Offices in Nassau County, NY
The neck is an often-overlooked element of our overall appearance. When it is noticed, it’s usually not for the reasons we would hope. It is not unusual for a facelift patient to look in the mirror and marvel at their surgical result while also suddenly perceiving that the loose, time-worn appearance of the neck doesn’t match the tone and texture of the face.
Neck lift is the solution. Depending on the particular technique used, neck lift can tighten skin and muscles, erase bands and prevent or reverse formation of the dreaded “turkey wattle.” Neck lift is a popular option for patients whose skin lacks flexibility and has developed visible folds of skin as a result of weight loss or natural aging.
How is Neck Lift Performed?
There is not one single surgical technique used in neck lift; rather, the procedure can be customized to each patient and his or her individual needs. Liposuction is used to remove fat from the neck. During this process, Dr. Funt creates a small incision beneath the chin to insert a narrow surgical instrument known as a cannula, which is used to suction away excess fat cells. This is the least invasive approach and ideal for targeting pockets of fat that have the effect of creating an uneven, bloated look.
Cervicoplasty
Cervicoplasty involves removal and lifting of neck skin. Incisions for this procedure are made behind the ears as well as under the chin; the newly taut skin will be secured by sutures.
Platysmaplasty
Platysmaplasty targets neck muscles that have begun to sag, creating noticeable horizontal bands across the neck. The surgical technique involves tightening, repositioning and sometimes partial removal of neck muscles, and the use of sutures to maintain this revitalized appearance. The good news is that these various surgical techniques can often be performed endoscopically, as an outpatient procedure and using local anesthetic.
Neck Lift Recovery
A compression garment worn around the neck for at least two weeks will help ensure optimal healing. Your neck will be swollen and slightly bruised for about 10 days after surgery, and you may feel some numbness for several weeks. As with facelift, your final result takes time. Within three to six months, you should be able to admire the results of neck lift.
Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives to Consider?
In recent years a number of noninvasive treatments have become available to treat issues of neck laxity. Botox, which has been available for decades, is sometimes used to address the appearance of bands on the neck. Kybella injections are an increasingly popular way to remove moderate amounts of fat from under the chin. Varying degrees of neck lifting can sometimes also be achieved with dermal fillers, radiofrequency energy treatments, ultrasound, intense pulsed light (IPL) or the use of advanced fraxel lasers.
Some of the cosmetic benefits of neck lift include:
Most patients are very satisfied with the rejuvenating effects of neck lift. Since some of the first noticeable signs of aging are on the neck, it is considered a top cosmetic priority by many.
