How A Neck Lift Is Performed -

A neck lift is a cosmetic surgery to improve the shape of the skin and muscles of the neck, but can also help smooth out wrinkles and other imperfections on the neck. It will not remove excess fat, but it can give subtle volume to skin in some areas. Plastic surgeons generally agree that a neck lift is one of the most difficult procedures to perform, as it requires an extensive understanding of anatomy and an artistic ability to alter these delicate tissues.

In this guide, we review the aspects of How A Neck Lift Is Performed, neck lift without surgery, platysmaplasty vs neck lift, and How long does it take to recover from neck lift?

How A Neck Lift Is Performed

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower half of your face and tightens underlying muscles to give you a more youthful appearance. It can help to reduce wrinkles, sagging skin and other signs of aging in this area.

A neck lift can help to reduce the signs of aging and to restore a more youthful appearance to your profile.

A neck lift can help to reduce the signs of aging and to restore a more youthful appearance to your profile. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the neck and tightens the underlying muscles. It is also known as a “necklift” or “platysmaplasty.”

A neck lift can be done under general anesthesia or sedation, depending on your comfort level with surgery and your doctor’s preference for treatment options.

There are a variety of factors that can lead to excess fat, wrinkles, sagging and other signs of aging in the face and neck.

Aging: Over time your skin loses elasticity which causes it to sag.
Sun damage: The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause fine lines and deep creases on your face from years of exposure to harmful UV rays (aka “aging spots”).
Smoking: Smoking speeds up the rate at which you age by reducing blood flow through arteries, causing them to harden and narrow over time; this narrows capillaries under the skin surface resulting in less oxygen reaching tissues below it — including muscle tissue! That means less energy for you as well so try quitting today 🙂

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the neck and tightens the underlying muscles.

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the neck and tightens the underlying muscles. The skin on your face, neck and chest begin to sag as you age due to gravity and other factors such as sun damage or genetics. A neck lift can improve the appearance of this area by removing excess fat deposits under your chin or jowls (also known by their medical term: submental fullness) while tightening the underlying muscles in order to give them more definition.

A surgeon will make an incision around your jawline where they then remove any sagging tissue underneath it in order to tighten up its appearance once again so it looks smoother than before with less loose skin hanging down overtop them after surgery’s completion date has been reached!

The procedure is typically done in conjunction with a facelift to create a more uniform and natural look.

Neck lifts are typically done in conjunction with facelifts and other facial procedures to create a more uniform, natural look. The procedure can also be performed alone if you have only minor neck wrinkles or loose skin.

The neck lift is usually done under general anesthesia or sedation; however, local anesthesia may be used if you have had previous experience with this type of surgery. In some cases, liposuction may be performed at the same time as your neck lift if you have excess fat deposits around your chin or jawline that need removal before tightening sagging skin on your neck area.

Neck lifts can be done under general anesthesia or sedation.

Neck lifts can be done under general anesthesia or sedation. General anesthesia is more expensive and requires more preparation, but it’s often the best choice for patients who are nervous about the procedure. If you opt for sedation instead, your doctor will administer medications through an intravenous line (IV) that helps you relax and feel comfortable during your treatment. This option may be appropriate if you’re anxious about having general anesthesia but still want to get a neck lift done safely at home or in their office without spending too much money on medical bills.

Sedation can also be done in a hospital setting with an anesthesiologist present throughout the entire process if needed–this adds another layer of safety for patients who might otherwise lack confidence about having this kind of surgery performed by themselves at home without any assistance from doctors nearby should anything go wrong during surgery itself (or afterward).

Your surgeon may make incisions under your chin, behind your ears, or both.

Your surgeon may make incisions under your chin, behind your ears, or both. The incisions are made in a way that will allow the skin and underlying muscles to be lifted and tightened.

These incisions should be done in such a way that there is no visible scarring on either side of the face after healing has occurred.

Your surgeon will remove excess fat with liposuction, then tighten your underlying muscles with sutures.

Liposuction. Your surgeon will remove excess fat with liposuction, then tighten your underlying muscles with sutures.
Sutures. In most cases, a neck lift involves suturing one or more layers of tissue together to pull them tighter and reduce wrinkles in the neck area.* Tighten underlying muscles with sutures.*

Once you are healed from surgery, you should be able to see results immediately.

