Neck Lift
What is a Neck Lift?
Gravity, genetics, environmental conditions and stress can all take their toll on our face and necks. As the jaw line slackens and excess wrinkling, double chin, or “turkey neck” appear, the neck area can make a person appear older than they really are. A neck lift is a procedure designed to tighten the skin and underlying muscles in order to improve the contour of both the neck and jawline. Niki Christopoulos, MD FACS will determine if you are an ideal candidate for a neck lift procedure during your thorough and personalized cosmetic consultation.
Am I A Good Candidate For A Neck Lift?
Ideal candidates for a neck lift are patients who wish to correct:
- Excess fat and skin around the jawline (jowls)
- Excess fat under the chin and jawline (double chin)
- Excessive creases, wrinkles, or contours in the neck
Dr. Niki Christopoulos’ Approach To A Neck Lift Procedure
A neck lift procedure can be done with a traditional incision or limited incision, depending on the type of result desired, which will be determined prior during your consultation with Dr. Christopoulos. A traditional neck lift incision is level with the sideburn and follows the hairline around the ear, ending at the nape of the neck. This incision allows Dr. Christopoulos to lift and reposition the loose skin while removing excess fat to reveal a smooth and youthful neck contour. A limited incision neck lift is a smaller incision under the chin to correct more minimal degrees of excess fat and neck skin laxity. Submental liposuction is used to improve a double chin and involves three smaller incisions under the chin and behind the ears for less visible scars.
Dr. Christopoulos is a double-board certified plastic surgeon and performs her surgeries in a fully accredited outpatient surgical facility. Anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist using either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for your comfort and safety during the procedure. The procedure can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on which procedure, or combination of procedures you are having performed.
Dr. Christopoulos utilizes these tried and true neck lift methods to restore, smooth and streamline for the neck contour you are looking for. A neck lift can be used alone, but often is performed in conjunction with a facelift, liposuction, or other facial procedures.
Neck Lift Recovery and Results
Recovery length depends on the type and complexity of surgery that was performed. While swelling and healing time varies from person to person, it is normal to expect bruising, swelling, numbness and even tightness in the neck and lower face area. Dr. Christopoulos will gently wrap your incisions in bandages and may place a small drainage tube in the neck. The drain will be removed the following day and the sutures will be removed within the first week. Most patients can return to normal activity within 1-2 weeks, depending on the procedure performed.
Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Christopoulos to discuss further any questions you may have and to determine if a neck lift is the correct procedure for you.