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.
Diagnostics
Accordingly, various causes and consequences make it necessary to carefully examine the baby. How to understand what is wrong with a baby? Only an x-ray will give a definite answer. However, experienced doctors are able to guess, even without radiation, what the true cause of the syndrome is.
Signs of Klippel-Feil disease:
- limited head mobility;
- low hairline;
- the shoulder blades are at different levels, but generally abnormally high;
- curvature of the spine may be noted.
As a rule, with this syndrome, the newborn also suffers from other pathologies: anomalies in the formation of internal organs often develop.
Birth trauma sometimes manifests itself with similar symptoms, but most often it also has other signs:
- the child sleeps poorly and is capricious;
- neck muscles are overly tense;
- touching the neck area causes the child to cry, since straightening this section causes him pain;
- head mobility is also limited.
Understanding how short the neck really is will be achieved by a simple exercise: place the baby on his stomach and lift him up to determine the location of the hairline. It should be approximately 3 cm from the shoulders. Be sure to count the vertebrae. Let us remind you that there should be 7 of them in the cervical region.
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.
Surgical intervention
Short neck syndrome, which occurs as a result of impaired embryonic development, very often requires surgical intervention. The patient's upper ribs and periosteum, located as a result of displacements above the required level, are removed. They interfere with the proper functioning of the body and put pressure on internal organs, including the heart.
This method of treatment is very complex, and the recovery period after surgery is quite long. However, you should not refuse surgical intervention. Further development of the problem can significantly reduce life expectancy and cause the appearance of other, quite dangerous diseases.
If the baby is confirmed to have Klippel-Feil disease, a consultation with a surgeon will be required. Additionally, you can undergo a genetic examination and also visit a neurosurgeon. Cases are different, and if compression of the spinal cord roots occurs, they must be removed. The child may need to fix underdeveloped vertebrae with special metal pins.
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.
Short description
Short neck syndrome
Short neck syndrome in a newborn is a pathology in which the cervical vertebrae are abnormally small. The problem is discovered after childbirth. Externally, the child’s head is placed immediately after the body, and there is practically no clearance between them. The child's chin rests on the chest. From the back, the folds of skin on the neck resemble a compressed accordion.
This disease affects the child's brain. The muscles of the back and shoulders are in constant tension. Because of this, veins and arteries are pinched. The brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen, which leads to the development of pathologies.
If short neck syndrome is not treated at an early age, the disease will gradually go away on its own. But the child will subsequently develop migraines, vegetative-vascular dystonia and vision problems.
Among newborns, this pathology is easy to diagnose - it seems that the baby’s neck is very short, and the head seems to be located directly on the shoulders. In older infants, symptoms are less pronounced.
If the cause is a birth injury, we can talk about stretching or deformation during a difficult or protracted birth. Later, doctors note in the newborn a sharp tension in the muscles of the back of the head, which arose as a protective reaction to excessive stress.
But short neck syndrome can also be a consequence of a genetic disease transmitted from parents or their relatives. Chromosomal changes lead to abnormalities in the development of the spine, which manifests itself by the end of 2 months of pregnancy. Then the diagnosis will be Klippel-Feil disease.
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.
Difficulties in choosing hairstyles
The main task when choosing a haircut or hairstyle will be the need to visually lengthen the segment from head to shoulders. If you don’t think about correction, then even an ideal situation can actually be aggravated to an unreasonable extent.
The main difficulties arise for those who strive for a certain length and shape of hair. The imprint is left by the shape of the face and other individual characteristics.
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.
Danger of pathology
If Klippel-Feil syndrome undoubtedly forces parents to look for treatment methods, then birth trauma usually raises questions: does it need to be treated, maybe everything will go away on its own. But it should be understood that the neck is the place where the most important blood vessels pass, the quality of which determines the nutrition of the brain, its saturation with oxygen and other substances. As a result of compression of the arteries, blood circulation and brain development are disrupted, which leads to pathologies of a different nature. At the same time, the brain suffers from a lack of oxygen, and hypoxia, as is known, can lead to the onset of irreversible processes in the body.
Babies diagnosed with short neck syndrome understand early what headaches are. Their vision declines, vegetative-vascular dystonia and scoliosis develop.
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).
Classification, treatment
The classification scheme for SCS was proposed in 1919 by André Feil, who classified malformations of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
However, recently, Dino Samartzis and colleagues proposed three types of classification in 2006 that specifically addressed cervical spine disorders and their symptoms.
Three stages of vertebral fusion according to Samartzis:
- Single-level.
- Multiple in one department.
- Multiple and adjacent.
Treatment of SCS is symptomatic and may include surgery to reduce cranial instability and relieve spinal cord compression. Surgery is often prescribed to correct scoliosis.
The focus is on physical measures. The physical therapy program (PT) depends on the patient’s symptoms (spinal deformity, pain, and others). Treatment includes exercises to strengthen the muscles. Other methods of physiotherapy or manual therapy (classical massage, for example) are also used. The goal of therapeutic approaches is to improve neck and spine mobility and relieve symptoms.
Parents' actions
If you find out after giving birth that your baby has short neck syndrome, you should not panic. Now the baby needs your peace and care. Follow all doctor's recommendations. With proper treatment, mobility will be restored quickly, and visual symptoms will begin to decrease with age.
However, there is a possibility of complications and you need to take this into account. It is possible that the child has hidden defects in internal organs, such as the kidneys. Increased tone of the collar area can cause brain hypoxia, which can worsen the baby’s vision in the future. Due to deformations in the spine, head mobility is reduced, which is fraught with neurological problems.
To exclude these factors, undergo regular examinations prescribed by your doctor and monitor your treatment. Relatives with similar diseases are a reason to contact specialists in advance to identify the degree of risk of having a child with similar defects.
In any case, you shouldn't despair. As a rule, timely prescribed corrective treatment and strict adherence to all instructions will allow you to overcome this disease by the year.
VIDEO - Prevention of torticollis in a child
There are no absolute methods for preventing SCS, as well as etiotropic therapy. Prevention measures are aimed at improving the quality and life expectancy of the patient. It is recommended to avoid sudden movements, engage in physical activity and eat a balanced diet. Timely symptomatic treatment helps prevent complications of varying severity.
The syndrome does not always result in lifelong disability for the child. It is important to start treatment promptly as this will help prevent further severe complications. Incorrect or untimely treatment can cause significant harm to the baby.
Square neckline
A square neckline on a top or dress is ideal for showing off the collarbone and décolleté area - just what those with a short neck need. Thin, petite girls with small breasts can wear fitted clothing with a square neckline to create the illusion of a curved bust line.
