What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure that targets visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline.
Following a neck lift, you can expect the following:
- Tighter, smoother neck skin
- Reduced vertical neck banding
- A more defined jawline and chin
- Reduced or eliminated double chin
- A youthful neck that WOWs
What Are My Neck Lift Options?
One or more of the following techniques will be used during your lower facial rejuvenation. You can discuss these options in greater detail during your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Patel.
A traditional neck lift addresses vertical banding, loose skin, excess submental fat (double chin), and other concerns in the neck region. This procedure addresses loose skin, removes excess fat, and tightens underlying neck muscles (platysma muscles) for a youthful, defined neck and jawline.
When patients have significant submental fat (double chin), liposuction of the neck can be utilized. This treatment removes stubborn fat deposits beneath the chin for a thinner and more angular jawline. WOW Cosmetic Surgery provides several adjunct technologies to dramatically optimize results, including VASER® liposuction to maximize fat removal and Renuvion® (or J-Plasma®) to maximize skin tightening.
Submentoplasty is a less extensive neck lift that addresses loose and sagging neck tissues to provide a sharper submental-neck angle. It includes basic neck liposuction as well as the releasing of vertical muscle bands, tightening of the platysma muscle, sculpting/reduction of deep neck fat, and removal of minor extra neck skin.
Facelift surgery smoothes out wrinkles and creases and lifts sagging skin and tissues to restore a refreshed appearance. A full facelift includes a neck lift and addresses the entire lower two-thirds of the face, all the way from the cheeks to the neck.
Am I a Candidate for Neck Lift?
Not everyone who has lost youthful contours on their neck and jawline qualifies for a lift. Ideal candidates should:
- Be healthy and free of conditions that may negatively affect recovery.
- Be a non-smoker.
- Not be taking blood-thinning medications or supplements.
- Have realistic expectations. Your face is unique, and the procedure will give you unique results.
During your consultation, Dr. Patel will determine if you are a good candidate. Once we have determined that a neck lift is right for you, you will receive specific preoperative instructions.
How Is a Neck Lift Performed?
Neck lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, but you will need a friend or family member to drive you home and help care for you after surgery.
While your neck lift is customized to you, you can anticipate the following:
- You will meet with Dr. Patel preoperatively to review the details of your procedure.
- General anesthesia will be administered for your safety and comfort.
- Pre-marked incisions are made starting at the temporal hairline and extending down and around each ear.
- An additional incision is made beneath the chin to reduce submental fat, release vertical bands, and tighten the platysma muscle.
- The deep neck and jaw tissues are further tightened, and the skin is lifted and secured.
- Loose skin is trimmed along the edges of the incision.
- Sutures and skin adhesives are used to close these incisions.
- Dressings, drains, and a headwrap are placed to assist in healing.
Although you may be required to rest for an hour or so in the recovery room, you can go home the same day. Before going home, you will receive instructions about how to care for yourself during recovery.
What Is Neck Lift Recovery Like?
You can expect swelling, bruising, tenderness, and limited neck mobility following your neck lift. These will gradually subside with time. Any postoperative discomfort can be alleviated with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
You will want to rest and sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling. Recovery can take up to six weeks, but you should be ready to return to social life after about two weeks.
What Results Can I Expect From a Neck Lift?
While your initial results will be obscured by swelling and bruising, they will become more apparent as time passes. This usually takes a couple of weeks; however, some patients experience residual swelling for up to six months.
Although this procedure offers long-lasting results, neck lift surgery does not stop the natural aging process. While the youthful contours achieved by the procedure may start to fade away with time, you will always look younger than you would have if you didn’t undergo a neck lift.
Why Choose WOW Cosmetic Surgery for Your Neck Lift?
Dr. Prem Patel is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, facial cosmetic surgeon, and maxillofacial surgeon with years of experience and a solid track record. He pays close attention to detail, improving your appearance while maintaining natural-looking and balanced facial features.
Neck Lift FAQs
Your neck lift cost varies depending on the extent of the procedure, the techniques used, and whether a facelift is being performed simultaneously. You will also have additional fees, such as anesthesia and facility fees. Financing options are available.
Neck lift surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia; however, IV sedation may be appropriate for some patients. We prioritize patient comfort both during and after your surgery and will take all necessary measures to minimize pain and ensure a smooth recovery.
Most patients undergo aging of their faces and neck simultaneously. Because of this, a full facelift — which includes a neck lift — is often most beneficial. However, some patients start non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments early on in life and pay more attention to skincare practices on the face than the neck. When this is the case, a neck lift without a facelift may be warranted.
While there are many non-surgical facial rejuvenation options, like injectables, laser treatments, and microneedling, there are fewer options for neck rejuvenation. Because of this, patients with moderate to severe neck laxity are best suited for a surgical neck lift.
Patients are often told to avoid driving for at least two weeks after their neck lift. You must be off all prescribed medication and have full mobility of your neck and shoulders before you get behind the wheel.
Incisions are made in discreet areas that can be concealed easily by the hairline, other natural structures, and under the chin.
Patients who undergo facelift and neck lift surgery often benefit from upper facial rejuvenation like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or facial fat transfer. These combination procedures help ensure facial balance and harmony between procedural areas.
Are You Interested in Neck Lift Surgery in Dallas, TX?
If you are looking for the best place to get a neck lift in Dallas-Fort Worth, WOW Cosmetic Surgery is an excellent choice. Please call us at (833) DR WOW MD or fill out our online contact form.