Are you self-conscious about that sagging neck skin? You’re not alone. As age sets in, many people find themselves with the same worry.
As we age, our skin gradually loses elasticity, leading to sagging and the formation of wrinkles. Factors such as significant weight loss and genetics also contribute to the development of very lax skin, a double chin, and the unsightly “turkey neck.”
While there are several cosmetic solutions to deal with sagging skin, a neck lift surgery can shave off years from your face, tighten your jaw line and give you back that youthful appearance.
Are you ready to say goodbye to that turkey wattle and other visible signs of neck aging?
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, also referred to as a lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens the skin and underlying neck muscles to improve the contour of your jawline and reduce loose skin on your neck and jaw.
The operation may be used together with other procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift in a combination procedure performed by skilled plastic surgeons.
While aging, weight loss, and genetics can contribute to excess skin and a hanging “turkey neck” you do not have to let that get in the way of looking confident.
A neck lift is one of the more popular plastic surgery procedures, along with a mini facelift for facial rejuvenation that can make you look 10 years younger!
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a neck lift Procedure?
You’re an ideal candidate for this procedure if you’re in good health and have realistic expectations about the neck lift results.
Patients must receive medical clearance from their doctor to ensure no underlying conditions like blood clots after anesthesia that could increase surgical risks.
A neck lift isn’t a magic wand, but it’ll certainly help improve the look and feel of your neckline as the neck lift operation will reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and other visible signs of an aging neck.
If you’re bothered by the loss of youthful neck contours, we are here to help you achieve your ideal look. The procedure is ideal for men or women between the ages of 30-70 who want a rejuvenated neck contour.
The candidates that are best suited for this type of invasive procedure are those who have minimal to moderate amounts of excess skin and subplatysmal fat.
Causes of Sagging Neck
As you age, your body produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for your skin’s elasticity. As a result, skin quality diminishes and your skin loses its firmness and starts to sag. This skin laxity is particularly noticeable in the neck area because the skin there is thinner and more delicate.
Additionally, lifestyle factors play a role in the sagging of neck skin. If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun without protection, you’ve likely damaged your skin’s elasticity.
Smoking can also accelerate the aging process, causing your skin to sag prematurely. Weight fluctuation can also contribute to a sagging neck. When you gain and lose weight repeatedly, your skin stretches and contracts, which can lead to loss of elasticity over time in the underlying tissues.
What are the Benefits?
A neck lift can provide several benefits for those seeking a youthful contour. This procedure addresses excess skin and muscle laxity, giving you a more defined jawline, smoother skin and a sleeker neckline. It can also reduce the appearance of vertical bands, commonly referred to as “neck bands.”
One of the most impressive benefits associated with this type of cosmetic surgery is the restoration of lost skin elasticity. This can help to minimize wrinkles and lines, helps improve circulation and cell turnover resulting in healthier tighter looking skin.
Preparation for Surgery
- Initial Consultation – Patients can schedule their neck lift consultation in Miami by contacting Dr. Kachniarz’s office directly. He will review your medical history, where you can ask any questions regarding the neck lift surgery. Dr. Kachniarz will also take the time to explain the procedure, including any potential issues to be aware of.
- Assessment – Dr. Kachnairz will perform a comprehensive assessment at his Miami office, evaluating the patient’s neck structure and skin condition to determine the best approach for their neck lift procedure. You’ll need to provide a detailed account of any allergies, medications, and past procedures you’ve had, to ensure the procedure is right for you.
- Pre-Surgery Instructions – Discontinuing the use of medications, including over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as certain herbal supplements may be needed. Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. It may also required that the patient quit smoking, as nicotine can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Sunburns or excessive tanning can also delay healing and affect the final outcome of the neck rejuvenation surgery. Dr. Kachnairz may recommend that neck lift patients avoid direct sun exposure for a certain period of time before and after surgery.
lower rhytidectomy Procedure Details
The surgical techniques used during a neck lift procedure have evolved over the years, allowing for more advanced and precise results. The whole process typically takes two to three hours, but can vary depending on your specific situation.
The surgical procedure involves removing excess neck skin and fat, while the underlying muscles, known as the platysma muscle, are tightened. In some cases, additional procedures like liposuction or a chin implant may be recommended to enhance the overall aesthetic outcome.
- Anaesthesia – General or local anesthesia will be administered, based on your surgeon’s recomendation.
- Incision – Small incisions are usually made, and neck fat is removed or redistributed from the neck and jowls. The neck tissues are then realigned and the platysma muscle is tightened.
- Sutures – The small incision are closed with sutures that may be dissolvable or removed days later once healing begins.
Types of Neck Procedures
There are several types of neck lift procedures, each designed to address specific issues. Depending on what your overall objective is, Dr. Kachnairz will use one of these techniques.
1. Traditional Neck Lift Surgery (Cervicoplasty)
The traditional cervicoplasty aims to tighten sagging skin around your throat area, which involves making an incision around the ear to tighten skin and underlying neck muscles. It’s a comprehensive procedure that gives a really dramatic improvement.
2. Neck Muscle Tightening (Platysmaplasty)
Platysmaplasty focuses on tightening the underlying neck muscles in your throat area, rather than just removing excess skin. This procedure’s goal is to create a more defined neck and jawline.
