Neck lifts are one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for men and women. The procedure can help to smooth out lines and wrinkles on your neck, making you look younger and more vibrant. However, there are some risks involved with a neck lift, including scarring and skin discoloration.

If you’re considering getting a neck lift, it’s important to understand the risks associated with this procedure and how long it lasts. This guide will explore how long does a neck lift last, what signs of a bad neck lift to look out for, and whether or not a neck lift can go wrong.

When considering any cosmetic surgery procedure, it’s important to weigh the risks and the rewards to help decide if it’s the right choice for you. A neck lift surgery is no different, but many people discover that the dramatic rewards far outweigh any potential risks, especially if you are able to plan ahead to minimize those risks. Learn more about this procedure, what complications are possible, and how you can work with your facial plastic surgeon for a smooth and successful neck lift surgery.

What Is a Neck Lift?

Neck lift surgery is performed to create a slender, more youthful looking neck after age and gravity have affected its appearance. Sagging skin and fat deposits can create many unwanted effects such as turkey neck, jowls, and double chins. The neck is often the first place to show signs of aging and can dramatically increase your perceived age.

The neck lift procedure can involve one or both of two components: cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty. Cervicoplasty is the surgical process of removing excess skin on the chin and neck. Platysmaplasty focuses on weakened neck muscles, removing or altering them as needed. Together, these techniques create a slimmer, better-toned, and more youthful appearance. A neck lift surgery can improve your profile and refine the contour of the lower face and neck.

What Are the Typical Risks of Neck Lift Surgery?

Neck lift surgery, like other facial plastic surgeries, comes with its share of risks. These risks are very rare however. Before undergoing any surgical procedure, it’s essential to understand what complications are possible and how to minimize your risks. Neck lift patients might experience some of the following side effects and complications:

How Can You Minimize Your Neck Lift Risks?

A neck lift can provide many benefits to the right patients who are looking for a way to reverse the damaging effects of the aging process. Sagging skin, loosened muscles, and even excess fatty deposits can be trimmed away, smoothed, and contoured for a more youthful appearance. The risks, however, should be considered by you and your facial plastic surgeon. Through the consultation process he or she can help to determine if you are a good fit for the procedure and healthy enough for a smooth recovery.

Choosing an experienced board certified facial plastic surgeon is the first step toward protecting yourself against dangerous complications. He or she can work to minimize the risk of infection with properly sterilized tools and antibiotic treatments. By following your surgeon’s detailed instructions for post-operative care, you will actively participate in your own healthy and successful recovery. Taking the time to rest, focusing on your health, and avoiding vigorous activities will cut your risks dramatically. If you’re concerned about having a safe neck lift surgery and recovery, talk to your facial plastic surgeon about your concerns and be open about your medical history to prevent any miscommunications or unnecessary issues.

Where Can I Learn More About Neck Lift Surgery

Decide if a neck lift procedure is right for you after a consultation and close examination of your neck and aging effects. The Canfield VECTRA 3D imaging system can be used to give you a preview of the results you can expect after your treatment. Dr. Rubinstein will use a 3D photograph of you to make appropriate visual alterations and give you a clearer idea of your anticipated results. This strategy can help you to decide on the right treatment for you.

Get a second chance at the youthful, slender neck you really want when you consult with a facial plastic surgeon who is knowledgeable and experienced with neck lift surgeries. Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for more than 15 years and specializes in esthetic laser producers, facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. He uniquely combines his medical and surgical expertise to help patients feel better and look better. He holds dual board-certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

Neck Lift Complications

A slim neck is an eternal sign of grace and beauty. Many factors contribute to the look of the neck, including the prominence of the chin, the amount of fat underneath it, and the laxity of the skin around it. For patients who are unhappy with the look of their neck, there are many options to choose from. During a consultation, Dr. John Mancoll will listen to your concerns and examine your face and neck. He will then discuss with you what options you have.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for a neck lift are individuals in good physical and emotional health. All smoking and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, should be discontinued before surgery to decrease the likelihood of complications arising. Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcome of their results.

Neck lifts may be a good option if you have one or more of the following conditions:

Procedure

Dr. Mancoll performs neck lift procedures on an outpatient basis under deep sedation or general anesthesia. Most neck lifts are done in conjunction with a facelift, but for some patients, the upper portion of the face is not a concern. A standard neck lift will usually have a small incision under the chin and behind both ears. It takes between 2 and 3 hours for most neck lifts.

Precision TX

A non-surgical, minimally invasive type of neck lift is called Precision TX. It can be done under oral sedation and injected numbing medicine (see laser neck lift section).

Cost

There are several factors that determine the total cost of a neck lift surgery, including:

Even for patients who have lost a lot of weight, neck lift procedures are typically considered cosmetic operations and therefore not covered by insurance. We participate with many cosmetic surgery financing companies, including Care Credit, and would be happy to help you with this process. Call our office today for assistance.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with a neck lift, such as scars, infection, bleeding, asymmetries, postoperative discomfort, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly.

Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you don’t understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again.

