Neck Lift

Neck Lift Candidates

In general, good candidates for a neck lift include:

• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that impair healing
• Nonsmokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations

Some people feel they are not ready for a full facelift because the upper face is still pleasing. However, many patients will note excess wrinkling of the neck skin, a double chin or “turkey neck” and jowl lines. In that case, a neck lift is a good solution.

Neck Lift Procedure

Neck lifts are generally performed under local or general anesthesia. A traditional neck lift incision often begins in the hairline at the level of the sideburn, continues down and around the ear, and ends in the posterior hair. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the jowls and neck. The tissue underlying the neck skin is repositioned, and commonly the platysma muscle is tightened. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A separate incision under the chin is often necessary for liposuction of this area and for the repair of the muscle. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.

A limited incision neck lift may involve incisions only around the ear. While the incisions are shorter, the results may be more limited.

Neck Lift Recovery

When you awaken from surgery, you will probably be wearing a pressure bandage that will be wrapped around your head and underneath your chin. You will be bruised, swollen, and sore with a slight degree of numbness, however, this will resolve quickly. You will get an indication of your likely final appearance after about a week to ten days, although the scars, which are usually hidden either under the chin or in the hairline will take a while to fade.

We recommend keeping the head elevated above heart level and not twisting your head or neck too much. Scars will fade over time, and this should not be seen by the placement, which is out of sight.  There should be no makeup worn, and a good sunblock used when outdoors.