Necklift

A neck lift is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the contour of the neck and redefining the jaw line for a more youthful appearance. The effects of the aging process, gravity, and the sun result in folds around the neck, loose skin, and excess fat.

If you’d like to look as good as you feel, a neck lift tightens the underlying muscles, smoothes loose skin, and removes excess fat. As a result, your neck will appear toned and youthful. A neck lift can either be performed alone or in conjunction with a facelift surgery, brow lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or rhinoplasty (nose reshaping. There are a number of different ways to perform a neck lift, including liposuction or liposuction in conjunction with a platysmaplasty or cervicoplasty (see below for more information). Our facial plastic surgery team will help you decide which technique best suits your needs.

At the Florida Plastic Surgery Group, we believe our patients, their desires, and their anatomy are all unique. Therefore, our doctors evaluate each patient and create a customized surgical plan for each neck lift treatment to meet our patients’ individual expectations.

Neck Lift Techniques

Neck Liposuction / Submental Liposuction

Excess fatty deposits under the chin can create an undesirable contour of the neck. Neck liposuction or submental (under the chin) liposuction is performed through a small 3 cm incision under the jaw. Small liposuction cannulas suction the excess fat, improving the contour of chin and neck line. Younger patients with mostly fat under the neck are the best candidates for this procedure.

Risks include bruising, swelling, contour irregularities, dimpling, temporary changes in sensation, temporary motor nerve weakness, and incomplete flattening of the neck due to particular anatomic variables.

The procedure takes about an hour and patients are asked to wear a chin strap for 7 days after the procedure. The recovery last 7-10 days and patients can generally return to work within 1 week. Submental liposuction is performed under local or general anesthesia.

Neck Lift with Platysmaplasty & Liposuction

Occasionally, the undesirable contour of the neck is the result of both excess fatty deposits as well as central neck muscle laxity. Through a submental (under the chin) incision about 3 cm, the excess fat is liposuctioned and the central muscle is tightened to eliminate the central bands. Patients with a significant amount of excess skin are better suited with a full neck (cervicoplasty) or face & neck lift.

The procedure takes 1-2 hours, our plastic surgeons recommend patients wear a chin strap for 7 days after the procedure, the recovery last 7-10 days, and patients typically return to work within 1 week. Neck lifts with platysmaplasty and liposuction are performed under local or general anesthesia.

Neck Lift with Cervicoplasty & Liposuction

When neck muscle laxity and excess fat is combined with a significant amount of excess skin, a cervicoplasty with liposuction is performed to tighten the muscles across the entire neck and to remove the excess skin. Incisions under the chin as well as behind the ear are made to create a beautiful, youthful contour to the neck.

The procedure takes approximate 2 hours and patients are asked to wear a chin strap for 1 week. There is some minor bruising and swelling that resolves during a recovery time of 1-2 weeks.

Preparing for Your Neck Lift

Who is a candidate for neck lift?
Men and women with excess fat and skin in their neck that have lost their normal neck contour are candidates for a neck lift.

How do I prepare for my neck lift?
Smoking cessation, nutrition, and stable health conditions are prerequisites for any facial rejuvenation procedure.

Recovering After Your Neck Lift

Our facial plastic surgery team will help ensure a rapid recovery. We ask our patients not to flex their neck in the postoperative period to prevent any blockage of blood flow.

If you are interested in learning more about how a neck lift can help you achieve your cosmetic goals, or to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, please contact our office today.