Once you are healed from surgery and the swelling has gone down, the results should be visible. It is normal for your neck to feel tight and sore during this time. Your doctor may recommend that you take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and swelling. If a bandage was used on your incision site during surgery, it will need to be removed after about 1 week by a medical professional at an office visit with your surgeon or plastic surgeon.

The best way to determine whether or not you are happy with the results of your neck lift procedure is by consulting with a qualified board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic procedures such as this one!

If you have noticed signs of aging in the lower half of your face or neck, talk to your doctor about whether a neck lift is right for you

If you have noticed signs of aging in the lower half of your face or neck, talk to your doctor about whether a neck lift is right for you. A neck lift can be used to correct loose or sagging skin on the neck, which can make it difficult to wear certain types of jewelry. The procedure also helps smooth wrinkles, tighten muscles and improve the contour of your jawline.

If you decide that surgery is right for you, there are several factors that will determine how much time off work is required after treatment:

The amount of excess skin removed during surgery
Whether fat was removed from under chin area (mentoplasty) or from other areas around mouth and cheeks (malar/submalar augmentation)

neck lift without surgery

There’s no shortage of anti-aging treatments and procedures that are geared toward rejuvenating the face or slimming the body. One feature that is often neglected, however, is the neck. For patients who have hanging neck skin or saggy neck wrinkles, cosmetic surgery may feel like the only option. In reality, it’s easier now than ever to get a firm, thin, sexier neck without going under the knife. At Aesthetic Body Solutions in Beverly Hills, CA, board-certified internist Dr. Dale Prokupek is proud to offer nonsurgical neck contouring and skin tightening with the revolutionary Morpheus8™ RF microneedling system. Read on for more information about how radiofrequency microneedling may be the easy, convenient, and long-lasting neck tightening solution you’ve been searching for.

Why would someone get skin tightening on the neck?

With so many cosmetic treatments focusing on the face, it can be easy to forget how much the appearance of your neck can age you. From sagging neck skin to neck banding, the signs of aging on the neck can make a person look years – or even decades – older than they actually are. While a surgical neck lift is certainly transformational, many men and women hope to avoid surgery or simply don’t feel quite ready for such an extensive procedure and recovery. For these people, nonsurgical neck tightening offers a fantastic alternative to more invasive treatments.

What is the best way to tighten your neck without a neck lift?

One of the most popular and in-demand options for nonsurgical skin tightening on the neck is Morpheus8 radiofrequency (RF) microneedling. This groundbreaking treatment involves making tiny punctures on the surface of the patient’s neck skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process and encourages the growth of new, healthy skin cells. At the same time, radiofrequency energy heats the tissues to trigger the production of collagen and elastin for firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Where can RF microneedling be used besides the neck?

In addition to firming up the neck, Morpheus8 RF microneedling can enhance skin tone in the face, decolletage, hands, and other areas. Additionally, RF microneedling can improve a number of additional skin concerns, such as:

Will RF microneedling get rid of a turkey neck?

While Morpheus8 microneedling can certainly help with loose neck skin, it is important for patients to understand that the treatment is not designed as a substitute for a surgical neck lift. This means that patients with a significant amount of hanging neck skin, neck banding, neck folds, or a sagging neck may be better suited to neck lift surgery. For patients with moderately loose neck skin or neck wrinkles, however, Morpheus8 RF microneedling may be a fitting solution.

How many RF microneedling sessions do I need for my neck?

On average, patients can expect to need a series of 3 – 4 Morpheus8 treatment sessions to achieve their desired outcome, though this can vary based on the severity of the patient’s neck wrinkles, their remaining skin elasticity, and other factors. During your initial consultation for RF microneedling in Beverly Hills, Dr. Prokupek will carefully assess your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and determine how many treatments you may need to reach your goals.

platysmaplasty vs neck lift

Loose neck skin is caused by many factors. While primarily associated with aging, the process can be accelerated by genetic predisposition, sun exposure and smoking. Wrinkling and sagging are caused by excess skin, loss of support and a loss of elasticity of the neck skin. For many, such damage can result in an appearance that does not match how they feel inside. While turtle necks and high collars can help disguise the problem, a Neck Lift can provide improvement, regardless of apparel.

Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) Before and After Pictures

The Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) Procedure

The Neck Lift can be accomplished using a skin only lift, a deep plane technique, or a dual plane technique using a skin lift with SMAS/platysma elevation. Each method can be used alone or combined with a Platysmaplasty to address problems with platysmal banding in the front of the neck. The Neck Lift method chosen varies from neck to neck. The patient above has had a Facelift and Neck Lift using the dual plane technique with a Platysmaplasty.

The Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) Presentation

Regardless of the cause, loose neck skin and platysmal bands can be reduced with surgery. Dr. Joseph A. Mele, MD, FACS, a San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgeon, can improve the appearance of your neck including:

A Neck Lift should provide a cosmetic improvement with a natural look. The best Neck Lifts keep both goals in mind. Because the skin loses elasticity as we age, it does not behave like the skin of our youth. There is some art involved in the correction of the aging neck. A neck lift reduces skin laxity, neck bands and jowls, while smoothing the neck and jawline. Attempting to remove every square inch of loose skin, can result in over-tightening and the dreaded wind-tunnel look. Youthful skin elasticity, and the fact that there is usually less loose neck skin, are the reasons why Neck Lifts performed at a younger age tend to look more natural and last longer.

The Neck Lift and Facelift are very similar. While the presentation below begins Your Guide to Face Lift, the information applies equally to the Neck Lift.

Neck Lift Video Presentation

At Dr. Joseph Mele’s practice, Neck Lift patients anticipate beautiful outcomes and a rewarding experience. With a balance of Art and Engineering, the goal is always to obtain the best possible results with the fastest recovery possible.

Necklift Videos

The Neck Lift Incision

In general, the Neck Lift incision is the same as that for a Facelift. The usual Facelift incision is made around ears and along the inferior hairline behind the ear. When the primary goal is limited to rejuvenating the neck, the incision is not extended as far anteriorly, and in some cases, may not need to made in front of the ear at all. Removing excess neck fat can help improve the overall contour of the neck. Sometimes, Neck Liposuction is used for this part. Liposuction can remove disproportionate neck fat via a tiny incision under the chin. When there are bands running down the front of the neck, a Platysmaplasty is indicated. For this, a short incision is made just under the chin, which is hidden by the submental crease. This allows access to both the neck fat and the platysma muscle. Tightening the platysma muscle reduces the long folds extending from the chin to the lower neck. A platysmaplasty improves and prolongs the smoothing results in cases when the muscle is separated. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures placed beneath the skin to give the best possible closure and the thinnest possible scar.

The Direct Neck Lift Before and After Pictures

The Direct Neck Lift

The Direct Neck Lift is a Neck Lift, with an incision down the front of the neck. Placing the incision in the front of the neck has several advantages over the traditional incisions around the ears. Since loose neck skin is located under the chin, this incision allows for maximal neck tightening right where it is needed. The platysma muscle, which causes the pair of bands that run down the front of the neck, can also be more easily seen and repaired. During the Platymasplasty, the platysma muscle is closed like a corset beneath the skin. This supports the deeper neck structures and helps to prevent recurrent platysmal banding.

The Neck Lift incision around the ears is better hidden, but the loose neck skin is not at the ears. It is in front of the neck, far from the incision. This makes maintaining the desired tension more difficult, and it makes it harder for your Plastic Surgeon to see what they are doing during the procedure. The vast majority of the time, the trade-off of the hidden incisions around the ear is worthwhile; however, in some cases with severe anterior neck skin redundancy, the Direct Neck Lift is recommended.

The scar in the Direct Neck Lift Before and After Pictures above is fully healed, and can be seen in the picture on the right running down the middle of the neck. Because of the scar location, the Direct Neck Lift is not the most popular type of neck lift; however, it is the most effective technique for tightening loose neck skin and any underlying muscle laxity.

Facelift vs. Necklift

Neck Lift surgery usually incorporates a Facelift (Rhytidectomy). Since the two procedures share the same incision, and the face and neck age at similar rates, the Facelift and Neck Lift are usually merged into a single procedure. The emphasis is placed on the area that needs the most help. This allows for a balanced rejuvenation and a natural result. When combined with an open Brow Lift, the incision in front of the ear is extended up within the hair.

