The artistry of plastic surgery lies in what is removed, but also in what is hidden. Scar placement is one of the most critical decisions a surgeon makes. For neck lift patients, the goal is to improve the contour of the jawline and neck while leaving virtually no visible trace of the operation. Depending on the patient's specific anatomy and the extent of the aging, we utilize different incision patterns. Understanding where these incisions go helps alleviate the anxiety about visible scarring.

For a comprehensive Oahu neck lift surgery, we typically utilize two primary incision sites: the submental incision (under the chin) and the post-auricular incision (behind the ear). Each serves a distinct mechanical purpose. The choice to use one or both depends on whether the problem is located centrally (under the chin) or laterally (along the jawline).

The Submental Incision

The submental incision is a small, horizontal cut made in the natural crease under the chin. It is usually about 2 to 3 centimeters long. This incision is the workhorse for the central neck. It allows the surgeon direct access to the "turkey wattle" area. Through this small window, we can remove deep fat pads that liposuction can't reach and, most importantly, perform a platysmaplasty. This involves stitching the edges of the neck muscles together like a corset. Once healed, this scar is almost invisible because it is hidden in the shadow of the chin and the natural skin fold.

The Post-Auricular Incision

While the chin incision handles the central bands, it cannot remove excess loose skin. To tighten the skin, we need to redrape it. This requires an incision that traces the back of the ear earlobe and extends into the hairline behind the ear. This is known as the post-auricular incision. By placing the cut in the groove where the ear meets the head, the scar is naturally camouflaged. This access point allows us to pull the skin and muscle sideways and up, sharpening the jawline and smoothing the lateral neck.

Who Needs Which?

Younger patients with good skin elasticity who only have muscle banding or fat might only need the submental (chin) incision. This is often called an "isolated neck lift." However, most patients over 50 have some degree of excess skin. For them, we almost always combine both incisions. We use the chin incision to tighten the muscle and the ear incisions to remove the redundant skin. This dual approach provides the most dramatic and natural-looking result.

Scar Maturation and Care

In the weeks following surgery, the incisions will be pink. However, the skin of the eyelid and the area behind the ear heals remarkably well. Within a few months, these scars typically fade to faint white lines that are difficult to see even upon close inspection. We provide a detailed scar management protocol, including silicone gel and sun protection, to ensure that the healing process is optimized. In Hawaii, protecting these fresh scars from UV exposure is particularly important to prevent pigmentation.

Conclusion

Expert incision placement is the secret to a "natural" look. By hiding the work in the natural shadows and contours of the anatomy, we can dramatically reshape the neck without revealing the method, allowing your results to speak for themselves.

Call to Action

Learn more about our scar-sparing techniques. Schedule a consultation to discuss your neck contouring plan.

Visit: https://hawaiifacialplasticsurgery.com/