If you’re considering a neck lift, you’ve probably heard about the procedure’s benefits. That’s because neck lifts can achieve many of them. A neck lift can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the neck, improve the shape and tone of your jawline, and even reduce the look of jowls. It lifts and tightens sagging skin and muscles in the neck area. But before you go through with a procedure, there are several things you should know.

The goal of a neck lift is to make you look younger without changing your overall appearance — it’s not meant to radically change your appearance or make you look like someone else. Neck lifts are done under a general anesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure. Depending on which type of anesthesia you have, there may be some discomfort afterward, but most patients report feeling fine after just one day in the hospital.

How Does a Neck Lift Work?

Dr. Sweat will make an incision behind your earlobe or just under your chin, depending on what’s needed. He’ll then remove excess fat deposits underneath the chin and along the jawline and excess skin in these areas. Dr. Sweat will then suture (sew) together the layers of tissue on your face and neck to tighten them up and give you a more youthful appearance.

The procedure works well on patients who are healthy and in good physical condition. Other factors that could affect your results include:

• Weight — If you’ve gained weight since having children or are overweight, it can make it harder to see improvement from surgery because of extra tissue in your neck area.

What to Expect After Your Neck Lift

Knowing what to expect after your neck lift can help you prepare for a smooth and successful procedure. Here are a few important parts of your recovery process.

When Will I See Results?

After two months, most people notice that their skin has tightened considerably, and their necks look much firmer than before surgery. This happens as swelling subsides and the skin adjusts to its new contours. If you’re thinking about having a neck lift done, learn what happens during surgery to make an informed choice about whether this procedure is right for you.

How Long Will I Wear a Compression Garment?

Dr. Sweat will likely recommend that you wear a compression garment for at least two weeks after your operation. This will help minimize swelling and bruising, as well as help improve final results. You’ll also need someone to help you for about a week after surgery because you’ll have restrictions — such as not being able to lift anything heavier than five pounds — while your incisions heal.

Schedule a Consultation

The best way to learn more about your neck lift options is by meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sweat at our Sacramento, CA office by calling or filling out our online form.