Mini-Facelift (Mini-Rhytidectomy) Before and After Photos

In the Mini-Facelift Before and After Photos above, the lateral facial laxity, jawline, jowls and neck are all significantly improved. The platysmal band running down the anterior neck is also improved, but not gone. A full Necklift with platysmaplasty would provide additional improvement in this area. Every patient is treated as an individual. After a careful consultation, reviewing the pros and cons for each procedure, this patient decided a shorter recovery was more important than the best possible result. She proceeded with a Mini-Rhytidectomy and was very happy with her improvement, her speedy recovery, and just a few days of downtime, something a full Facelift/Neck Lift cannot provide.

The Mini-Facelift (Mini-Rhytidectomy) and the Neck

Every neck lift is individualized. Dr. Joseph Mele is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, with years of experience. He wants to achieve great results every time, but he does not do the same operation every time. Sometimes Dr. Mele uses every technique in the book; while other times, keeping it simple will achieve excellent results.

For large amounts of excess skin and well defined platysmal bands, a full Facelift with Neck Lift is needed get the best results. When the neck has problems isolated to the lateral neck and jowls, and when the extra skin is not excessive, a Mini-Facelift may be sufficient. The benefits of Mini-Facelifts include a shorter scar and shorter recovery, but being Mini-Facelifts they cannot provide as much improvement or as long lasting a result as the traditional Face or Neck Lift.

For more information on Mini Facelift Surgery, please visit our page devoted to Mini Facelift.

Procedures Commonly Performed with a Necklift

Many patients choose to combine their Neck Lift procedure with a Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) to take full advantage of their surgical time and recovery period, and to further enhance their results. Combining Facial Plastic Surgery procedures leads to more balanced facial aesthetics and an evenly youthful face. To see examples of Dr. Mele’s excellent cosmetic surgery results, please view our before and after plastic surgery photos.

Neck Lift Preparation

Preparation for a Neck Lift includes a medical history and a focused physical examination. Dr. Mele may have you visit your primary care physician before surgery to be certain that any preexisting medical conditions are well controlled and optimized. This helps assure you the most predictable and safest experience. Please provide a list of all your medications, vitamins and supplements, so that any that may interfere with surgery or healing can be identified, and the appropriate precautions taken.

Neck Lift Follow-up

Follow-up for a Neck Lift involves a series of visits to our Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office. The stitches are all placed under the skin and are dissolvable. Instructions on incision care will be given to promote quick healing and minimal downtime, and Dr. Mele will tailor the plan to match your recovery. Most patients have minimal discomfort and are able to get to their normal activities in a few weeks, if not sooner.

Schedule a Neck Lift Procedure

Dr. Mele is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Surgery (ABS). He is an active member of of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). He has published articles on both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery and has presented his research at national, state, and local plastic surgery conferences. If you are interested in cosmetic surgery, our Neck Lift surgeon can help you achieve pleasing results, while providing you with excellent patient care.

How long does it take to recover from neck lift?

A neck lift is a facial rejuvenation surgery that can help make you look younger and healthier. But the recovery period is sometimes one of our patients’ main concerns. Recovering from a neck lift can take several weeks, often with undesirable side effects like bruising, swelling, and numbness. Find out how to have a better neck lift recovery

Dr Micheal Kernohan is one of the most distinguished Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons in Australia. He specialises in facial surgery, including face and neck lifts, in Southwest Sydney and Southern Ranges in New South Wales.

With his extensive experience, Dr Kernohan is offering his top tips for smooth healing and recovery after your neck lift. From ice packs to clothing choices, these tips give you the best chances for a speedy neck lift recovery.

What Is A Neck Lift?

A neck lift, also known as a platysmaplasty or cervicoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve signs of aging in the neck and achieve a smoother, tighter contour. Dr Kernohan can perform a neck lift alone or as part of a facelift.

A neck lift can reduce the appearance of common signs of aging around your neck and lower part of your face, such as

Dr Kernohan makes small incisions behind your ears and under your chin during neck lift surgery to tighten and lift the underlying tissues and muscles.

He often performs liposuction with neck lift to draw out excess fat, effectively improving the “turkey neck” and “double chin” look.

Neck lift surgery is a simple, yet major cosmetic procedure. You will need to follow Dr Kernohan’s post-neck lift aftercare instructions to ensure your recovery is smooth-sailing with no complications.

What to expect with Recovery After A Neck Lift

Like most surgical procedures, it’s common to experience some post-surgery symptoms after a neck lift.

