If you’re considering neck lift surgery, you’ve probably heard about the procedure’s benefits. A neck lift can reduce the visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines, around the neck, improve the shape and tone of your jawline, address a double chin, and even reduce the look of jowls. It also lifts and tightens sagging skin and neck muscles in the treatment area. But before you go through with cosmetic surgery, there are several things you should know.

The goal of neck lift surgery 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.

How Does a Neck Lift Work?

During the cosmetic procedure, Dr. Sweat will make a small incision behind your earlobe or just under your chin, depending on what’s needed. He’ll then remove excess fat deposits and excess skin underneath the chin and along the jawline. 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.

Neck lifts are done under a general anesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure. There may be some discomfort afterward, but most patients report feeling fine after only a day of recovery.

The neck lift 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 surgery can help you prepare for a smooth and successful procedure. Here are a few important parts of your recovery process.

When Will I See the Results?

Two months after neck lift surgery, most people notice that their neck skin has tightened considerably and that their necks look much firmer than before. This happens as swelling subsides and the skin adjusts to its new contours.

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 your 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 today by calling us at (916) 400-0822 or filling out our online form.