The neck is one of those body parts that can reveal our age quickly. All of us want to look fresh and youthful, but visible sagging skin around the neck and under the chin may get in the way. Fortunately, neck lift surgery is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure that will rejuvenate your appearance by tightening and smoothing your skin. This article will focus on everything you need to know about this procedure, from suitable candidates to neck lift recovery.

Now, for neck lift surgery, you’ll want to find a reliable professional at a good health clinic. Luckily, if you’re in the area or you’re just looking for the best neck lift surgeon in Miami, we’ve got you covered.

With that in mind, here are all the must-know facts about the neck lift procedure.

What’s the Deal With Neck Wrinkles, Lines, or Sagging?

Neck wrinkles, necklines, or a sagging neck tend to happen naturally as we age. However, since the skin on the neck is much thinner than facial skin, any change may become noticeable. 

Besides aging, several other factors may contribute to neck skin changes:

• Genetics
• Repeated motions
• Sun exposure
• Rapid weight loss

As you can see, the look of aging skin isn’t always linked to advanced age. People who smoke, consume alcohol, and lead an unhealthy lifestyle are also at risk of neck aging.

Liposuction and the Neck Lift Procedure

A neck lift surgery may or may not include liposuction. For example, if you are overweight, you may have a double-chin. In this case, you may want to consider liposuction to remove the excess fat and give your neck a more sculpted look. People who want to lose fat locally (in this case, in the face) may also want to consider liposuction of the face. 

Who Is Suitable for Neck Liposuction?

You may need this procedure if you say “yes” to the following:

• You want to reduce the look of fullness under your chin
• You want to refine your jawline
• You agree with maintaining a steady weight

Who Is Suitable for Neck Lift Surgery?

You may need this procedure if you say “yes” to:

• You want to reduce or get rid of “turkey neck.”
• You want to smoothen out creases and wrinkles on your neck
• You want to boost the look of vertical neck bands
• You are considering combining a neck lift with a facelift for even better results

Sometimes people use the terms “facelift” and “neck lift” interchangeably, but the two are very different from each other. In the simplest terms, a facelift may also target the neck, but a neck lift only focuses on the neck, starting from the jawline to your clavicle.

What Does a Neck Lift Actually Do?

A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty) is a simple cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that will eliminate visible signs of sagging skin, wrinkles, creases in the neck and your jawline. 

Here are some benefits of the neck lift procedure:

• It removes sagging or loose neck skin
• It eliminates the surplus fatty deposits around your chin or the “double chin”
• It removes abnormal contours in the neck due to muscle banding
• It smoothens the skin by pulling it tighter
• It tightens the underlying muscles giving you the impression of losing weight
• It gives you results that diet and exercise fail to do
• It gives you results with minimal scarring
• The neck lift recovery is fast and painless
• It improves your confidence and boosts your self-esteem

How Does Neck Lift Surgery Look Like?

As mentioned, neck lift surgery is a relatively simple procedure. Here are the basic steps you may expect at your doctor’s office:

Firstly, you will receive either local anesthesia or intravenous sedation to ensure ultimate comfort. Your healthcare provider will discuss which option is the best one for you. The second step is the incision. Depending on the degree of results you want to achieve, you may opt for a limited incision neck lift or a traditional neck lift incision. The limited incision neck lift involves incisions only around your ear. If you opt for this one, the incisions may be shorter, but the results will be limited.

On the other hand, the traditional neck lift incision starts at the hairline (at sideburn level) and continues downward around your ear, and stops in the posterior of your hair. With the traditional neck lift incision, the doctor will sculpt the fat or redistribute it from the neck and the jowls.

The third step is closing the incisions. The doctor will close the incisions via sutures or, in some cases, skin glue. Once you are healed, you can expect minimal scarring that goes unnoticed. 

Initially, you may see bruising and swelling, but these signs go away once your neck has fully healed. 

What Can I Expect During Neck Lift Recovery?

During neck lift recovery, you may need to wear a bandage around your face and your neck to reduce the chances of bruising and swelling. You may also have a thin tube to drain extra fluid or blood that may collect under your skin.

Rest assured, your healthcare provider will give you all the necessary instructions for a fast recovery process. You will also receive detailed tips for a speedier neck lift recovery, including how to care for the drains and the surgical site, as well as specific medications you can take in case of an infection. 

For a faster neck lift recovery, you will want to keep the head elevated above the heart to reduce swelling. Also, you should keep your head straight as much as possible and make sure to minimize neck bending or twisting. 

Warning: Do not apply ice to your neck. If you do this, you risk compromising blood flow.

Side Effects of a Neck Lift

Although side effects are rare, they can happen, especially if you choose an unskilled doctor. Above all, select a professional with experience and knowledge.

That being said, when you arrive at the clinic, your healthcare provider will ask you to sign consent forms to make sure you have understood the procedure and the potential complications. These are some risks associated with a neck lift:

• Infection
• Facial asymmetry
• Bleeding
• Persistent pain
• Anesthesia risks
• Prolonged swelling
• Numbness
• Hematoma or fluid accumulation
• Skin loss
• Discoloration and other skin irregularities
• Scarring
• Hair loss (either temporary or permanent)
• Rare nerve injury

Take your time and choose the proper plastic surgeon for this procedure. Also, make sure that the clinic is clean and sterile.

Should I Prepare for a Neck Lift?

Yes, there are certain things you should do before the actual procedure. Firstly, you’ll want to get medical evaluation and lab testing to ensure you don’t have any underlying illnesses or conditions. Also, you will want to stop smoking.

Patients should also avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, or herbal supplements, because these may boost bleeding and raise blood pressure. A good healthcare professional will discuss all of the steps you’ll need to take before you arrive for the procedure.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’ve been considering a neck lift procedure, you’re in good hands. Our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals will help you achieve your desired results. Book an appointment with us today.