As a popular cosmetic procedure, the neck lift involves the removal of extra skin sag between the chin and neck. The result is a look that is more youthful and well-defined. After the procedure, you will be able to enjoy the long-lasting results for many years.

Having a neck lift is able to address quite a few concerns, such as the following:

• Sagging skin. Skin loses its elasticity as you age and begins to sag around the neck and chin. The neck lift will remove the excess skin and tighten it to achieve a smooth and firm contour.
• Muscle banding and laxity. Since the neck muscles become lax, vertical bands can develop. To correct this, a neck lift is used to tighten the platysma muscles to eliminate the bands’ appearance to provide improved definition.

The neck lift is available in two variations, each dependent on the amount of skin sag and its cause. The two types of neck lifts available are cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty.

• Cervicoplasty. This technique concentrates solely on the neck’s sagging skin and is the technique used most often for younger patients. The incisions for this technique are normally behind the ears and beneath the chin.
• Platysmaplasty. Commonly referred to as neck lift surgery, platysmaplasty is able to reduce excess skin sag and fat from the neck. Platysmaplasty can also involve the tightening of the platysma muscle. This procedure will be sought when the excess skin is the result of weight loss or skin changes due to age.

Having a neck lift performed is ideal when you desire to have a youthful neck contour. A neck lift will also correct jowls. When jowls develop, they are due to the skin drooping and the loss of collagen and elasticity. Having the neck lift is able to correct and eliminate the jowls.

Also known as the Single Incision Minimally Invasive neck lift, the mini neck lift consists of a single incision as opposed to the multiple incisions seen with traditional neck lifts. This will result in less time needed to perform the procedure and quicker recovery. There is also minimal dissection involved, so even though similar results may occur between both procedures, the results of the mini neck lift will not be as long-lasting as a normal neck lift. Plus, the mini neck lift is not as costly as the traditional neck lift, and the number of mini lift procedures can be limitless.

During your consultation, the surgeon will discuss the recovery process and expected length in detail as it pertains to your specific surgical needs. Generally, neck lift patients are able to conduct their normal activities within seven days. Patients having a neck lift will experience decreased swelling and bruising within a month of the surgery. The scarring will dissipate within six months and be hardly noticeable.

Once you are at home, you will likely have a drainage tube and bandage secured to the neck. It is important to follow the care instructions your surgeon provides concerning these. While resting, your head should be elevated to reduce swelling. You can also expect some discomfort and a certain level of pain, which will be controlled with your prescribed pain medication.

You may be a good candidate if you have concerns about a “turkey neck” appearance. Other considerations that will make you a good candidate include:

• You are healthy and do not smoke. You will need to be in good general health and without any underlying health conditions—plus, you should be a non-smoker. Smoking tobacco-related products promotes wrinkles and slows down the healing process. If you plan to have a neck lift, we will ask that you stop smoking six weeks before your procedure.
• Your expectations are realistic. You will have an opportunity to view before and after photos and discuss your expectations with one of our surgeons, Dr. Wayne or Dr. Rhodes.

Just like other types of surgical procedures, there may be potential risks with a neck lift. Risks that are generally experienced involve swelling, infection, bleeding, poor healing, and pain. More specific but rarer complications could involve damage to nerves, skin irregularity, discoloration, and weakness.

Mitigating these risks include:

• Living a healthy lifestyle
• Follow your post-operative instructions
• Select a plastic surgeon with extensive experience and a successful track record in performing neck lift surgeries

A neck lift provides semi-permanent results achieved through toning and tightening. You can expect to enjoy your neck lift for about 10 to 15 years from the time of your original surgery. However, the aging process does continue and will require you to obtain additional touch-ups to maintain it over the long term.

Once 10 years have passed, an appointment can be made to schedule maintenance. While medically invasive methods are a great option, there are additional steps you can incorporate into your lifestyle to prolong the results. Besides anti-aging creams, which may not be sufficient to fully maintain your neck lift, you should utilize the following:

• Maintain posture. By keeping a good posture, you lessen the amount of creases your neck creates. With years of bending, your neck will create wrinkles and bands. When using your phone, keep eye level. Be aware of the way your neck moves, and ensure it is always aligning with your posture.
• Incorporate a healthy lifestyle. When healthy lifestyle choices are made, your results will last longer. This means you should only consume alcohol in moderation and always incorporate nutritious food with minimal sugar. Refraining from smoking will also provide lasting effects and allow you to look more youthful.

Absolutely, there are many non-surgical treatments that can be combined with a neck lift. A few of the most commonly used treatments include:

• Botox. When Botox is injected, it gets to work on decreasing wrinkles. Botox can also decrease the amount of neck muscle movement and relax the muscle stretching. In order to help maintain your neck lift, Botox should be injected at least every 90 days.
• Dermal fillers. Many dermal fillers are able to increase volume and reduce wrinkles. With calcium hydroxylapatite and hyaluronic acid, the surgeon is able to rejuvenate the jawline through collagen growth. Through a Kybella injection, it will be used if there is just a touch of fat present.

The neck lift requires you to be both physically and mentally prepared. This preparation will ensure the entire neck lift process is as smooth as possible. In order to prepare, the physical steps to be taken include scheduling a consultation with your surgeon, quitting the use of any tobacco products, and maintaining healthy living.

Emotionally, you will need to have realistic expectations going into your surgery and for your post-surgery appearance. You can also engage in mental relaxation methods such as meditation or deep breathing to manage stress and anxiety. Having family and friends involved will also reduce the amount of emotional stress felt prior to the procedure.

Once your neck lift has been achieved, you should keep some lifestyle adjustments in mind. By making the adjustments, you are able to enjoy a recovery that is smooth and successful. A few of the lifestyle adjustments your surgeon will likely suggest include getting plenty of rest, adjusting your sleep position, staying healthy and hydrated, and quitting any tobacco products.

Asking questions is an important part of the neck lift process, and your consultation with the surgeon will provide you with an opportunity to ask many questions, such as the following:

• Ask if they are licensed and board-certified. Being licensed and board-certified as a plastic surgeon ensures the surgeon knows what they are doing and has the required education to perform the procedure.
• Ask about their experience level with neck lifts. When you ask about the level of experience, you will have an idea of how much expertise they currently have with neck lifts. They should be able to provide you with photos of their previous work for you to assess.
• Ask if you are suitable for the neck lift procedure. When your goals are discussed, and medical history is reviewed, you should know whether you are suitable for the procedure. If they do not mention your candidacy, then ask them.