Recovery

Once surgery is complete, bandages will be applied to the incisions to minimize swelling. Ice packs and prescribed medication will be used to alleviate any pain or discomfort that exists during recovery. Typically, patients return to work after about a week, but strenuous exercise and activity should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.

Results

The results of neck lifts will be immediately apparent after surgery, but due to swelling and possible bruising, it may take 2 to 3 months to see the complete results. The improved contour and tighter neck can be expected to last for years.

We welcome you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Mancoll by calling Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at (757) 305-9185 or filling out our online contact form. Dr. Mancoll has been voted by his peers as one of Coastal Virginia’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He is devoted to helping each individual patient achieve the best results possible.

signs of a bad 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.

how long does a neck lift last

Most people don’t pay any attention to their necks until it’s too late. When they finally do notice their necks, it’s because they aren’t happy with how they look. If you’ve found yourself trying to hide your neck with clothes or hairstyles, you don’t have to. At Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO, we are proud to offer the neck lift, a procedure that can tighten and lift the neck, making it look both youthful and graceful.

The beauty world has so many different anti-aging creams, yet there aren’t many that can effectively restore youth to the neck, which is why this procedure has helped so many individuals increase their confidence and improve their appearance and enjoy long-lasting results.

How Long Does a Neck Lift Last?

When you undergo surgery to tighten and tone your neck, you can expect semi-permanent, long-lasting results. While this procedure dramatically improves the appearance of the neck, it cannot stop the aging process entirely; nothing can.

There are some ways that you can extend your results to maintain the most youthful-looking neck for as long as possible. Some simple lifestyle alterations and daily habit changes and improvements will go a long way in maintaining the most beautiful, youthful-looking neck.

How To Extend Your Results

While topical products cannot address sagging skin the same way that neck surgery can, they can help maintain the appearance of your neck post-surgery. Investing in some topical products that contain nutrient-rich ingredients will help keep the skin on your neck hydrated and healthy and help your results last that much longer.

Consider Your Posture

Additionally, think about your posture. When you are constantly leaning forward and bending your neck, you are forcing the skin to crease, leading to neck bands and wrinkles. Be conscious of your movements and posture and, if necessary, when using your phone to hold it at eye height, so you don’t have to strain your neck to look down towards your lap.

Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle

Lifestyle plays an important role in helping you maintain your results after neck surgery. Eat a healthy diet, limit your sugar and sodium intake, and only drink alcohol in moderation. Avoid smoking since it can damage your skin and lead to premature aging. Get in the habit of applying sunscreen to your neck and chest area to protect the skin from sun damage which is the number one cause of premature aging.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is like a facelift for your neck. It is an elective cosmetic procedure that restructures the neck to tighten the area by lifting the skin. In doing so, it can also improve the lower jaw and chin. It removes excess skin and fat, tightens the neck, smooths the area, and restores youth.

Several methods work together during this procedure, including liposuction. During an initial consultation at our office, we’ll determine which combination of surgical methods will help you reach your goal

What Causes Neck Skin Laxity?

One of the most common signs of aging is skin laxity. Skin laxity can and does occur in different areas of the body, including the neck and jawline. Weight loss can also cause skin laxity, yet aging is the most common reason the skin begins to droop and sag. With the aging process comes the decrease in the production of collagen and elastin within the deeper layers of the skin known as the dermal layers.

As these important proteins become less prevalent in the skin, skin volume decreases. The signs of skin volume loss include wrinkles, fine to severe lines, skin laxity, and drooping or sagging. Skin laxity shows up everywhere on the body during the aging process, but the most obvious and accelerated areas include the face, neck, and collarbone.

What Causes Excess Fat in the Neck?

Excess neck fat is stubborn fat that collects in the neck region. It is hard to target and treat, even with diet and fitness changes. Neck fat typically develops due to genetic predispositions, and liposuction is one of the few ways to target and remove this fat effectively. During a neck lift, your surgeon will often use liposuction to remove this fat to smooth and improve the appearance of the area.

What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

A surgical neck lift has many benefits, both emotionally and physically. When you change something about your appearance that bothers you and causes you to feel self-conscious, you will automatically increase your confidence, which can positively impact every area of your life. Your neck will look better, and you’ll finally feel content with its appearance.

It’s a Solution to the Aging Process

It Offers Long-Lasting Results

The results of this procedure can last a decade or longer, based on your age and your skin condition at the time of treatment. During your initial consultation, we can tell you exactly what to expect regarding how long your results will last, but you can rest assured that your results will last many, many years. You will enjoy your beautiful new neck for years to come.

It Delivers Quick Results

What To Expect During the Procedure

Before you schedule your appointment, there are some preparatory steps you will need to take. Once you schedule and complete your consultation, you will receive instructions that you must follow to prepare for surgery. Following these directives will ensure that your body is fully prepared on the day of your appointment.

Your Initial Consultation

The first step in this process is an initial consultation with our expert surgeon. During this consultation, we will discuss your concerns, your goals, and your expectations. We will examine your neck skin, discuss your medical history, and review any medications you are currently taking. We will also discuss any other cosmetic treatments or procedures you have experienced in the past, as well as any drug allergies you may have.

