Category: Body

Do you have loose skin and excess fat on your neck that you would like to get rid of? A neck lift is the solution for an aging neck, as it lifts and tightens sagging skin on the neck and jawline. If you are considering a neck lift, it’s always important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon so that you know what to expect from your neck lift.

Why you may need a neck lift

Aging, weight loss, and sun damage, are some of the factors that can cause the skin on the neck to become loose and wrinkly. The neck skin is very thin, and this makes it difficult to camouflage lines and creases. A neck lift is the only way to address signs of an aging neck, and restore the smooth, contoured neck you desire.

What Can I Expect from My Neck Lift?

A neck lift will enhance the appearance of the neck and jawline, as it addresses skin and muscle laxity, and removes fat deposits from the area below the chin. A neck lift is an outpatient procedure that is done under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

What will your incisions be like?

There are several techniques that can be used to perform a neck lift, and this will determine the placement of the incisions. The technique chosen will depend on the structures that need to be addressed, and your aesthetic goals. During your consultation the plastic surgeon will discuss the different options with you, and evaluate your neck to determine the most appropriate approach.

If loose, saggy skin needs to be removed, incisions are placed behind the ear. This will allow the surgeon to trim away the excess skin, and tighten the remaining skin.

However, if the platysmal muscle needs to be repaired, a separate incision is required under the chin. The platysmal or neck muscle may weaken or separate as a result of aging. Sagging skin in the chin and neck area is often referred to as a turkey neck. Neck lift surgery may therefore involve tightening the skin and platysmal muscle to eliminate this problem.

If excess superficial fat below the chin is the only problem that needs to be corrected, liposuction is recommended. Tiny incisions are made beneath the chin and behind the lower portion of the ears. A small liposuction cannula (thin tube) is inserted, which is used to remove the excess fat and contour the neck.

The incisions made for a neck lift are very discreet, so scars are usually not visible. Depending on the extent of aging on the neck, the skin and muscle usually have to be manipulated to achieve a more youthful appearance.

A neck lift typically takes 2-3 hours to perform.

What to expect during recovery

After a neck lift, patients can expect to experience some swelling and bruising, and the neck may feel tight and numb. Stitches are removed within 5-10 days, but recovery can take several weeks. Most patients are able to return to work within 2 weeks, as the majority of the swelling should resolve by that time.

The results of a neck lift can last 10-15 years.

Who is a good candidate?

The best candidates for a neck lift are people that have loose, sagging skin along the neckline. They should also have good skin tone and be in overall good health.

The neck is one of the first parts of the face to show signs of aging, and a neck lift can fix aging issues that are just beginning to show. It is a simple procedure that can give you a refreshed, youthful appearance.

A neck lift can be done on its own, or in conjunction with a facelift. The facelift will address signs of aging in the lower part of the face including wrinkles and folds around the mouth, and a sagging jawline. Combining both procedures is often necessary to achieve optimal facial rejuvenation.

Would you like more information about what to expect during a neck lift.

If you are in the San Francisco or Walnut Creek areas, contact board certified plastic surgeon Andrew Barnett, MD for more information.

Call (415) 879-8735 today to set up a consultation with Dr. Barnett.