After neck lift surgery, you may experience a few side effects in and around your neck:

These side effects of neck lift often last about 7 to 10 days after surgery before they subside. However, we urge you to contact Dr Kernohan if you notice:

One of the most common concerns among our patients is the recovery after neck lift surgery. And we understand entirely. Recovering from a neck lift can be a long and frustrating process, often taking several weeks to a few months to recover fully.

Here are a few tips that Dr Kernohan always recommends for a fast and better recovery after a neck lift.

Eleven Tips For Better or Faster Neck Lift Recovery

1. Be Prepared

The first day after a platysmaplasty or neck surgery is often the most uncomfortable. Your neck may feel stiff and sore, so you will need all the help you can get to keep yourself as comfortable as possible.

Having a family member or a friend help you after surgery can make your recovery a smoother process. Having someone take you home, prepare your meals, and help you with strenuous daily activities can help you heal faster after neck lift.

Preparing your home ahead of time makes for a better recovery period after a neck lift. Set up a resting place to keep your head and neck comfortable as much as possible.

2. Wear Your Chin Strap

Dr Kernohan will provide a chin strap for you to wear after neck lift; it prevents unnecessary movement and reduces swelling. Wear this consistently for around 2 weeks after surgery, but you can remove it during meals, showers, or cleaning your incision.

3. Keep Your Head Elevated

A great tip to boost recovery after your neck lift is to lie on your back and keep your head elevated when you sleep. It’s as simple as that.

Keeping your head elevated is excellent for improving circulation to reduce swelling after your surgery. This position places the least amount of stress on your neck, allowing you to heal faster.

4. Use An Ice Pack

Ice packs can help you recover faster after a neck lift. You can apply an ice pack around the painful area to reduce necklift swelling and bruising and relieve pain.

Avoid using ice directly on your neck. After a neck lift, the skin of your neck is sensitive and tender. When you directly apply ice to your skin, it disrupts your blood flow and can cause harm and pain.

5. Avoid Strenuous Activity

We recommend avoiding any kind of strenuous activity and vigorous exercises during the first few weeks of your recovery after neck lift surgery. Rest is the easiest way to speed up recovery post-neck lift.

Any twisting, bending, and abrupt movement can be painful to the newly operated area and interrupt a smooth recovery. If you want to stay physically active, opt for light strolling instead.

6. Avoid Hot Showers

One of the best ways to speed up your recovery from a neck lift is to avoid hot showers. While long, steamy showers can be relaxing, hot water and steam can irritate and even infect the incision site.

For the first 48 hours after surgery, keep the incision site as dry as possible to allow your surgery wounds to heal faster. You can opt for a sponge bath with lukewarm water after your neck lift.

After a week, you can gradually add showers back into your routine. For a better neck lift recovery and faster healing, Dr Kernohan recommends a few tips when getting into the shower:

7. Wear Comfortable and Loose Clothes

An easy way to heal from a neck lift faster is to wear loose clothing.

Dr Kernohan recommends staying away from pull-over shirts for the first few weeks after your neck lift. Instead, opt for comfortable and loose clothes that do not irritate your neck.

If something is too tight and requires a lot of manipulating and stretching, avoid it. The more gentle you are with your incisions, the quicker you can recover from your neck lift.

8. Avoid Sun Exposure

For the first 2 weeks after your neck lift, avoid unnecessary sun exposure to your neck to minimise the risk of complications. The heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can promote inflammation at the incision site and increase the chances of bleeding.

The UV rays can also alter the pigmentation around any scars, making them more prominent.

Here are a few easy tips to avoid direct sun exposure and recover from a neck lift faster:

9. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Any kind of surgery, including neck lift surgery, can be exhausting. Keeping a healthy lifestyle is essential for a faster recovery process after your neck lift.

Eat a balanced diet to restock your energy and give your body the nutrients it needs to speed up healing after your neck lift.

We strongly advise you to avoid smoking, alcohol, or any other form of nicotine. These can cause healing problems and lower your immunity, making you susceptible to infection.

10. Listen To Your Body

One of the simplest ways for a better neck lift recovery is to listen to your body. Your healing process takes time and, often, it’s best to go at your own pace.

Resuming work, exercise, and other normal activities before your body is ready can affect the progress of your neck lift recovery and prolong it further. If you think you’re ready, start with light exercise and work your way up. This way you can stay physically active and boost your recovery.