52 y/o woman who has a young appearance, however, in her chin down view, demonstrates the facial relaxation that is occurring in her lower face and neck. These images are six months after her deep plane facelift and a deep necklift. A deep necklift tightens the underlying structures in her neck as well as reducing any extra volume that accumulates with age. She had the additions of some fat to her cheeks, and around her mouth and finished with a CO2 laser to refresh her skin. Notice that her incision lines in front of her ears are nicely inconspicuous.
The neck is a unique structure that shows aging in the following 3 ways:
Facial liposuction can selectively remove fat from the neck. The i-Guide suture-suspension system can add support to the muscles of the neck, and an open procedure is necessary when the aging of the neck is more advanced. An isolated neck lift is indicated only for early signs of aging or when a previous facelift has already been performed.
In young people, there may be early relaxation of the supporting structures of the neck combined with fatty accumulation. Very frequently, the chin prominence may be weak. Facial liposuction alone may be of benefit, and the minimal excess of skin created will retract. This result should maintain for several years and may be even more enduring if a chin implant is added if needed. Facial liposuction is minimally invasive, in that it can be performed through small stab incisions made behind the earlobes and under the chin.
Swelling and bruising are usually minimal. An elastic garment is used for the first several days to keep the skin tight against the jaw and give the best curvature possible. Facial liposuction is also an adjunctive procedure frequently performed during a facelift to remove isolated pockets of excess fat.
The i-Guide Surgical Suture System is an FDA-approved system which adds structural support under the neck using permanent sutures. This unique system allows Dr. Szachowicz to elevate and define the contour of the neck by weaving a criss-cross suture beneath the jawline. The system works through small puncture wounds through which a trampoline-like structure is woven to provide a low-tension support to the neck, elevating the skin and muscle as one unit.
The system works to replace the weakening of the support system of the front of the neck. The procedure is combined with facial liposuction, and is performed under local anesthesia. Swelling resolves within a week and has much less downtime than a traditional open neck procedure. This procedure works best in people who have lost the contour in the neck but still have good skin elasticity.
The best candidates for an open neck lift are those whose thinner necks are showing the earliest signs of aging and muscle banding. Also, people who have had a previous facelift and only see age-related changes in the neck may opt for an open neck lift. The goal of this procedure is to tighten the neck bands together in the front of the neck, and then pull the muscle tight behind the ears where excess skin can be removed. This is not a procedure for when there is jowling or relaxation in the face, as this will accentuate the facial relaxation.
The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia as follows:
An elastic garment is worn for one week to maintain the contour of the neck. Swelling is usually resolved in a week, and remaining bruising can easily be camouflaged with makeup. The incisions do not alter the hairline. As with any open procedure, the risks are of blood collecting under the skin, infection, and (rarely) damage to sensory or motor nerves.
A direct neck-lift or Z-plasty is a procedure reserved for the most advanced excesses of skin and muscle, called a “turkey gobbler.” This usually occurs in those of advanced age who are not the best candidates for a more involved facelift. The procedure involves direct excision of the excess skin from the front of the neck and tightening of the muscles of the neck before the skin is closed. A visible scar is unavoidable after the surgery, but is much preferred to the hanging excess skin.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia as follows:
A supporting garment is worn for a week. A series of Fraxel laser resurfacing treatments are performed to optimize the healing of the visible scar. The risks of damage to nerves are lessened with this procedure. In older individuals the wounds may take longer to heal.
This is a very active 55 y/o woman in a very competitive workplace. She has excellent skin tone and has been careful about the sun. She has noticed that her jawline was looking more square and she noticed the skin of her neck was getting more lax. In the chin down position she noticed more fullness and loss of definition in her jawline. In addition to her deep plane facelift and deep necklift, she had some of her buccal fat reduced to help her face look less bottom heavy, and re-create an oval shape to her face.
See real results from Dr. Szachowicz’s skilled artistry. Our gallery showcases natural-looking facelifts and complementary facial rejuvenation procedures—refined enhancements that restore harmony, definition, and confidence.
Every result reflects a personalized approach—shaped by your unique features and goals. Expect refreshed contours, smoother skin, and subtle improvements that look like you—just more rested and refined.
“Dr. Szachowicz is a master at his craft. I would highly recommend him to everyone. I have been seeing Dr Szachowicz for over 5 years and I couldnt’ be happier with my treatments and results. He is extremely brilliant, knowledgeable, and honest. I have recommended him to many friends and will not go to anyone else. ”
“I feel so great about myself.
“Your aesthetic eye, attention to detail, overwhelming kindness and generosity are very much appreciated. Now, when I look in the mirror, I feel so great about myself. I realize how fortunate I am to have someone as wonderful as you to give me such a precious gift!””
“Thank you for being there to help me on my journey. Thank you for being such a professional. Thank you for helping me have nicer skin again. Thank you for being a kind and caring person who came through with flying colors. Thank you for being the person I always have thought you were. Thank you for being there to help me on my journey.”
“Dr. Szachowicz is a master at his craft. I would highly recommend him to everyone. I have been seeing Dr Szachowicz for over 5 years and I couldnt’ be happier with my treatments and results. He is extremely brilliant, knowledgeable, and honest. I have recommended him to many friends and will not go to anyone else. ”
