In our youth, it can be hard to imagine that one day, we’ll develop excess fat around our necks, but it happens to a large percentage of people eventually. While neck fat is caused by a variety of factors, one of the main culprits is simple: excess body fat.
As we age, unwanted fat seems to settle in all kinds of places – around the knees, under our arms, around the waist, and in the neck area. However, many people do not realize is that like abdominal fat, neck fat can increase the risk of heart-related problems.
What Contributes to Neck Fat?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “More than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults have obesity.” Going further, 70.7% of U.S. adults age 20 and over are overweight, according to 2013-2014 data from the CDC. Considering those statistics, it’s no wonder why neck fat would be an issue for so many Americans, especially those in their 50s and beyond.
Partially due to the chaotic American lifestyle, a lot of Americans in their 40s and beyond are not physically active. As a result, they consume more calories than they burn, and the older they get, the more it begins to show.
A lot of people accumulate excess fat around the neck as they age, even when their body is relatively slim elsewhere. This is because genetic factors and inherited predispositions to fat storage in the neck area can run in families. Then, there are certain medical conditions, such as Cushing’s Syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, which contribute to upper body obesity and increased fat storage around the neck.
Reducing Neck Fat
If you have stubborn neck fat, the good news is that there are things that you can do to reduce, if not eliminate it altogether. You can start by eating a “clean diet” that consists of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and lean protein and by getting daily exercise. You can also incorporate specific exercises that strengthen and tone the neck muscles.
Neck liposuction or a neck lift surgery are excellent options for individuals who are struggling with excess fat, skin relaxation, loose neck skin, and muscle banding in the neck. In fact, many people will lose weight through diet and exercise, but they’ll still be left with loose neck skin. In such cases, neck lift surgery may be their best option.
Some of our patients are not yet ready for a full facelift. However, they may have a double chin, jowl lines and that dreaded “turkey wattle.” When a patient is dissatisfied with their neck because it doesn’t match their face, a neck lift may be the best solution.
To learn more about a neck liposuction or neck lift and other procedures, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Yuly Gorodisky.