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A firm, sculpted neck and jawline send a signal of youth and vitality. When the neck has creases, sagging skin, or fatty deposits, it can leave you looking heavier and older than you are. A neck lift restores the fresh, firm look of youth to your neck and jawline, including smoothing vertical bands. At Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery, our patients are delighted with the results of a custom neck lift.

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift involves the surgical removal of excess skin, tightening of the muscle structure, and the removal of any fatty deposits beneath the chin and upper neck. A “platysmaplasty” may also be performed to further tighten and refine the neck. Small incisions are placed behind and around the ears, and beneath the chin. Through the incisions, the muscles of the neck are repaired and lifted, extra skin and fat removed, and jawline and upper neck restored.

What does a neck lift treat?

The neck lift procedure is designed to produce comprehensive rejuvenation in the neck:

  • Restore youthful definition at the jawline
  • Create a smooth neck contour, free from wrinkles and sagging skin
  • Diminish vertical bands in the neck that appear with age
  • Remove the appearance of a “turkey wattle,” or droopy neck tissue and skin
  • Remove fatty deposits beneath the chin and on the upper neck

How is a neck lift performed?

A neck lift is performed with the following steps:

Anesthesia:

A neck lift is typically performed with intravenous sedation and local anesthetic, or general anesthesia, and is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Incisions:

Small incisions are placed behind and around each ear and beneath the chin.

Liposuction:

Excess fat is removed with liposuction.

Muscle structure repaired:

Loosened neck muscle structure is then surgically tightened from both the middle and sides for a natural, smoother appearance once healed.

Fat pad removal:

A fatty area beneath the neck muscles, called the subplatysmal fat pad is removed

Sagging skin redraped:

Excess skin is removed, naturally draping over the corrected muscle structure for a smooth, natural look once healed.

Candidates for a neck lift

To undergo a custom neck lift, you should be in good overall health and safe to undergo surgery. We will evaluate your medical history, along with any medications you take to ensure your procedure goes smoothly. If you are dismayed to see any of the following conditions, you may be a good candidate for neck lift surgery:

  • You have developed a double chin that makes you look older and heavier
  • Your jawline is sagging and has lost the firm, sculpted definition of youth
  • You have vertical bands with a cord-like appearance
  • The skin on your neck is crepey, and you have developed a droopy neck appearance or “turkey neck”
  • Sagging, weakened skin has left you with wrinkles and creases on your neck

Recovery after a neck lift

Patients typically return to their usual activities in about two weeks following surgery. In the early stages of healing, you can expect swelling bruising and a tight sensation. The bruising and swelling fade quickly, but residual swelling may require a few weeks to dissipate fully. Your neck is covered with a compression bandage to reduce swelling and protect the area.

You will have pain medication to keep you comfortable. Keep your head elevated when lying down and during sleep hours. You must not engage in any strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Any stitches are removed in five to ten days. You should feel well enough to return to work or other activities within two weeks. Your new look will continue to improve as the weeks pass, with your neck and jawline renewed and youthful. You will have several post-operative appointments, the first occurring the day after surgery, followed by a week later to remove any stitches, with several other follow-ups in the weeks ahead.

Neck lift at-a-glance

  • Surgery time: Two to three hours
  • Anesthesia: Intravenous sedation with local anesthesia, or general anesthesia
  • Typical recovery time: Two weeks
  • Can it be performed with another surgery? Yes, including SculptLift™ facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, skin resurfacing, and others, based on need

Why Choose Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery?

When it comes to facial plastic surgery, you want to ensure your procedure is in the hand of a talented, experienced, and respected facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Rousso & Dr. Adams are widely regarded as being the most accomplished facial plastic surgeons practicing in the Birmingham and Montgomery areas and developed and trademarked the Sculptlift procedure-a groundbreaking advancement that produces a remarkably natural-looking result.

We offer a patient experience above and beyond what you will find elsewhere, including concierge services on par with the best five-star hotels. Our friendly staff can help you arrange travel and hotel accommodations, lab appointments, sitters, aftercare and many other services from start to finish. If you are considering a SculptLift in Birmingham AL, contact us today.

FAQ

Will a neck lift remove a double chin?

Yes—a neck lift removes double chin fat, restores jawline definition, and removes any excess skin and fat on the upper neck.

Should I Expect Scars After Neck Lift Surgery?

Scars will be visible following your neck lift surgery, but usually become unnoticeable over time and will typically blend in with your natural skin creases. You may cover the scars with makeup while they are healing.

Will a neck lift make me look unnatural?

With any facial plastic surgery, the results are the direct result of the skills of your surgeon. Under the care of Dr. Rousso & Dr. Adams and thier team, you can expect results that appear fresh and natural, not overly tight. Choose your facial plastic surgeon with care – it matters.

How long does a neck lift last?

Typically, the results of a neck lift can last from 10-15 years. The face continues to age even after surgery, so results depend on the individual’s natural aging process. It is important to take care of the skin on your neck after surgery with a good skincare regime.

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