2026-09-03
Double Chin and Neck Wrinkles Too! A Case Solved with Full Facelift Instead of Mini-Facelift
A late 40s female patient sought a mini-facelift for sagging skin, deep nasolabial folds, and significant neck aging. Due to the limitations of a mini-facelift for double chin and deep neck wrinkles, a full facelift was performed, resulting in natural improvements and a more youthful contour.
A female patient in her late 40s visited our clinic considering a mini-facelift.
Her facial skin was generally sagging, and elasticity had decreased, making her jawline uneven, and her nasolabial folds were deep. There was asymmetry on both sides of her face, and her facial contours were irregular due to a lack of facial fat.
However, the bigger problem was the aging in her neck area.
Not only was there a lot of fat under her double chin, but deep vertical neck wrinkles were also clearly visible, and the patient wanted to improve this area.
❗ Mini-facelifts have limitations
While a mini-facelift involves a relatively smaller incision and faster recovery,
it has limitations in improving neck wrinkles or resolving double chin issues.
In such cases, a full incision facelift is absolutely necessary.
Dissection of the lateral face and neck through a lateral incision
Improvement of double chin by tying the platysma muscle (PM) through a small central neck incision
Concomitant liposuction of the jawline and jowl areas
Concomitant fat grafting to the sunken mid-cheek, nasolabial folds, and chin areas
✅ Key Surgical Points
✔️ Dissection and lifting of the SMAS fascial layer
✔️ Optimal severance of retaining ligaments to maximize effect
✔️ Anatomically safe procedure without nerve damage
✔️ Maintaining naturalness by not over-stretching the skin
✔️ Volume and youthful effect with fat grafting
✔️ Faster recovery with minimal bleeding
✨ Results and Recovery Progress
The surgery was safely completed in approximately 5 hours.
Currently, the patient is recovering well without any issues, and suture removal is scheduled for this week.
The jawline, nasolabial folds, and neck wrinkles have all improved naturally,
and a much smoother and younger-looking facial contour with added volume can be observed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a mini-facelift improve a double chin or neck wrinkles?
No, as explained in the main text, a mini-facelift has limitations in improving neck wrinkles or resolving double chin issues. In such cases, a full incision facelift is necessary.
When should a facelift be considered?
A facelift can be considered when the facial skin is generally sagging, elasticity has decreased, leading to an uneven jawline or deep nasolabial folds, especially when a double chin and deep neck wrinkles are severe.
How is a facelift performed?
A facelift involves dissecting the lateral face and neck through a lateral incision, and improving the double chin by tying the platysma muscle through a small central neck incision. Concomitant liposuction of the jawline and jowl areas, and fat grafting to sunken areas, can also be performed.
What are the key points of a facelift?
The key points of a facelift are dissecting and lifting the SMAS fascial layer, optimally severing retaining ligaments to maximize the effect, proceeding safely without nerve damage, maintaining naturalness by not over-stretching the skin, and achieving volume and a youthful effect with fat grafting.
How long is the recovery period after a facelift?
In the case mentioned in the text, the surgery was safely completed in approximately 5 hours, and the patient is recovering well without issues, with suture removal scheduled for this week. Individual differences may apply.