Neck Lift Procedure
Overview
A neck lift is a type of facial surgery that improves the look of the jawline and neck area. Surgeons, sometimes calling the procedure a lower rhytidectomy or neck rejuvenation, remove extra skin and fat.
This tightens and smooths the neck, offering a more youthful appearance. Results can last for years, but aging will still continue naturally. Surgeons sometimes combine neck lift surgery with a full facelift or other facial rejuvenation treatments.
Benefits Include:
- Firmer neck contour
- Smoother, tighter skin
- More defined jawline
Reasons for Getting a Neck Lift
People choose a neck lift to improve the look of sagging neck skin, reduce the appearance of turkey neck, and smooth out wrinkles. The procedure can also remove a double chin and address loose skin or jowls for a more defined profile.
Common Reasons
- Reduce visible neck wrinkles.
- Remove excess fat under the chin.
- Tighten sagging or loose neck skin.
- Create a more contoured jawline.
People often seek this procedure for a fresher, younger appearance.
Possible Complications
Neck lift procedures carry certain risks. These include bleeding, infection, and scarring, which may happen during healing. Some patients experience nerve injury or skin loss. Anesthesia can also cause reactions.
Other non-surgical options like injectables, Kybella, or Ultherapy carry fewer risks but may not achieve the same results. Recovery time varies, especially if complications occur, and some people may need additional treatment if the outcome is not as expected.
How You Prepare
What to Know About Food and Medicine
Patients should stop taking blood-thinning medicines like aspirin, warfarin, or ibuprofen several days before their procedure. This lowers the chance of extra bleeding. Discuss all prescription and over-the-counter drugs with the plastic surgeon. Local or general anesthesia may be used, so the provider might also give special instructions about food or drink before surgery.
Extra steps to stay safe
Those who smoke should quit before surgery because smoking slows down skin healing and increases risk. Arrange a ride home after the procedure and have someone stay overnight for support and safety. Make these arrangements early to help with recovery.
What You Can Expect
Patients meet with their health care provider before the neck lift. During this meeting, the provider checks overall health and discusses what the person hopes to achieve. The provider may take photographs of the face and neck from different angles to compare results after the procedure.
Sometimes, the provider discusses other treatments, such as brow lifts or eyelid surgery, to give a more balanced result. The provider creates a plan based on the goals, the person’s skin type, and their recommendations. They choose the most suitable surgical technique for the best outcome.
Steps During the Operation
Surgeons usually perform a neck lift with general anesthesia. The patient is not awake and feels nothing during the procedure. In other cases, the provider uses sedation with local anesthesia to numb only the needed areas. There are a few different ways to do a neck lift:
- Liposuction: This is the least invasive method and works best for those with good skin elasticity and a small amount of fat under the chin.
- Process:
- The surgeon places small incisions behind each ear and under the chin.
- They suction out fat through these openings.
- Limitation: Liposuction does not fix loose skin or address deeper tissues like the platysma muscle and SMAS layer.
- Process:
- Anterior Neck Lift: For people with deeper issues, the surgeon makes a small incision under the chin.
- Process:
- The surgeon tightens the structures that shape the neck, including the platysma muscle.
- They reposition the skin over these tissues.
- Process:
- Extended Neck Lift: Surgeons often pair this with a facelift when more lifting and tightening is needed.
- Process:
- The surgeon makes incisions under the chin, in front of the ear, and along the hairline.
- They work on both the neck and lower face to remove excess skin and adjust the SMAS layer.
- Process:
- Z-Plasty (Direct Skin Removal): When significant loose skin is present, especially in older adults, surgeons may remove it directly.
- Process:
- The surgeon takes away the extra skin using a Z-shaped incision, which allows the skin to heal in a smoother, less obvious way.
- Process:
The provider explains the expected steps and helps patients understand what will happen in the operating room.
What Happens After Surgery
After a neck lift, swelling and bruising are common. The treated area may feel tender. Patients may wear a compression garment around the neck to help limit swelling and support healing. This garment gently presses on the skin and helps reduce fluid buildup. Keep the head raised higher than the heart. Avoid turning or bending the neck during recovery.
Typical Recovery Milestones
| Time After Surgery | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Bruising and swelling begin to show |
| 1 Week | Some swelling, mild discomfort |
| 2+ Weeks | Swelling and bruising fade, stitches out |
Full recovery time depends on the exact procedure, but most people return to their normal routines within a few weeks.
Results
Swelling and bruising usually improve in a few weeks, but some changes may last for a few months. Incisions may lighten over the course of a year. Sun protection and sunscreen are important for healing skin. Many people see a more defined jawline and smoother neck shape after recovery.
