If you have mild signs of aging in your neck, you can achieve your desired results with nonsurgical treatments, such as wrinkle relaxers or dermal fillers. But if you have advanced signs of aging, such as loose skin or muscle banding, a neck lift may be the best option.
Enhance & Elevate Your Contours
As you grow older, the collagen and elastin in your skin start degrading. The collagen and elastin fibers bind your skin tissues together and hold them upright against the force of gravity. The gradual loss of collagen and the weakening of the platysma muscles in the neck lead to sagging skin tissues. Without collagen, gravity works on your neck to create a prominent “turkey neck” appearance. Our board-certified plastic surgeons perform personalized neck lift procedures to enhance and elevate your neck contour.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, also called platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of your neck. It can involve removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles in your neck. The goal of a neck lift is to improve the appearance of your neck, making it look more youthful and defined. Patients undergoing a neck lift generally have excessive skin laxity, sagging skin under the chin, double chin, or muscle banding. A neck lift can be performed independently or in conjunction with a facelift.
A Neck Lift Can Correct:
- Excess skin in the neck
- Turkey neck (hanging flaps of skin under the chin)
- Double chin (excess fat in the neck)
- Loose or saggy skin in the neck
- Muscle banding in the neck
- Wrinkles in the neck
- Prominent jowls
Neck Lift + Facelift
A neck lift and facelift are two different procedures, but they’re often performed together. A facelift involves making strategic incisions around the hairline on the temples and behind the ears to tighten your skin tissues and reverse the signs of aging. It’s concerned primarily with the signs of aging on the face, such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and facial wrinkles. Meanwhile, a neck lift focuses more on the chin and neck regions. Your surgeon will determine if you can benefit from a combined procedure.
Your Neck Lift Journey: Consultation, Surgery, Recovery
If you’re considering a neck lift, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your neck and face, discuss your concerns and expectations, and measure the degree of skin laxity. They’ll also ask about your medical history and understand why you’re pursuing a neck lift. Your surgeon will provide instructions on preparing for surgery, such as quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding certain medications.
Your neck lift will be performed under total intravenous anesthesia at our accredited surgical facility. The specific details of your neck lift will depend on your unique condition and goals. Generally speaking, neck lift surgery involves making strategic incisions under the chin and/or along the hairline of the posterior hair. After making incisions, the surgeon will elevate your skin, trim excess skin tissues, and tighten underlying platysma muscles. Sometimes, liposuction may be used to suction away excess fat deposits.
After your surgery, you’ll likely experience some swelling and bruising. These side effects will gradually improve over the next few weeks. You’ll also need to wear a compression garment around your neck for the first few weeks of recovery. Most people take about two weeks off from work to recover from surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on when you can return to your normal activities. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Schedule an Appointment
Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery is a state-of-the-art facial plastic surgery center led by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons. We use innovative, personalized techniques to elevate your facial contours and reverse the signs of aging. Our comprehensive appearance of facial plastic surgery allows you to achieve your aesthetic goals without unwanted complications. Please schedule an appointment to explore your neck lift options in Sarasota, FL.
