Since the time of the beautiful Nefertiti, a swan's long neck has been an undeniable sign of beauty and a woman's pride. But what to do if the neck is short: is it possible to lengthen the neck and get closer to the desired standard?
Bust of Nifertiti - the ideal of a long and beautiful neck
To begin with, however, it is worth understanding the terminology. How to determine the length of the neck, a neck of how many cm long is considered long, how long is considered short, and when can the expression average neck length be used?
How long should the neck be
Of course, there is no need to talk about any calculations in centimeters. The length of the neck - like all other parts of the body - depends on the height and general proportions of the figure.
The German anthropologist Julius Kohlmann concluded at the beginning of the last century that if we take the entire height of a proportionally built person as 100 units, then the height of the head should be 13 parts, the height of the head with the neck 20 parts. That is, the neck makes up 7% of our height.
But, of course, these indicators are the “average temperature in the hospital”: a lot depends on the person’s build type. In people of the thin-boned asthenic type, the neck is thinner and longer than in normosthenics, and in people of the broad-boned type, on the contrary, it is shorter.
Neck length is the distance from the angle of the lower jaw to the middle of the collarbone.
In addition, long necks in women are much more common than in men - and there are historically determined reasons for this, which were perfectly described by Ivan Efremov in the novel “The Razor’s Edge”:
“A slender, long neck adds a lot to a woman’s beauty, but for a man it is perceived differently – rather as something slightly painful. A man’s neck should be of some medium length and thick enough to firmly support his head in battle and to carry heavy loads. A woman, by her ancient nature, is a guardian, and her long neck gives greater flexibility and speed of head movements - again the aesthetic feeling coincides with expediency.”
There is a special test that can be used to measure the length of the neck and determine whether a man's neck is too short or long. The ideal proportion is when the hollow (where the chin meets the neck) is at a distance of four fingers from the protruding bones of the collarbones. If the distance is greater, the neck is considered long, if less, the neck is considered short.
In a word, it is impossible to calculate the ideal neck length in centimeters; you shouldn’t even try. It is much more correct to apply the harmonizing approach of Andrei Iskornev, according to which the beauty of a person is not in the beauty of individual parts of his body, but in how harmoniously they relate to each other.
How to determine a man's body type
When determining body type, one focuses primarily on the structure of the bones.
Ectomorphs have thin bones, while endomorphs have wide bones. The most common measurement used for assessment is the diameter of the wrist. This indicator does not change when you gain or lose weight and shows the general physiological state of the body. According to general ideas, the wrist girth of ectomorph men is less than 17 cm, mesomorphs - 17-20 cm, endomorphs - more than 20 cm.
This classification is conditional: pure species are rare. Different body types are determined by mixed characteristics, representing something between asthenic, hypersthenic and normosthenic types. When determining your sports load and nutrition plan, you should focus on the prevailing parameters.
Photos "before" and "after"
Neck lift, results before and 12 hours after! After the operation: the oval and contour of the lower jaw are emphasized, the jowls are corrected, the double chin disappears, the chin does not sag when the head is tilted! Performed by surgeon: Maxim Vasiliev .
Performed facelift-smas, lipofilling, face, co2-lifting. Before and 9 days after. Performed by surgeon: Maxim Vasiliev.
Hollywood neck plastic surgery. Photos were taken “before” and 7 days “after”. Surgeon: Iskornev Andrey.
Neck lift. Author's technique. “Before” and 7 days “after” the operation. Performed by surgeon: Maxim Vasiliev.
Neck lift using dynamic platysmoplasty - the chin will not sag even when tilted. Result 10 hours after surgery. There is swelling and markings. Surgeon: Vasiliev Maxim.
Platysmaplasty with installation of a Medpor chin implant. Photos were taken “before” and 12 days “after”. Surgeon: Vasiliev Maxim.
Neck lift, results “before” and 12 hours “after”. Author's technique. Performed by surgeon: Maxim Vasiliev.
Platysmoplasty. Surgeon: Iskornev Andrey.
Neck lift (author's technique). Photos “before” and 2 days “after”. Performed by surgeon: Vasiliev M.N.
The operation was performed by Iskornev A.A.
Platysmoplasty. Surgeon - Andrey Iskornev.
Which haircut is suitable for men with a round face?
If you need to choose a hairstyle for the owner of a round face shape, then it is worth considering that the haircut should give additional clarity to the features and hide fullness. A beard and mustache will give a man additional masculinity.
Haircuts and hairstyles that suit oval face types
The oval shape is the most harmonious, but not the most common face shape. Its owners will suit hairstyles with long straight strands, due to which the facial muscles stand out more clearly. Men with an ideal oval face shape can suit almost any hairstyle.
