Neck Lift
Neck Lift at a Glance
- Average Cost:
- Starting at $7,500
- Discomfort Level:
- Mild to Moderate
- Anesthesia Options:
- Local Anesthesia with Sedation or General Anesthesia
- Recovery Period:
- Two to Three Weeks
- Results Length:
- Long-lasting, but weight gain and the natural aging process can gradually affect the long-term results
- Potential Benefits:
- Tightening loose, sagging skin, enhancing the definition of the neck and jawline, eliminating jowls, eliminating the appearance of a double chin, increasing self-confidence, creating a more youthful appearance
Excess skin, fat, and muscle that hang below the jawline, also known as the “turkey wattle,” can distract from overall facial harmony. Neck lift surgery can address excess fat and skin on the neck and restore firm, youthful definition at the jawline.
The neck lift, medically known as lower rhytidectomy, is a popular cosmetic surgery performed to create a more youthful neck and jawline. Typically, the procedure entails the removal of excess skin and fat around the neck to enhance the definition of the area. The surgery also involves the tightening and adjusting of neck muscles, skin, and other tissues.
Topics On This Page:
A Solution to Excess Neck Tissue
Many patients who have lost weight by following a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen still have excess soft tissue below the chin and on the neck. Unfortunately, at-home remedies are no match for hanging skin, muscle, and stubborn fat. Neck lift surgery at the Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Philadelphia reverses the effects caused by gravity, weight loss, and aging to provide a more slim and contoured neck.
Why Choose Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng
With the most advanced surgical techniques and an extensive range of experience, Dr. Jonathan Pontell and Dr. Catherine Weng can correct signs of aging, such as a double chin or vertical neck bands, with precision and natural results. They dedicate a considerable amount of time to ensuring that patients are comfortable and at ease from start to finish. As some of the most reputable facial plastic surgeons in the Philadelphia area, Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng have impressive backgrounds, having trained at several prestigious institutions. With double-board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of true experts.
What Can Neck Lift Surgery Achieve?
Accentuated Facial Features
When the neck is lax due to hanging skin, muscle, and excess fat, it can affect a person’s entire appearance. A neck lift in Philadelphia smooths the skin, lifts the sagging muscle, and removes excess fat to create a more defined neck and jawline. As a result, it improves the entire facial appearance by accentuating the facial features rather than drawing negative attention to the neck.
Rejuvenated Appearance
Sagging skin and muscle and excess chin and neck fat can cause wrinkles and fine lines. Once the skin and fat are removed, tightening the neck skin will improve fine wrinkles along the chin and neck area, creating a softer, smoother, and younger look. The patient looks rejuvenated, with a refreshed appearance to the neck area.
Increased Confidence
Many people feel as if they look unattractive when they have sagging skin and fat below the chin, also known as the dreaded “double chin.” Once the excess fat is removed and the sagging is corrected, patients often feel less insecure about their appearance. With improved neck contours, patients often experience a boost in confidence and finally feel comfortable in their skin.
Ideal Candidate
Patients with hanging skin and excess fat below the chin that they would like to correct may be good candidates for a neck lift in Philadelphia. Because this is a serious procedure, patients must be in good health and have realistic expectations. Patients must also refrain from smoking for at least four weeks before and after surgery.
Neck Lift Benefits
A neck lift procedure includes many benefits for patients, such as:
- Minimal scarring
- Eliminated double chin
- Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
- Tightened underlying neck muscles
- Diminished neck bands
- Excess skin removal, revealing a more contoured neck
- Contoured chin and jawline
- Lifted and tightened skin
- A rejuvenated, more youthful appearance
What Does A Neck Lift Entail?
Consultation
During your consultation, you will discuss your goals and concerns with our facial plastic surgeon. They will examine the skin and excess fat below your chin and in your neck. It is essential to discuss any previous and present medical conditions, surgeries, and allergies during your consultation.
After a careful examination, our doctor can help you decide whether our neck lift surgery is right for you. If it is determined that this is the procedure for you, our facial plastic surgeon may use computer imaging to give you a better idea of your results.
Procedure
Our doctor customizes every surgery to the patient’s anatomy and goals based on the severity of lax, hanging skin, muscle, and excess fat. Most surgeries involve small incisions under the chin and behind the ears. Dr. Pontell or Dr. Weng will remove excess fatty tissue through the incisions and tighten the platysma muscle.
Hanging excess skin below the chin will be carefully trimmed away, and the remaining tissue and skin will be repositioned and secured with sutures. Our doctor will then close the incisions and place the drains if needed. With discreetly hidden incisions, scars are barely visible and fade over time.
Expectations
Immediately following the procedure, our doctor will wrap the neck in surgical dressings. The patient will be closely monitored if performed under general or sedation anesthesia. After about one hour, the patient can go home with a designated driver.
Minor discomfort following surgery is common. Our facial plastic surgeon prescribes medication to help alleviate any post-surgical pain and increase comfort during the healing process. Most of the swelling and bruising will subside in one to two weeks.
After this time, most patients feel well enough to return to work and normal activities. The neck will continue to heal for several months. Once residual swelling has subsided, and healing is complete, the results reveal a rejuvenated, tighter neck contour.
Revision Neck Lift Surgery
Patients sometimes visit our facial plastic surgeons for a revisional neck lift, typically because the previous results from another doctor did not meet their expectations. Our Philadelphia neck lift patients interested in a revisional neck lift must wait at least six months after their primary neck lift procedure. Waiting ensures that the tissues fully heal and that results are entirely apparent for the best outcome during a revision procedure.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Lift Surgery
How Long Will My Neck Lift Results Last?
With a healthy lifestyle, neck lift results can last for many years. However, neck lift surgery does not halt the aging process. For more lasting, enjoyable results, patients must follow a proper skincare routine, including limiting sun exposure. Patients can undergo a future cosmetic procedure to maintain results, such as injectables or Ultherapy® if they desire.
What Type Of Anesthesia Does Neck Lift Surgery Require?
Neck lift surgery can be done with local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Our facial plastic surgeon and the patient decide which type of anesthesia best suits their needs.
What Are The Risks And Complications Associated With Neck Lift Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there can be some risks and complications associated with neck lift surgery. These may include infection, bleeding, allergic reactions, anesthesia risks, and damage to underlying structures.
Can Neck Lift Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Neck lift surgery is commonly combined with facial cosmetic procedures such as facelift surgery, rhinoplasty, chin implants, eyelid lift surgery, and injectables.