Everything You Wanted to Know About Neck Lifts

It’s no secret that our skin sags and wrinkles as we age. And some people look for ways to improve their appearance and appear younger for as long as possible. Different surgical procedures are available depending on what part of your face you wish to make look younger. In many cases, the neck is one of the first areas to visibly age, making neck lifts a popular choice for cosmetic surgery.

What Is a Neck Lift?

In short, neck lifts improve the appearance of aging around the neck and on the jawline. Some people can improve the quality of their neck and jawline without undergoing a full facelift. In this case, a neck lift can be the perfect option. For anyone with excess fat below the chin, or loose, sagging skin, a neck lift is often the ideal solution.

What Can I Expect During a Neck Lift?

As a surgical procedure, a neck lift will require anesthesia, so you should expect to spend time recovering. A small, hidden excision is made just under the chin, so that following the procedure it can’t be detected. Men and women may have different locations for the incision based on their face shape and facial hair. After the incision is made, some of the skin and soft tissue will be removed and then re-draped. To achieve younger-looking skin, any excess skin is also removed. Dressings are then applied to minimize swelling after the procedure is finished.

It’s important to note that patients will experience different results based largely on the condition of the skin and bone structure before the procedure. The most successful candidates often have healthy skin and well-defined bones. Occasionally, additional procedures may be recommended to enhance a neck lift’s results.

What Type of Recovery Can I Expect?

Depending on the age and health condition of patients, recovery times vary, but generally speaking, you can expect to spend about two weeks recovering from a neck lift. Following surgery, the post-operative dressings are removed between one and three days later. You can minimize swelling and speed up recovery by elevating your head while you sleep. Avoid any extreme exercise or activity during the recovery period.

What Should I Do to Prepare for a Neck Lift?

In general, you should avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs that increase bleeding and stop smoking if you’re a smoker before your neck lift surgery. If you are taking any prescription medications, make sure you discuss with your surgeon whether or not it’s safe to have a neck lift.

Are Neck Lifts Safe?

Generally speaking, neck lifts are considered minor and relatively safe procedures. However, it should be noted that all surgery carries a certain risk level. Any risks associated with surgery should be discussed with your surgeon. 

When opting for a neck lift, make sure you do your research and choose a licensed and certified surgeon to complete your surgery. Once you’ve found the right surgeon, discuss the ins and outs of the procedure in detail so you can feel safe and comfortable about your neck lift.