The neck is one of the first areas of the body to show signs of aging. Along with the aging process, drastic weight loss and sun damage may also cause the skin on the neck to sag. While people go to great lengths to improve or preserve the appearance of their facial skin, they often tend to ignore their neck.

If your neck skin has begun to lose its elasticity, or if your neck has excess skin and fat that you want to remove, then a neck lift is the perfect cosmetic solution to the problem. Make sure that you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon to get the best results.

You can come in for a neck lift if you have:

  • Wind or sun-damaged skin on your neck
  • A double chin (excess fat under the chin)
  • A turkey wattle neck (drooping tissue on your neck)
  • Jowls (too much skin or fat under your jaws)
  • Excess neck skin or neck fat
  • Sagging platysmal muscle tissue

Preparation for Your Procedure

A neck lift is a relatively safe procedure. Smokers must quit four weeks before the surgery in order to make the healing process easier. Avoid drinking or eating anything after midnight on the day before the surgery.

The Day of the Neck Lift Procedure

The procedure is quite straightforward and typically will not take more than two hours. The surgery will begin with the administration of either general or local anesthesia, based on the preferences of you and your surgeon.

Advances in technology have made it possible to perform a neck lift with very small incisions. The exact surgical techniques used during a neck lift vary from person to person. Some patients get the result they want just through liposuction. In other cases, the surgeon will remove the excess skin and fat and will restructure the underlying muscles.

Once the surgeon has finished working on the underlying tissues, he will pull the remaining skin tight and close the incisions with sutures.

Your Healing Process

Once the surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery area, where you will be asked to lie down until your anesthetic wears off. Since the neck lift is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to go home the same day. You will not be able to drive yourself home; instead, a friend or family member will need to drive you home.

Before your neck lift, your surgeon will give you detailed post-operative care directions that you will need to follow for a speedy recovery. Do not engage in physically taxing activities for the first couple of weeks. Once the healing process is complete, you will be able to resume all normal activities. As the swelling goes down, you will begin to notice a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your neck.

More About the Neck Lift

Take the first step towards a beautifully recontoured and youthful neck – contact our office today and schedule an informative consultation. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Andrew Compton has the experience you’ll need for a comfortable procedure and excellent results.