A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure through which you can achieve a more toned and contoured neck and jawline. Excess fat and skin from these regions are removed and the underlying muscles and remaining skin are then tightened.

Also referred to as lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift is a common procedure that tens of thousands of people have benefited from. The procedure is an effective way to remove wrinkles from the neck and jaw and contour the regions, giving you a more youthful appearance.

A neck lift is typically performed with a facelift procedure. This allows the results to be more uniform and natural-looking. It also creates comprehensive improvement.

Which Techniques Are Used During a Neck Lift?

Depending on the goals of the patient and the severity of the condition, there are three different techniques that can be used by Dr. Compton during your neck lift.

Platysmaplasty: The platysma muscles are large muscles that stretch from the chest all the way up to the face. With time, they sag, causing vertical muscle bands and a turkey wattle to form in the neck. A platysmaplasty tightens the platysma muscles to smooth away these aesthetic issues. Internal sutures are used to achieve this.

Cervicoplasty: A cervicoplasty trims away the drooping excess skin that forms on the neck over time. A scalpel is typically used for this trimming. This leads to a tighter and more youthful look for the neck.

Liposuction: This procedure removes excess stubborn fat from the neck, creating a more sculpted and fit appearance. A tube known as a cannula is used to suction out the fat.

The Procedure

A neck lift involves Dr. Compton making an incision that starts from the hairline near the sideburn and goes down the ear, stopping at the posterior hair. In some cases, an incision may be made under the chin.

Dr. Compton performs the necessary techniques to recontour your neck. The skin in the area is then redraped properly, creating a toned and sculpted look. Dr. Compton closes the incisions with surgical sutures.

What Is Recovery Like After a Neck Lift?

After your neck-lift procedure, you will require some downtime to recover. You may experience swelling and bruising around the neck, which is completely normal. To help you with this, a bandage will be placed around the neck and face. Dr. Compton may also insert a thin tube to drain excess blood and fluids that might build up as a result of the surgery.

During your recovery period, remember to maintain your head elevated above your heart and always keep it straight; don’t bend and twist your neck. This will minimize the swelling after the procedure. It is also important not to put ice on the concerned area, as this can restrict blood flow.

It can take several weeks for the swelling and bruising to completely disappear. The final results will be a more youthful look and a more sculpted neck and jawline.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for a Neck Lift?

If you identify with the following, you may be a suitable candidate for a neck lift:

  • You have excess skin or fat in your neck and jaw, making your jawline look poorly defined.
  • You are between ages 35 and 60 with loose sagging skin on your neck.
  • You have fine lines and wrinkles around your jaw and neck.

Find Out More

To learn which techniques are right for your neck lift, contact the office of Dr. Andrew Compton, a skilled facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Schedule your consultation today.