Causes of a short neck
We'll surprise you: it often happens that men and women with short necks are not short-necked at all. After all, visually the length of the neck depends on many factors, among which its anatomical length is far from the first place.
So, why is the neck short or, more accurately, looks short?
The first reason is posture.
Surely you have often noticed the swan necks of beauties from portraits of the 18th and 19th centuries. Have you forgotten to look at their straight backs, proud head carriage and sloping shoulders? Dropped shoulders will immediately visually add several centimeters of length to your neck. But raised shoulders and a stoop “eat up” the same few centimeters.
Correct posture makes your neck longer
A very illustrative example of how the position of the shoulders and head - that is, posture - changes the perception of neck length is given to us by the famous women of the Padaung people, who have been wearing brass rings around their necks since childhood. An adult woman can have up to two dozen such rings and her neck becomes incredibly long.
But the secret is that anatomically the neck itself does not change length!
The rings deform the upper thoracic region, lowering the shoulders and collarbones, and on the other hand, teach their owner to constantly live with her chin raised high. The result is the longest female neck on planet Earth.
A Padaung woman's neck is no longer than ours
Of course, no one is suggesting that you use the Padaung method. We suggest you just remember to keep your shoulders down and your chin up. The miniature device Lumo Lift will help with this. It attaches to your lapel and vibrates when you slouch.
The second reason why your neck appears shorter than it is is excess weight.
Excessive volume of the face - round cheeks, double chin, jowls, fat deposits on the neck itself - this is how a short, thick neck is visually formed, and when combined with raised shoulders (a frequent companion to a computer and sedentary lifestyle), it simply becomes invisible. In this case, it is enough to reduce weight to make the neck thinner and longer.
The result “before” and 10 days “after” the operation. Surgeon: Iskornev Andrey.
The third reason is age-related changes.
Loose skin under the chin, the formation of a goiter and the so-called turkey neck make the angle between the neck and chin less pronounced, and the outlines of the neck become blurred. As a result, it appears much shorter than it actually is.
Photos “before” and 12 hours “after” the operation. Surgeon: Vasiliev Maxim.
The fourth reason is congenital anatomical features.
Removal of Bisha's lumps, chin endoprosthetics with a Porex implant (USA), laser liposuction of the chin, thread lifting of the lower third of the face. Surgeon - Iskornev A.A.
Expert comment:
“There are several anatomical features that make the neck look short.
For example, a small chin - the skin under the chin in this case does not have enough tension and sags even at a young age - hides the angle between the neck and chin, which is why the neck visually looks much shorter.
But, of course, each case is individual.
It also happens that the neck is short by nature - such a structure, nothing can be done. It happens that she simply does not look graceful: the long thick neck gives rather a bulky impression.”
Maxim Vasiliev, plastic surgeon.
Is it possible to do something about this problem? You can, and we will tell you about all the means we know. There is only one thing you can’t do: actually increase the length of your neck! Neither traditional methods nor medicine can cope with this task. But it is quite possible to make the neck visually longer.
Atrophic changes in the dermis and epidermis
Reduced thickness of the dermis, thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, decreased elasticity and turgor of the skin.
The appearance of dyschromia, manifested in both hyperpigmentation and the appearance of hypopigmented areas. The appearance of multiple telangiectasias in the décolleté area, vascular malformations, pigmented nevi. All these signs indicate a decrease in the proliferative and synthetic activity of fibroblasts, the accumulation of elastic collagen bundles, and a decrease in the fractions of young collagen.
Score in points:
0 – no changes, no pigmentation, no vascular disorders. 1 – minimal changes, expressed in dryness, decreased barrier properties. The pinch test is negative. There is no pigmentation. 2 – moderately significant changes. With the pinch test, the skin returns to its original position in 1–2 seconds. Slight pigmentation. Single telangiectasia. 3 – significant changes in elasticity, decreased turgor, tissue sagging, severe dry skin. The pinch test is clearly positive. Pigmentation is pronounced. Multiple telangiectasia.
Clothes: how to make your neck longer without doing anything to it
You can visually lengthen your neck with the right clothes. To do this, it’s worth remembering one single rule: when deciding what to wear, we say “yes” to vertical lines and “no” to horizontal ones.
How does this manifest itself in practice?
Blouses and dresses in which the neckline is directed along vertical lines are suitable. The ideal option is a V-shaped neckline, which visually stretches and lengthens the neck. Her lines are well emphasized by a large turn-down collar and the lapels of an unbuttoned jacket. Feel free to use scarves, scarves, and scarves that fall freely from your shoulders. But boat necklines, bob necklines, and turtlenecks should not be worn. However, for cold days there is also such a simple option: combine a light turtleneck with a high neck with a dark unbuttoned jacket or jacket, the lapels of which will create the necessary verticality.