During this consultation, we may take photographs of your neck to help develop your treatment plan. These photographs will also serve as your before photos. Once your surgery is complete, you will see the vast difference between how your neck looked before surgery compared to your new, revised neck. Since this procedure does require the use of general anesthesia, we may need specific lab tests or examinations to confirm that this medication is safe for your use.

Preparing for Your Surgery

It is important that you prepare your body for your procedure, and we will provide you with some guidelines so that you can do just that. We may ask you to avoid certain products and foods before your procedure, as well as all forms of tobacco and alcohol. Additionally, we may provide you with a list of medications and supplements to temporarily discontinue in the days leading up to your procedure.

You will need someone to drive you to and from your procedure, and depending on your needs, you may need to stay overnight at the hospital. We can give you more details regarding what to expect during your initial consultation so you can walk into your appointment with complete confidence.

Your Procedure

The first step in a neck lift is the administration of anesthesia. This ensures your complete comfort throughout the procedure. Typically patients can choose between sedation and general anesthesia, but you will discuss this and choose which option is right for you with our surgeon during your initial consultation.

Incisions

Once you undergo the necessary medication treatment, your procedure will begin. An incision will be made in your neck area. The type of incision will be determined by your surgeon based on your goals and your treatment plan. If liposuction is included in your treatment plan, you will only need a small incision.

If your surgery is intended to lift the neck skin, you may need more than one incision near the jaw and ears. Most procedures include both liposuction and excess skin removal.

Liposuction and Lifting

During the procedure’s liposuction portion, a small tube called a cannula will be inserted into a small incision to remove the excess fat in the area gently. Liposuction gently suctions the fat from the area, removing it permanently. Then, your surgeon will trim excess skin and lift the remaining neck skin into the most aesthetic position. Once the skin is lifted and tightened, your surgeon will prepare to stitch the skin and complete the procedure.

The incision sites are typically closed with dissolvable stitches. Your surgeon will choose a method to close your incisions that best align with your treatment plan. Regardless of the technique, incisions are always closed carefully to minimize visible scarring. The total procedure will take approximately three hours, but it could be longer or shorter based on your needs and goals.

What To Expect Post-Op

Once your procedure is over, there are several things you must do to ensure a healthy recovery. We will provide you with all of the post-operative guidelines that will help make your recovery quick and healthy. You will be asked to:

Your Recovery

You can expect to spend the first three days after your procedure resting. You will also be asked to keep your head elevated at all times and avoid unnecessary neck movements. You should expect to take at least two weeks off of work. Most patients are completely healed within two to three weeks of their appointment date.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

You don’t have to live with a neck you’re not happy with. If you want to address the skin on your neck, don’t waste any more money on topical products but instead, invest in a procedure that will make a difference. Contact the experts at Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO, today and schedule your initial consultation to find out more about this procedure and how it can help you reach your neck goals.

can a neck lift go wrong

If you have suffered as a result of neck lift gone wrong, our team of specialist solicitors is here to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

With years of experience handling neck lift claims, we have recovered millions of pounds of compensation for our clients to date.

Because we specialise exclusively in cosmetic surgery and cosmetic procedures gone wrong, our expertise gives us an in-depth knowledge and understanding of what you’re going through, helping us to deliver an exceptional quality of service to you when you need it most.

CONTACT US TODAY

To get in touch with a team of specialists and begin your no win, no fee neck lift compensation claim, call Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors freephone today on 0800 634 0285 or request a callback using our online contact form.

HOW A NECK LIFT CAN gO WRONG

If you’re considering making a neck lift claim, it may be worth waiting a few weeks for the swelling to subside and for the results of the surgery to become more apparent.

When the procedure is successful, patients should have a more defined neck and jaw line. However, when the procedure goes wrong, it results in complications such as:

These complications can lead to a significant amount of emotional and physical pain and could lead to the patient requiring restorative surgery. If this has happened to you, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim.

Surgeons’ duty of care

Surgeons providing neck lifts have a duty of care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their patients – not only by managing potential risks during surgery, but also by keeping patients informed about how the procedure works, allowing them to provide informed consent.

If this duty is not upheld, the clinician becomes liable for any unnecessary harm that befalls their patients as a result of their negligent care. As such, the duty of care is considered essential for maintaining high standards within the medical profession.

If you feel that your surgeon has not fulfilled this duty of care when performing your facelift, you may be eligible to claim for compensation.

How we can help you

If you have experienced a neck lift gone wrong and are seeking legal assistance, then the team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors is here to offer support.

We understand this area of the law inside out because our solicitors are dedicated exclusively to the field of cosmetic surgery negligence. This means our clients can rest assured that the process of claiming compensation will be as stress-free and efficient as possible, from start to finish.

We can also offer our clients a great chance of success – in fact, we have a 95% success rate in all of the cases we have taken on after obtaining medical evidence. A successful neck lift claim can help you get your life back on track, and leave behind the pain and suffering you have felt since your botched surgery.