What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure done to correct fatty jowls, excess skin on the neck, vertical banding, and horizontal creases on the neck, which can make patients look aged. By tightening the neck skin and underlying muscles, neck lifts can create a more youthful appearance and a more contoured jawline.

Who is a Candidate?

If you feel that your neck is too fat, you have “turkey waddle”, have lost a distinct jawline, have a double chin, or sagging skin and wrinkles on the neck, you may be able to benefit from a neck lift. Healthy non-smokers often see the best outcomes and a significant improvement in the neck’s appearance from this cosmetic procedure. To see if you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sweat.

The Procedure

The neck lift procedure is an outpatient surgical procedure and is performed under intravenous sedation with local anesthetic. Other facial surgery can be done in combination such as an upper or lower eyelid tuck.  When excess fatty tissue is present, liposuction may be used in combination to remove the excess fat, which can then be transferred into the mid-face region to correct volume loss that occurs with age.

Traditional Neck Lift

During a traditional neck lift surgery, an incision is created in front of the ear near the ear canal and continues behind the ear, ending in the posterior hairline. Fat will be redistributed or sculpted in the jowls and neck, and the platysma muscle, which is responsible for the appearance of vertical bands in the neck, is often tightened. Loose skin is trimmed away. Another incision is sometimes created under the chin to remove fat through liposuction or repair muscles.

The Results

After surgery, you will experience bruising, numbness, and a tightening sensation in the neck. Bruising will resolve over the next five to ten days, though the sensations of tightness and numbness may persist for several months. It is important that you follow Dr. Sweat’s specific recovery instructions to ensure optimal results.  Most patients elect to take a week or two off work and out of the public eye at which time makeup can camouflage any residual bruising.  You’ll also want to keep your head elevated and rest as much as possible. Six weeks of light activity help to minimize postoperative swelling and aid in healing and ensure you achieve optimal neck lift results.