Alternative management of the aging jawline and neck.

Overview

The lower third of the face and neck have distinct changes that occur with aging. These changes can be globally and dramatically addressed with a traditional rhytidectomy. However, as the demographics of facial plastic surgery patients evolve, patients seek increasingly less invasive procedures that will result in faster recovery time and less postoperative morbidity. To accommodate this change, today's facial plastic surgeon must include less invasive procedures in the treatment strategies for the lower face and neck. Correct, patient-specific procedure selection and patient education can yield results similar to those of a traditional facelift. This article discusses options available for treatment of the lower face and neck.