Crisp Contours

Having fullness in your neck, or under your chin, banding in the neck, or having a genetically older or thicker appearing neck can be really bothersome to many people. A full neck can make people appear older or heavier than they actually are. Each of these concerns can be improved with a tailored surgery based on your individual anatomy. Dr. Kate Impastato is the only board certified female plastic surgeon in Vancouver, WA who specializes in facial plastic surgery. She is dedicated to educating thereby empowering patients to chose an option that works best for them. At Evergreen Plastic Surgery, Dr. Impastato strives to provide the best necklift surgery in Vancouver, WA, in a safe and thoughtful way.

Deep Plane Neck Lift

Frequently Asked Questions

Be The Best Version Of Yourself

What is a deep plane necklift?

The deep plane neck lift is an advanced surgical procedure meticulously crafted to address signs of aging in the neck and jawline. By accessing and repositioning the deep layers of the neck this surgery achieves natural-looking results, providing a more youthful and defined appearance.

During a neck lift, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kate Impastato accesses the deeper structures of the neck through a small incision under your chin. Through this incision she is able to trim and tighten the platysma muscle and sculpt the deeper structures of the neck. This creates improved definition of the neck and jawline.

Unlike injectables, surface level liposuction, and lasers this surgery addresses many different layers of the neck that cannot otherwise be addressed, giving more dramatic and longer lasting results than these other options.

What makes the deep plane neck lift unique?

The deep plane technique involves repositioning not only the skin but also the deeper facial structures, providing comprehensive rejuvenation. This approach ensures longer-lasting results and a more natural appearance compared to traditional neck lift methods. Because of the intricate nature of the surgery, only a handful of plastic surgeons have mastered this delicate technique.

It is important to always verify your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Does neck liposuction in combination with skin tightening devices have the same results?

Neck liposuction only targets the subcutaneous fat of the neck, it cannot address a loose platysma muscle (which is most commonly the actual problem in young patients necks that appear older and heavier than they actually are). It also does not address the deep neck fat found deep to the platysma muscle which is the second most common anatomic reason for a genetically thick appearing neck. During a deep plane neck lift once the deeper structures are corrected the subcutaneous fat is evaluated and may need liposuction that is done in a meticulous and purposeful way to sculpt any remaining areas of fullness and oftentimes is not needed. When liposuction is used as the only means of addressing the fullness under the chin it frequently has the downside of thinning the skin that can lead to premature wrinkling, contour irregularities, and making the underlying problem, a loose platysma muscle and deep neck fat, more obvious.

"Skin tightening" devices tighten the skin by heating the tissue up to a certain depth. Unfortunately these machines can't heat one type of tissue without heating the tissue adjacent to it. This puts patients at risk for wound healing complications should the have surgery in the future because the blood flow to the skin is damaged during this heating process. While minimal tightening can be achieved with these machines in some patients, Dr. Impastato does not offer them because she doesn't believe using them is in the best interest of her patients. We do not offer everything at Evergreen Plastic Surgery, but you can rest assured we only offer things Dr. Impastato truly believes in and would use herself and for any member of her family.

What is the ideal age for a deep plane neck lift?

In the realm of cosmetic procedures, timing is paramount, and the right moment varies for each patient. Some individuals in their 30s and 40s may exhibit a double chin, neck bands, and fullness that can be effectively addressed. During your consultation with Dr. Impastato she will listen to your concerns, goals, and fears. She understands that a necklift may not be feasible for some patients and will counsel patients on other options that may be more realistic for their stage in life.

Am I a candidate for a neck lift?

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, it is Dr. Kate Impastato's number one priority to keep you safe. In order to keep you safe you will be asked to complete a health history questionnaire. During your one on one consultation you will also be asked about your health history. Dr. Impastato will want to know what other procedures you have had (including radiofrequency treatments, CO2 laser resurfacing, threading, what injectables you have had). She will ask you about any medications you are on, if you use any form of nicotine, if you use any form of CBD/THC, and if you have any personal or family history of problems with anesthetics among other questions. Based on each patient's goals, concerns, and health Dr. Impastato will make an individualized treatment recommendation to best accomplish your goals while keeping you safe.

Dr. Impastato will ask you to point out what is bothering you and help you to understand what neck lift surgery can reasonably obtain and what it will not.

Are there medications I cannot take prior to neck lift surgery?

Prior to undergoing facelift patients cannot take any medications that thin their blood for two weeks prior to surgery. In general any over the counter pain medications (ex. Ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin, naproxen) cannot be taken for the two weeks prior to surgery. If you need an over the counter pain medication during that time, Tylenol is okay to take prior to surgery. Other supplements including Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, ephedra, St. John's wort, Kava, flax seed oil, and fish oil.

What surgeries are commonly paired with neck lift surgery?

During your consultation with Dr. Kate Impastato, she will learn about what is bothering you most. Deep plane neck lift is part of the deep plane facelift but for some patients who do not need a facelift, neck lift can be done on its own or with other procedures. Patients choose to do this to avoid multiple recovery periods and days off of work for recovery. Adding the second procedure does not increase the recovery time in most cases. Dr. Impastato will help you navigate which procedures are safe to do at the same time and which are safer to stage.

Procedures that are most commonly added to neck lift surgery are listed below.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift)

Blepharoplasty is very commonly paired with the deep plane neck lift. During this careful procedure the excess fat and skin of the upper and/or lower eyelid are carefully sculpted to restore a more youthful rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Impastato designs her incisions in natural creases to help make them as unnoticeable as possible, with time eyelid scars are typically imperceptible. This is a great operation for patients who complain that people often think they are upset or tired because of the appearance of their eyelid skin.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Oftentimes patients will add a neck lift procedure to their abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedure to avoid a second period of recovery time including time off of work.

Breast Surgery

Breast surgeries including breast reductions, breast lifts, and breast augmentations can be done at the same time as your neck lift.

Why does Dr. Impastato need me to stop using nicotine for two months prior to surgery?

As a board certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kate Impastato's main goal is to keep you safe while helping you to achieve your goals. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, patch, gum, or vape) can increase the risks of having problems after surgery that can effect your outcome and even be life threatening.

Decreased Blood Flow leads to Increased Risk For Complication: Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow, leading to a reduction in blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, especially during the healing process after surgery. Restricted blood flow can compromise the body's ability to heal and recover. Insufficient blood supply to the surgical site can delay the healing process, leading to prolonged recovery times and potential complications including infections
Higher Risk of Tissue Necrosis: Nicotine's impact on blood vessels can potentially lead to tissue necrosis, where a lack of blood supply causes tissue cells to die. This is a serious complication that can result in the need for additional surgeries or interventions to address the damaged tissue.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Nicotine use is associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation. Blood clots can pose a serious threat, especially in the postoperative period, as they may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.