A July 2026 study published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that an anterior-only neck rejuvenation technique improved cervical contour without requiring periauricular incisions.
The technique advancement comes as neck rejuvenation remains a surgical challenge due to the combined effects of skin laxity, adipose tissue accumulation and structural and functional changes of the platysma muscle.
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Many traditional neck lifting techniques rely on periauricular incisions, which may result in visible scars and limit patient acceptance.
Conversely, the anterior neck rejuvenation procedure aims to improve cervical contour through comprehensive liposuction, transverse platysma sectioning, and a limited submandibular platysmal corset, without periauricular incisions.
No reoperations were reported among the 85 patients who underwent the procedure between 2019 and 2024. The procedure resulted in significant improvement in mandibular definition, cervicomandibular angle, and vertical neck length.
The study also reported limited complications including three seromas treated with needle aspiration and three cases of transient mental nerve paresthesia that fully recovered within weeks. Overall patient satisfaction was high, with a mean score of 4.5 out of 5.
The findings suggest the technique could be an option for selected patients seeking isolated neck rejuvenation while avoiding visible periauricular scars.
The authors noted that the procedure does not replace a cervicofacial lift but offers natural and predictable improvements with low morbidity while preserving the option for future facial surgery.
The study is considered Level V evidence under Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s evidence-rating system. Limitations include the lack of a control group or randomization, which limits comparisons with other treatment approaches.
Reference:
Abulafia AJ, Stoppani I, Espinoza Cisneros V, Cortiñas FE. Neck Rejuvenation Without Periauricular Scars. Aesthetic Plast Surg. Published online July 21, 2026. doi:10.1007/s00266-026-06075-9. PubMed