In addition to clothes, women have invaluable helpers, the importance of which cannot be underestimated: jewelry and hairstyle. The rule is the same: verticals yes, horizontals no. We choose chains and necklaces that fit freely on the chest, put chains and beads under the neck, necklaces and collars. Long earrings elongate the neck - they can be used perfectly. But it’s better to give gypsy hoop earrings to someone.
If we talk about hairstyles, an open neck looks longer, so we say a resounding “yes” to short haircuts, high buns and ponytails. In our case, long flowing hair also looks good (vertical hair works, which helps hide a short neck). But you should not do low ponytails, baskets and classic braids from the base of the neck - they will make the neck look shorter.
Choosing a haircut or hairstyle based on your face type
A hairstyle that is inappropriate for a particular person can “spoil” even the most ideal figure and, on the contrary, a correctly chosen hairstyle can hide some imperfections. Face type is the main criterion that should be taken into account when choosing hair color and haircut style.
It is worth considering that there are seven standard face types in total, namely square, oval, round, oblong, triangular, pear and diamond. The most common face shape is a square one. There are also combined types of faces, when a person’s head fits the standards of several shapes at once.
How to lengthen your neck with exercises
If it is impossible to literally stretch your neck, then your posture can be corrected.
Our goal is a straight back, dropped shoulders. In order to understand what to pay attention to, listen to the advice of professional choreographers: the top of the head should always point upward, and the shoulders and shoulder blades should point down. This creates not only beautiful lines of the female figure, proud posture and confident gait. This position makes the neck open and long.
What position should your back be in? Go to the door frame, lean against it so that the back of your head and buttocks rest against the wall. Now move away without changing your body position. This is what your ideal posture looks like.
Of course, correcting your posture takes a lot of time, but it is worth it - and not only for the sake of making your neck thin and long.
In addition to working on your posture, there are also special exercises for long necks that you can easily do at home.
These exercises are regular stretching: turning and tilting the head. When performed daily, your neck will actually become visually longer. Do the exercises very carefully. First, stretch your neck and warm up your muscles. Do not bring it to pain, only pleasant tension should be felt. Take your time: it is better to do all the bends and turns of the neck.
Be careful. When tilting your head to the sides, make sure that your ear falls towards your shoulder, and not your shoulder rises towards your ear - the second option will lead to the same excessive “lifting up” of the shoulders.
Mesomorphic body type
Typical indicators for a mesomorphic body type:
- broad shoulders;
- developed chest;
- large bones;
- noticeable muscles;
- low fat level.
Slender mesomorphs are lucky to be born with a fast, healthy metabolism, which does not interfere with the accelerated gain of muscle mass. People of this athletic and wiry type are distinguished by strength and agility; physical exercise most often comes easily to them. Lean normosthenics have an ability for various sports. They have high testosterone levels and a moderately good appetite.
Most successful champion athletes are mesomorphs.
The body of mesomorphs recovers very quickly. Therefore, stocky and tall men can train up to 5 times a week. The more time they devote to physical exercise, the faster and more sustainable the result will be.
Mesomorphs have a strong muscle structure.
The athletic type can be recognized by its beautifully proportioned legs and torso and minimal fat layer. It is easiest for those with this body type to achieve success in building an ideal body.
At the same time, you should not neglect physical exercise or be too zealous with it, as well as stop monitoring your diet. Even the best figure from birth can be spoiled by the wrong lifestyle.
Any workout is suitable for mesomorphs. The main principle is regularity. You should visit the gym at least 3 times a week, and you should spend about an hour doing exercises, giving preference to strength training. Opt for classes with maximum weight and a small number of repetitions (from 4 to 6). It is necessary to diversify your workouts by adding strength, aerobic exercises, stretching, and relief work.
It is very important to pay attention to proper nutrition, since muscular mesomorphs are not immune to rapid weight gain (despite their accelerated metabolism). It is enough to follow the general principles of proper nutrition, reduce the amount of fast carbohydrates and increase the proportion of proteins. You can resort to sports supplements and foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids.
Doctor, I want a long neck
What about medicine? Are there quick and reliable medical ways to lengthen a short neck?
Expert comment:
“It is important to understand that people with a long neck are beautiful only when it is harmoniously combined with all other features of their appearance. This is the harmonizing approach I developed.
Imagine a short, stocky man with short arms and legs, but a long neck! Isn't it true, he will look at least funny...
Therefore, for me, a long thin neck is not an end in itself, but just one of the steps towards the overall harmonization of a person’s appearance.”
Andrey Iskornev, plastic surgeon.
What can you do to make your neck look longer?
