The primary concern of many patients is the appearance of aging in their necks. This is especially true in males. Loose skin, sagging muscles and fat deposits in the neck may be present even when the remainder of the face and jawline shows less signs of aging.

 

There are several ways (surgical techniques) to correct the neck. Additionally, this procedure may be done independently or in conjunction with a Face Lift. Dr. Long, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, examines carefully each patient and determines the best technique to give the correction the patient desires, according to his or her anatomy.

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Neck Lift FAQ:

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How can a Neck Lift improve my neck?

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Neck Lift surgery with Dr. Long corrects the signs of aging on the neck and the jaw line by tightening your loose neck muscle and removing excess fat and skin from your neck, making you look thinner and more youthful. Sometimes he may accompany the procedure with Face Lift surgery for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The benefits of Neck Lift surgery include:

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• Removing loose, sagging skin from under the chin

• Correcting visible vertical bands on the neck (loose neck muscle or platysma bands)

• Eliminating areas of fat from under the chin (double chin) and on the neck

• Restoring a smooth, youthful-looking neck
   

Who is a candidate for Neck Lift?

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You are a candidate for a Neck Lift if you have:
 

• Loose, baggy neck skin due to age, weight loss, or heredity

• Lack of pleasing neck definition

• Visible or loose neck muscle bands

• Excess fat deposits in your neck
   

How is a Neck Lift performed?

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Dr. Long will perform your Neck Lift with a complete assessment in advance of surgery. Your neck will be evaluated to determine the degree of laxity in the neck muscle, excesses of fat as well as skin. Also the definition of the jaw line, angle of the mandible and chin will be evaluated.

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Generally, Dr. Long performs Neck Lift surgery with discrete, well-hidden incisions behind the ears and or below the chin. The incisions are designed to allow you to show off your results without being worried about having to hide your scar. Through this incision, he restores a more youthful contour to the muscles of your neck and the shape of the overlying neck skin. Dr. Long may perform liposuction of the neck if there is excess fatty tissue in the neck or jowls. After shaping the underlying layers, he removes excess skin and redrapes the skin  for a well-rested rejuvenated look.

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Where is Neck Lift plastic surgery performed?

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Dr. Long almost always performs your Neck Lift as an outpatient surgical procedure. Although some of our patients prefer to have general anesthesia, most patients are comfortable under local anesthesia with IV sedation. You will recover quickly after surgery and normally go home the same day. If you are having multiple procedures, you may need to stay overnight. You will need to have a friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery center and assist for you for the first 24-48 hours.

 

What other procedures may be performed along with a Neck Lift?

 

Liposuction is part of a Neck Lift and is used to reshape a more youthful jaw line and neck.

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Face Lift: for patients that have significant jowls and not well defined jaw line, the addition of a Face Lift can really deliver the natural youthful appearance that the patients seek at the level of the jaw line (junction of the face and neck).

 

Fat injection (autologous fat transfer) is a wonderful, minimally invasive way to restore shape and fullness to areas around the eyes, the cheeks, the temples, and lips.

 

Eyelid Lift surgery (blepharoplasty) is often performed to reduce heaviness and loose skin in the upper and or lower eyelids. Treatment of the lower eyelids will include filling out the deep creases to eliminate the tired look. This along with fat injection will brighten your eyes and energize your whole face.

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Chemical peels and dermabrassion may be done to smooth wrinkle lines in the lips, cheeks and forehead.

 

How long does Neck Lift Surgery take?

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A Neck Lift Board certified cosmetic Plastic Surgeon Dr. James Long may take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours. Dr. James Long will consult with you to fully outline any pre-surgical requirements, what procedures we will be performing and what you can expect afterward.

 

Can a Neck Lift be performed under local anesthesia?

 

Neck Lift can be safely performed under local anesthesia and twilight sedation (IV sedation) or heavy oral sedation with Dr. Long, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

 

What can I expect after a Neck Lift?

 

Bruising and swelling are common after your Neck Lift. Each patient is different, but for most, these side effects normally resolve within 2-3 weeks. We remove your bandages the next day after, and place you in a neck garment that should be worn for at least 7 days. Sutures are usually removed 5 or 7 days after surgery.

 

It is extremely important that your newly rejuvenated neck to be protected from sun damage after surgery. Avoid sun exposure, wear a broad-brimmed hat, and liberally apply SPF 50 or stronger sunscreen as instructed by Dr. Long.

 

How long is recovery a Neck Lift?

 

Very likely, you’ll be able to return to work in about 2 to 4 weeks. You should wait 4 to 6 weeks or longer before participating in strenuous activity and exercise. You may need special makeup to camouflage any bruising for a short time. Final healing may take up to 3 months and will continue to improve over the next year. We will closely follow your progress to ensure a smooth recovery.

 

When will I see results a Neck Lift?

 

Within a week, you should see a significant improvement. Once the swelling and bruising are gone, you may have minor scars that are hidden by your hair. These too, will fade over time. Gradually, your new, younger face will emerge a few weeks after surgery. Most of our patients enjoy the benefits of a Neck Lift for many years. Depending on your age, you may have more than one Neck Lift in your lifetime.

 

Why choose Dr. Long for my Neck Lift?

 

Dr. Long is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, breast and body. His residency and fellowship training followed by teaching at prestigious institutions have given him a unique set of skills to perform cosmetic surgery. Dr. Long wants his patients to look their best and works hard to achieve their personal, social, and professional goals by providing natural looking results.

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Why go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your Neck Lift?

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Practitioners who are not residency trained and Board Certified to perform Neck Lift have been found to have a higher rate of surgical complications. Among the most common patient complaints are minimal to no improvement, asymmetries, wound healing problems or worse. Always look for a surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Look for the ASPS logo, The Symbol of Excellence.