For most men and many women who seek consultation for facial rejuvenation surgery, it is the loose and hanging neck that bothers them the most. Under-chin fat pads, loose hanging neck skin and muscle bands symbolize the aging process and are a daily reminder of passing time. Neck lift surgery specifically targets this area to achieve a firmer neck and jawline contour, giving you a fresher and less worn appearance with that youthful edge. Board-certified plastic surgeon Mary C. Herte, MD often performs neck lifts at our Las Vegas cosmetic surgery center. A neck lift can be combined with other procedures, such as an eyelid lift, facelift or mini-facelift for a more overall rejuvenation of your appearance.
Who Is a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
A neck lift may be ideal for individuals looking to improve the appearance of a sagging or aging neck. Candidates typically include those who:
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about procedure results
- Experience loose or excess skin, fat, or muscle banding in the neck area
- Are bothered by the appearance of a “turkey neck” or double chin
- Have signs of aging that affect their neck, such as deep folds or jowls
A consultation with Dr. Herte can help determine if a neck lift is the right solution based on your individual goals and anatomy.
What Are My Neck Lift Options?
Dr. Herte believes that a defined and firm neckline is an essential part of the refreshed and youthful look that most facial rejuvenation patients are seeking. When considering correction for loose skin, she determines the factors contributing to your loose neck appearance, and offers an approach that fits your lifestyle and needs. A surgical neck lift is the most reliable and effective treatment for neck laxity and loss of definition. Different surgical approaches are possible depending on whether significant muscle laxity is contributing to your problem. A neck lift is a modification of the facelift procedure, limiting incisions to those necessary to get the proper lift for neck improvement while adding access directly to the most troublesome area under the chin. While everyone seeking correction for a loose and sagging neck can see the need for pulling up and tightening the neck skin, the importance of deeper muscle looseness is less obvious. Repositioning and support of the loose neck muscles is essential in achieving a long-lasting defined neckline.
How Is Neck Lift Surgery Performed?
When assessing if neck lift surgery is your best treatment option, your best course of action is to meet with Dr. Herte for a private and in-depth consultation. She will show you the issues that need to be addressed for the best correction of your neck looseness and give you an idea of the kind of results you can expect with your surgery. Dr. Herte will discuss your expectations and aesthetic goals and help you sort through the complexities of facial rejuvenation options available to help you find the best personalized plan to fit your unique goals and lifestyle issues. After the consultation process, your candidacy for a neck lift will be determined.
Neck lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Herte will make discreet incisions, often hidden behind the ears or under the chin, to access the underlying tissues. Excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle can be adjusted to improve the neck’s appearance. Liposuction may be used to remove stubborn fat pockets, while the neck muscles are tightened to create a more defined contour. The skin is then repositioned, and the incisions are carefully closed with sutures. In some cases, a combination of a neck lift and facelift is performed for more comprehensive results. This procedure generally takes two to four hours, with a noticeable improvement in the neck’s contour and jawline.
What Is the Recovery Process Following Neck Lift Surgery Like?
Recovery after neck lift surgery typically involves some level of swelling and bruising that gradually subsides, as well as discomfort that can often be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients can return to light activities within two weeks, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for about four to six weeks. A compression garment may be worn to reduce swelling and support the healing process. It is important to keep the head elevated during the initial days to minimize swelling. Full recovery can take several months, with final results becoming more evident as swelling diminishes. Follow-up visits can help with monitoring healing and ensuring optimal outcomes.
Interested In Necklift Surgery In Las Vegas?
At the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our helpful and well-informed staff can answer all of your questions about necklift surgery. Contact our Las Vegas cosmetic surgeon today to request more information about necklift surgery or to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Mary Herte.