Everything You Need to Know About Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for signs of aging on the lower face and neck. If you’ve been considering neck lift surgery, here is everything you need to know before scheduling a consultation.
What is a Neck Lift and What Does it Treat?
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve signs of aging on the neck like jowls and sagging skin. Jowls or a “turkey neck” refers to loose skin along the jawline. This loose skin is caused by loss of collagen and elastin, a natural yet undesirable result of the aging process. Collagen and elastin are proteins that give it elasticity, volume, and structure. Sagging skin, wrinkles, and volume loss are all common signs of aging that gradually worsen as collagen production gradually declines.
Another part of skin aging is weakened or loose muscles. In the neck the platysma muscle or vertical bands weaken and pull apart, resulting in additional skin laxity and the development of deep vertical lines extending down from the chin. For people with moderate to severe signs of aging on the neck, the neck lift is a great way to restore a more youthful appearance.
How is a Neck Lift Performed?
A neck lift is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Incisions will be made behind the ears and under the chin to minimize visible scarring. The platysma bands will be tightened with permanent sutures, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled tightly up to smooth the appearance of the neck. Liposuction can also be used to eliminate excess fat and improve the appearance of a double chin.
Who is a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
Most neck lift patients are over the age of 40 and have moderate to severe jowling and/or a double chin. However, there is no specific “right age” for a neck lift since everyone ages differently. Anyone who is in overall good health and wants to improve the appearance of jowls, neck wrinkles, and sagging skin can benefit from this surgical procedure. Ideal candidates should also be nonsmokers, not currently taking blood thinners, and be at a stable weight. These factors can be discussed in more detail at your initial consultation to determine whether you are a good candidate for a neck lift.
How Long is Recovery from a Neck Lift?
After the neck lift procedure, your neck and jawline will be bandaged and wrapped in a compression garment. The compression garment should be worn for about one week to minimize swelling, so patients often take 1-2 weeks off work. Keeping your head elevated while sleeping, taking anti-inflammatory medication, and using cold compresses will also help minimize swelling and keep you more comfortable.
After two weeks, most of the swelling and bruising will have improved and you can return to most normal activities. However, strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks or until you have received clearance from Dr. Angelchik. After 4-6 weeks, swelling will have significantly reduced so you can see the improved contours of your neck and a more youthful appearance.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about getting a neck lift in Glendale, AZ, give out office a call or fill out an online contact form to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Angelchik. He will discuss the procedure in more detail with you to develop a personalized treatment plan customized to your cosmetic goals.