You’ll see it often used in conjunction with cervicoplasty for most patients, but it can also be performed alone.
A Single Incision Neck Lift, or submental platysmaplasty uses a single incision to address an isolated area on the neck.
These other procedures are often used in conjunction (if needed):
Liposuction (Removing Excess Fat)
Neck liposuction can help by removing excess fat under the chin, giving you a more defined jawline and slimmer neck. Liposuction is often performed during a neck lift surgery in order to remove excess fat from the neck and jawline.
Chin Implants (Jawline Enhancement)
Chin implants, also known as jawline enhancement, are often performed in combination with a neck lift procedure to achieve optimal results for a patient looking for a full facial rejuvenation procedure.
The purpose of incorporating a chin implant is to improve facial structure, particularly addressing issues such as a weak chin or receding jawline.
What to Expect After Surgery
You will likely experience some moderate discomfort and swelling as soon as the neck lift surgery is done, but this is completely normal. Your neck lift Dr. will have prescribed pain medication to help manage this.
You will need to keep your head elevated for a few days and avoid any strenuous activities. You might also have to deal with temporary numbness as well as changes in skin sensation. You’ll be asked to stick to soft foods and plenty of fluids for the first few days.
The Process of Recovery
Neck lift patients should also keep in mind that once healed, additional maintenance might be needed since factors such as age, diet habits, sun exposure and lifestyle choices all contribute to continuing changes in our bodies over time–which could result in loosening of underlying muscle structure again if not managed carefully.
The healing process might include swelling and bruising, which should be expected, and it may take several weeks for these effects to subside. It is also common for patients to experience tightness around the ears or under the chin due to sutures and dressings used during surgery.
Most patients can resume normal activities like work, driving, or light exercise about 10–14 days after their neck lift procedure; however, strenuous physical activity should only occur after consulting with your plastic surgeon and getting approval.
All sunscreen products must include SPF 30 or higher when going outside in order to protect the skin from further sun damage following a neck lift surgery.
What are the Risks?
Though neck lifts are generally considered safe, they do come with some risks that patients should be aware of. Some potential complications include nerve damage, infection, poor wound healing, and excessive bleeding.
Nerve damage may cause temporary or permanent numbness in areas around the incisions or around the ears. Infection is also possible if proper care is not taken to keep the surgical site clean during recovery.
There is also a risk of developing an allergic reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure. To minimize these risks, choosing an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is important.
Complications for surgery are increased if you have high blood pressure, are anemic, are on meditation, or are a smoker.
How Much Does Neck Lift Cost in Miami?
The cost of a Miami neck lift procedure varies, but the cost can range from $3,000 to $7,000. However, it’s important to note that each individual case is unique, and the final cost will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the Miami neck lift patients.
Why we can’t quote an exact price is because there are several techniques which can be used depending on what the patient needs and how extensive the surgery is.
Scarring Following Neck Rejuvenating Surgery
Scarring is an inevitable part of the surgery, however, with proper care and time, these scars can become significantly less visible. The incisions made during the neck lift procedure are strategically placed to be well-hidden.
In the initial weeks after the surgery, the scars may appear red, raised, or slightly inflamed. However, as the healing process progresses, the scars gradually fade and become less noticeable.
Over time, they can blend in with the natural folds and contours of the neck, becoming nearly invisible.
The visibility of scars can vary from person to person, depending on individual factors such as the healing process and post-operative care. Proper wound care, avoiding sun exposure, and following the plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions can significantly contribute to minimizing scar visibility.
It’s important to keep in mind that each person’s healing process is unique, and scarring can differ from one individual to another.
neck lift fAQs
Will Insurance Cover a neck lift Surgery?
Typically, no — most insurance companies categorize neck lifts as cosmetic procedures. This means they are not considered medically necessary treatments. Therefore, most insurance providers will not cover the costs associated with this type of plastic surgery.
Can Surgery Remove the Turkey Wattle?
Yes, a neck lift procedure is an effective solution for removing the unsightly turkey wattle. This common concern, also known as sagging neck skin, can significantly age and detract from one’s appearance.
How Long Will the Results Last?
The results of a neck lift procedure are typically long-lasting and can provide you with a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance for many years to come. While the results are permanent, it is important to understand that a neck lift does not halt the natural aging process.
On average, the effects of a neck lift can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years and often will be noticed for the rest of your life, but individual aging rates and other factors can influence the longevity of the results.
Would Anything Cause Me To Be Ineligible for Surgery?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not suitable candidates for a platysmaplasty. The hormonal changes and physical demands of pregnancy and lactation can significantly impact the healing process and the final results of the surgery.
Additionally, individuals with blood circulation problems, such as deep vein thrombosis or poor circulation in the neck area, may not be eligible for a neck lift. These conditions can increase the risk of complications during and after the surgery.
Individuals with unresolved medical issues, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart problems, may not be suitable candidates for a neck lift. These underlying health conditions can increase the risks associated with the surgery and hinder the healing process.
References
[1] Feldman, Joel J. M.D.. Neck Lift My Way: An Update. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 134(6):p 1173-1183, December 2014. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000712
[2] Thomas Gerald O’Daniel, Optimizing Outcomes in Neck Lift Surgery, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 41, Issue 8, August 2021, Pages 871–892, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab056