Understanding the Neck Lift Procedure
A neck lift is a surgical procedure used to tighten loose skin around the lower jaw and neck. This procedure is a good option for those who are older and looking to remove larger amounts of loose skin. To perform the surgery, incisions are made either under the chin or behind the ears to access the neck muscles. The skin and muscles are then tightened and secured. This tightens the muscles around the neck, as well as the skin, smoothing out wrinkles and creases in the skin. It also improves the appearance of vertical neckbands. This surgery is often combined with procedures such as a facelift.
Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery
Sagging skin, excess fat, or the appearance of neck cords can be corrected with neck lift surgery. The neck lift surgically removes excess skin and fat from the neck, restoring a clean and well-defined neck and jawline. The results can improve facial shape and balance, give the appearance of weight loss, and provide a healthier and more youthful look.
Consultation and Evaluation
Dr. Michelle Hardaway, Medical Director of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, will meet with each patient individually to evaluate and determine the best corrective procedure or type of neck lift. If the skin is lax or if there is extra skin, a skin tightening procedure with incisions behind the ears is usually best. If skin tone is adequate, excess fat can be removed with liposuction alone. Neck cords are due to laxity in the neck muscle (platysma). An anterior neck lift (platysmaplasty) can be performed with a small well-concealed incision under the chin.
Neck Lift Procedure and Recovery
The neck lift can be performed in conjunction with a facelift or as a procedure on its own, and is commonly performed in our office. For your safety and comfort, an anesthetist carefully monitors during intravenous sedation. During the neck lift, Dr. Hardaway will remove excess fat from below the chin or neck using a gentle liposuction procedure. Then, excess skin is carefully trimmed away. The remaining skin will be tightened, offering a more youthful look.
Patients will return home with a neck support garment, an elastic dressing that allows the treated area to heal properly, and wear it for a week to maintain the neck’s new position. Post-operative bruising and swelling will typically take one to two weeks to resolve. Like all surgical procedures, neck lift entails some risk. We encourage all patients to learn as much about the neck lift and recovery before undergoing a procedure. We look forward to helping you learn more during a personalized consultation.
Complementary Procedures and Alternatives
Common procedures performed with neck lift include: facelift, eyelid procedures, chin enhancement, fat transfers, and brow lift. Injectable neurotoxin to muscles of the neck is another, less invasive option to help alter the appearance of the neck. This can help tighten the muscles around the neck, resulting in a tighter appearance of the neck overall. This can be used in conjunction with neck lift surgery and other procedures or on its own.
Dr. Hardaway, a board-certified plastic surgeon, performs these procedures at her office as well. During your face and neck procedure consultation, she will help you find the course of action that will best suit your specific needs. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Hardaway is committed to patient education, safety, and achieving natural-looking results.
For more information on neck lifts and other cosmetic surgery procedures, you can visit reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic or schedule an appointment with our clinic. We’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care and helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.