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What is a Neck Lift?
As we age, one of the first few areas that begin to show age is our neck. Because of this, the neck is a common area for patients to address for a smoother, younger, look. A neck lift consists of repositioning the skin and muscles to a tighter and firmer position. Many patients begin to notice deep horizontal creases and loose skin commonly referred to as jowls or “turkey neck”. Luckily, a neck lift can improve a lot of these concerns with one rather straightforward procedure.
Neck Lift Benefits
A neck lift offers a rejuvenated and youthful appearance by addressing sagging skin, muscle laxity, and excess fat in the neck area. This procedure is ideal for individuals who want to eliminate the “turkey neck” effect or redefine their jawline.
Key Benefits
- Eliminating sagging or loose skin in the neck area.
- Smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines.
- Tightening underlying muscles for a firmer neck contour.
- Enhancing jawline definition.
- Restoring a youthful profile with natural-looking results.
Who is a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
The best candidates for a neck lift are patients that have a certain degree of skin laxity. This is because most of the improvement is made through the tightening of the neck skin and muscles.
You may consider a neck lift if you have loose skin that “hides” your jawline or facial structure, have loose skin and excess fat that makes you look older or heavier than you are, or your excess skin, fat, folds, and wrinkles have begun to develop and set in.
The Procedure
The degree of skin laxity and excess fat will dictate the amount of work that will be done and what techniques that Dr. Fichadia will use. If you simply need slimming and contouring done to improve the shape of your neck, a simple liposuction technique can be used without removing skin or making large incisions. If skin needs to be removed, Dr. Fichadia will make incisions either under the chin or behind the ears depending on your individual concerns. To tighten the neck band muscles (the platysma muscles), Dr. Fichadia will sew the bands together to tighten them for a smoother firmer surface of the neck. Once any excess skin is trimmed away, the remaining skin will be pulled tighter and secured with sutures.
Preparing for Neck Lift
Proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth surgical process and successful recovery. In the weeks leading up to surgery, focus on maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and organizing a comfortable recovery space at home. It’s also important to arrange transportation to and from the procedure and have a support person available during the initial recovery period.
What Causes the Neck to Sag?
The neck can sag due to various factors, including natural aging, genetics, and lifestyle habits. Over time, skin loses its elasticity, and the underlying muscles weaken, resulting in loose or drooping skin.
Additionally, weight fluctuations and the accumulation of excess fat can contribute to a less defined neck contour. Environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking may also accelerate collagen breakdown, exacerbating sagging.
Combination Procedures
A neck lift is often combined with other procedures for more comprehensive rejuvenation. These combinations can create a harmonious appearance by targeting the neck and surrounding areas for a cohesive transformation:
Facelift
A facelift is a natural complement to a neck lift, as both procedures focus on combating the effects of aging. While a neck lift enhances the jawline and neck, a facelift tightens sagging skin and underlying tissues in the mid to lower face.
Liposuction
Liposuction is often included with a neck lift to remove excess fat deposits and further sculpt the area. Liposuction provides a precise solution for individuals with a “double chin” or localized fat beneath the jawline.
Results & Recovery
The extent of your procedure will have an effect on the recovery time and necessary aftercare. Before and after your procedure, Dr. Fichadia will discuss the aftercare and recovery involved. Immediately after surgery, your neck will likely be bruised and have a feeling of tightness or even numbness. The bruising and sensitivity should resolve over the following week; however, the tightness could take a longer period of time to resolve or get used to.
In general, neck lift results are long-lasting. The longevity of your results has much more to do with how you maintain your health and good habits throughout the years after your procedure. If you maintain a stable weight and avoid habits such as smoking and excessive sun exposure, you can expect to enjoy your results for many years.
If you are interested in learning more about a neck lift procedure, contact Dr. Fichadia’s office today to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
