What is a neck lift?
The neck lift procedure addresses the excess skin and fat of the neck resulting in a tighter, more youthful appearance. The procedure also corrects the muscular bands some of us develop which are caused by separations within the platysma muscle.
Where are the incisions placed?
A small incision in made underneath the chin. Another incision is made in front of your earlobe and this incision extends behind your ear and travels slightly into your hair line. All of the incisions typically heal very nicely and are placed in inconspicuous locations so as not to be easily seen.
Can a neck lift be combined with another procedure?
It is very common to combine a neck lift with a facelift. The effects of gravity and age typically treat the tissue of the face to the same degree and the tissue of the neck. As a result, addressing both regions at the same time yields the most dramatic cosmetic outcome. Submental liposuction and chin augmentation can also be combined with the neck lift procedure.
What is the expected recovery?
If the procedure is limited to the neck, some bruising and swelling of the neck is common. A tight feeling in the neck is also common for the first couple weeks until your tissues get used to their new position. A compression garment is worn at all times for the first week (except while in the shower) and then worn at night for several more weeks. This helps with healing and limits swelling. Pain is typically minimal and well controlled with oral medication.