What is a neck lift?
As time progresses, your face and neck may show signs of aging. In some instances, the neck may age while the face still has a youthful glow. In this case, you may benefit from a neck lift.
A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, improves the appearance of an aging neck. During a neck lift, muscles are tightened, and excess skin is redraped and removed, creating a more youthful neck. For fuller necks, sometimes deeper structures such as glands and muscles are also contoured. Incisions are made under the chin, in the hairline, or behind the ears, making them easier to hide once healed.
Neck lifts can be performed alone, or in conjunction with a full facelift or other procedures, depending on what your surgeon recommends. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will utilize their artistic skills to give you the best possible outcome and beautiful, natural results. Let us help you look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside!
What are the benefits?
After a neck lift at Optum Plastic Surgery in New York, you can expect:
- A smoother, firmer neck
- Reduction in neck fat, or “double chin”
- Long-lasting results
- Improved self-confidence
- Natural results
Who is the ideal candidate?
Patients experiencing loose skin and diminished definition on the neck and weakened muscles are generally candidates for a neck lift. Patients with a stubborn “double-chin” can also be good candidates. The ideal candidate is in good health without any severe medical issues, maintains a stable weight, and is a non-smoker. It is also important that patients have realistic expectations.
What can I expect from recovery?
After a neck lift, you will likely experience discomfort and swelling. Pain medications will be prescribed to help the first few days after surgery. Your surgeon will apply bandages and dressing to the incisions to protect the area and promote healing. Your progress will be monitored with follow-up appointments, and patients are generally able to return to daily activity within a week or two. Once healed, scars will be well hidden.
Frequently asked questions
How is a neck lift performed?
A neck lift is typically performed through a smaller version of a facelift incision including a small incision beneath the chin. Briefly, the incision is concealed within the hairline and groove behind the ear and within the natural contours of the skin in front of the ear. The muscles of the neck are typically tightened, and excess fat is removed. On rare occasion large salivary glands may be reduced to improve neck contours.
What are the risks of a neck lift?
Beyond the general risks of cosmetic surgery that include bleeding, infection, asymmetry and poor scaring, specific risks of a neck lift include an overcorrection of neck contours which may produce a slightly hollowed appearance.
What results should I expect after a neck lift?
The restoration of youthful neck contours with improved and sharpened jawline definition.
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