A neck lift is a surgical procedure used to treat visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. The benefits of a neck lift include reduced muscle banding in the neck, fatty deposits in the chin and loose neck skin. Plus, neck lift surgery helps patients restore youthful contours in the face and neck, resulting in a rejuvenated facial appearance.
Although a neck lift surgery is often beneficial, the procedure might not be right for everyone — people who understand how a neck lift is performed and the benefits that a neck lift provides can make an informed treatment decision. Now, let’s explore some of the key questions surrounding neck lift surgery.
What Is a Neck Lift?
Also referred to as a lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift addresses the loss of youthful contours in the face. People lose youthful contours in the face due to a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental conditions, and stress. These contributing elements may cause one or more of the following issues:
- Excess fat or skin in the lower face
- Fatty deposits under the skin
- Loose neck skin
- Muscle banding in the neck
A neck lift procedure must always be tailored to a patient’s neck and face. The benefits of this personalized method, include the treatment of the aforementioned issues while providing a natural-looking outcome.
Additionally, a neck lift sometimes provides an alternative to patients who want to improve their facial appearance without receiving a traditional facelift. For example, an individual may struggle with excess wrinkles in the neck, a double chin or jowl lines, but is satisfied with the appearance of his or her upper face. In this situation, an individual may opt for a neck lift surgery over a facelift.
What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?
Most patients report an enhanced jawline and tighter facial muscles after neck lift surgery. Since a neck lift removes excess skin and fat from under the chin, it also helps patients rejuvenate the appearance of the neck and face.
The benefits of a neck lift are important considerations prior to surgery, but patients should also take in consideration the risks associated with the procedure. When performed by an expert facial plastic surgeon, the risks of a neck lift surgery are very minimal. However, neck lift surgery risks may include:
- Skin loss
- Scarring
- Bleeding under the skin
- Blood clots
- Nerve injury
It is important to establish realistic facial rejuvenation treatment goals prior to neck lift surgery as well. A neck lift helps people enhance the appearance of the neck and face, but it won’t stop the natural aging process. However, by choosing the right facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, an individual can find out exactly what to expect during neck lift surgery.
What Should You Expect During a Neck Lift Treatment?
Before an individual undergoes a neck lift, he or she must qualify for treatment. To do so, an individual meets with a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who performs a full evaluation. The surgeon reviews his or her patient’s medical history and finds out why this individual is considering neck lift surgery. If the surgeon believes the patient is a good candidate for a neck lift procedure, he or she then offers to perform the surgery. On the other hand, if the surgeon deems neck lift surgery to be too risky, he or she offers alternative treatment options.
The ideal candidate for neck lift surgery usually has fat buildup under the chin or displays skin laxity in the neck. He or she may also experience muscle laxity in the neck, along with sub-muscular laxity. These issues affect a person’s appearance, and ultimately, make an individual look older than his or her actual age.
A neck lift surgery often involves one of two techniques: a skin-SMAS-platysma lift or platysmaplasty. During a skin-SMAS-platysma lift, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon lifts and tightens the neck and throat skin. Comparatively, during a platysmaplasty, the surgeon tightens underlying muscles in the neck.
Patients may need to stop taking certain herbal supplements, aspirins and anti-inflammatory drugs in the days leading up to neck lift surgery. Also, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon sometimes provides patients with special preoperative neck lift surgery instructions.
Neck lift surgery is commonly performed under anesthesia. A small incision is made near a patient’s ears, and in certain instances, a second incision is made under the patient’s chin. Next, the patient’s neck muscles are tightened, and sagging or excess skin is removed from the neck.
Swelling and bruising typically occur after a neck lift procedure. A facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon provides tips to alleviate these issues, along with instructions to help his or her patient accelerate the recovery process.
Is a Neck Lift Surgery Right for You?
The best way to determine if a neck lift is the best plastic surgery option is to meet with an expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. During this meeting, an individual and his or her surgeon discuss neck lift surgery in detail. The meeting also allows an individual to share his or her neck lift surgery concerns and learn about the benefits of neck lift surgery. If an individual decides neck lift surgery is the best option based on his or her plastic surgery goals, then the surgeon can develop a custom treatment plan. Or, the surgeon can offer insights into neck lift surgery alternatives.
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is a world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Over the years, Dr. Azizzadeh has performed many neck lift procedures to help patients revitalize their facial appearance.
Dr. Azizzadeh is happy to meet with individuals to provide details about neck lift surgery, how it works and its benefits. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please call us today at 310-657-2203.