Laser liposuction helps remove excess fat and makes the neck more graceful. An excellent alternative to surgical liposuction is injections of the drug Aqualix, which dissolves fat cells and removes them from the body. Often one procedure is sufficient.
Chin enlargement effect without installing an implant! The patient underwent liposuction and chin lift, and its strengthening with i-Guide threads. The face began to look more graceful and sharper. Surgeon - Iskornev A.A.
A chin lift with threads gives good results. The exclusive NAS-chin lift procedure removes jowls and creates a deep chin angle (remember how neck length is measured?), making the neck look significantly longer and sleeker.
The patient was concerned about age-related excess skin in the neck area and was not ready for radical intervention. Surgeon Vasiliev Maxim performed a thread chin lift “NAS lift” (NAS lifting).
Wrinkles
There are two main types of wrinkles in the neck area. Ring-shaped or, as they are often called, horizontal neck wrinkles, which have acquired the romantic name “rings of Venus.” There are most often two or three of them, they can be visualized from a fairly young age (30 years), they become especially pronounced during the menopausal period and with severe pathological conditions of the ligamentous-muscular system.
The second type of wrinkles are compensatory wrinkles, which extend radially from the ring-shaped wrinkles of the neck; they can be short and long, intersecting with each other.
Score in points:
0 – no; 1 – single; 2 – isolated horizontal wrinkles; 3 – multiple horizontal and compensatory wrinkles.
Optimal age for a neck lift procedure
Many ladies diligently take care of themselves, trying to prolong their outward youth. However, the aging process can be slowed down, but cannot be completely stopped. Visual changes are inevitable, and, as a rule, it is the neck that reveals a woman’s true age. Therefore, in cosmetology there are many procedures aimed at rejuvenating this area of the body. Thus, mesotherapy is recommended for women starting from 35–40 years of age . For those over forty, a cosmetology clinic may recommend a lower face lift.
At the age of 50 years and older, patients often choose plastic surgery, but masks and exercises, for example, lifting with an elastic bandage, have a good effect.
If a woman is over 65 years old , then without surgical intervention a lasting visual effect of rejuvenation will not be achieved. However, even for this age, you can choose special creams and masks that will help maintain skin elasticity after the surgical procedure.
Thus, each age has its own methods of rejuvenating the skin on the neck. Let's take a closer look at them.
Makeup
Don't discount such an effective method of correction as makeup. Decorative cosmetics are great illusionists, capable of bringing our face and neck closer to the standard in a matter of minutes.
- Try to choose the color of the foundation as close as possible to the natural shade of the skin of your neck, not your face. As a rule, the skin of the neck is somewhat lighter. Then all your makeup will look natural.
- Unlike nourishing cream, apply foundation on the neck from top to bottom, towards the chest. Then dust your skin with loose powder. For this it is better to use a wide brush.
- With the help of skillfully executed makeup, you can correct the oval of your face. To make the double chin less noticeable, go under the chin with a brush with a powder of a slightly darker shade.
- To make a full neck thinner, apply a light tone on the front and a darker tone on the sides. You can also apply a slightly darker tone on the neck than on the face, then the face will become lighter and against its background the neck will seem to “go into shadow.”
- If your neck is too thin, use a lighter tone or apply it on the sides and a darker tone in the middle.
Don't forget that when applying foundation and powder to your neck, we only look at ourselves from the front, but others also see us in profile. Makeup should be evenly applied and impeccably neat. Also take care of good lighting - without it it is difficult to achieve the desired result.
Clear oval
Exercise for the side of the neck.
How the reception works:
- tightens the oval of the face;
- removes all sagging in the chin and cheeks;
- improves skin condition;
- lengthens the neck and makes it more flexible.
The reception consists of two stages.
- In the first phase (30 sec.) we try to bring the muscles of the lateral surface to maximum fatigue.
Slowly, with muscular effort, as if it is difficult for you, lift your shoulder up. Then tilt your head towards your shoulder. You should feel and see that you have the maximum number of folds in your chin area. Hold for 30 seconds. Pay attention to the correct technique: at this time you should bring your shoulder as close as possible to the base of your neck. Return to the starting position.
- In the second phase, we gently lengthen the neck muscles, freeing the arteries and lymphatic ducts.
We begin the stretching process. One hand rests on the collarbone, the second hand rests on the jaw area. In the tilting position, we stretch the side surface of the neck and lengthen it. Return to the starting position. Also perform the stretch for 30 seconds. If you have time, increase the time to 1 minute.
Perform both phases of the exercise on the other side.
How often to perform: 1 time per day.
Under no circumstances should you perform this exercise frequently, since you need to work with your neck in its entirety - from all sides, including the back and front. Otherwise there will be an imbalance.
