Neck Lift

• What Is a Neck Lift?
• Neck Lift Consultation
• Combining Neck & Facelift Surgery
• Your Neck Lift Procedure
• Your Neck Lift Recovery
• Neck Lift Results
• Neck Lift Cost

Our experienced facelift surgeon understands the importance of making a good first impression, and that the face plays a significant role in how we are perceived. As a result, we offer facial rejuvenation procedures designed to reverse the signs of age that affect the entire facial aesthetic – including changes to the neck. The neck is one of the first locations that shows signs of aging. Some of the more common age-related changes to the neck include:

• Loss of skin and muscle tone resulting in a loss of a crisp crease between the neck and chin and a loss of jawline definition
• Development of a double chin or “turkey wattle” due to increased deposition of fat in conjunction with loss of skin tone
• Loss of subcutaneous fat with increased skin wrinkling
• Changes in the position of underlying musculature resulting in muscular bands along the mid-portion of the neck

To address these common cosmetic concerns, Richmond Aesthetic Surgery offers neck lift surgery to help restore your youthful appearance and give you a smoother, more contoured neck.

What Is a Neck Lift?

The neck lift is a surgical procedure that seeks to correct the age-related changes of the neck. The procedure can be performed as an isolated rejuvenation procedure, although it is frequently combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures to achieve a more holistic treatment of facial aging. The operation typically involves a variety of incisions that are typically placed behind the ear and adjacent to a skin crease under the chin. Through these incisions, the skin is elevated to expose thin underlying fan-shaped muscles of the neck (the platysma). Once exposed, the underlying muscle can be tightened through a combination of suturing and suspension techniques. The tight bands of the platysma at the midline can be released, and the muscle edges can be sutured together. The portion of the platysma adjacent to the ear can then be advanced and suspended to tissue behind the ear. The net result of these maneuvers is to reestablish the muscular support of the neck that is typically lost in the aging process. Excess neck fat can be removed through a combination of liposuction and direct excision. The neck skin is then redraped over the newly-tightened neck, and excess skin is removed. Prior to incision closure, a soft drain is placed under the skin to collect any fluid or blood that persists after surgery.

For more information on neck lift surgery, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

What Can I Expect in the Neck Lift Consultation?

Ideal candidates for neck lift surgery include healthy men and women who seek to rejuvenate the neck and jawline. A successful neck lift procedure depends on clear and open doctor-communication to help ensure each patient has realistic expectations for what a neck lift can achieve. After a facial examination, a customized surgical plan is designed to address each individual patient’s concerns.

After the consultation, if you are determined to be a good candidate for neck lift surgery, your surgeon will provide detailed pre-operative instructions in preparation for your surgery.

Do I Need a Facelift and a Neck Lift?

For patients desiring a more comprehensive approach to reversing the natural signs of age, Dr. Zemmel may recommend a neck lift in conjunction with a facelift. This helps create a more complete rejuvenation, instead of simply addressing one area. Many patients can benefit from the combined facelift and neck lift surgery, as the face and neck tend to age at a similar rate. Our surgeon will advise you on the best way to achieve natural-looking results based on your unique needs.

What Does the Neck Lift Procedure Involve?

All neck lift surgeries are performed by Dr. Zemmel at St. Francis Hospital’s Ambulatory Surgical Center or at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital – Forest Campus. During this outpatient procedure, patients typically receive general anesthesia to maximize safety during surgery and minimize discomfort. A neck lift typically takes about two hours, depending on the goals of the individual patient.

What Is the Recovery Time for a Neck Lift?

While some swelling and bruising is common after neck lift surgery, these symptoms usually resolve in one to two weeks. Though you will be able to see a significant change in the appearance of your neck immediately after surgery, the full results will become noticeable as swelling continues to decrease. Dr. Zemmel recommends that patients keep their heads elevated during the first week to further reduce any swelling. Any discomfort is often easily managed with oral pain medication. Surgical drains are typically removed within the first 2-4 days, and sutures are removed after 1 week. Shortly after surgery, you will be placed in a soft compression garment that will help decrease swelling and bruising and that will provide some gentle support. Though uncommon, some patients will experience temporary numbness or muscle weakness after surgery, which typically resolves within a few weeks.

How Long Do Neck Lift Results Last?

As swelling and bruising gradually subside throughout your recovery, keep in mind that it can take several weeks to see your final results. Over the course of this time, you should begin to see a more youthful neck contour and experience a boost in self-confidence. Scars should continue to fade over the first year, becoming less noticeable. To prolong your neck lift results, you should wear sun protection and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although a neck lift will not stop the aging process, your neck appearance should continue to look years younger than if you had never undergone surgery.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?

While the cost of neck lift surgery will vary for each patient, the procedure tends to average about $10,000-$15,000. This amount may be different based on the specifics of your case, including the complexity of your procedure and if a facelift is performed during the same surgery. Fees that contribute to your total cost include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, surgical facility, post-operative garments, and prescriptions. Our team will provide you with a cost quote once you have been evaluated by Dr. Zemmel. If you are interested in financing your surgery, we can help you navigate your payment options and sign up for a plan that meets your needs.

To learn how neck lift can achieve your aesthetic goals, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

Turn back the hands of time and renew your youthful appearance.

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