NECK LIFT
A NATIONAL LEADER IN FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
Considering neck lift surgery in Miami? As you get older, the skin on your neck gets looser. You can also have excess neck skin if you’ve lost a lot of weight. Along with excess skin in the neck area, as you age, the muscles in the area start to weaken and separate. Loose skin, weak muscles and extra fat all combine to produce a look that’s often called “turkey neck,” since it resembles the wattle that turkeys have under their beak.
A neck lift procedure, is often the most effective way to rid yourself of turkey neck. The surgery can involve removing excess skin, a procedure known as cervicoplasty, as well as tightening the muscles of the neck, a procedure known as platysmaplasty.
Platysmaplasty And Cervicoplasty
During a platysmaplasty procedure, the plastic surgeon makes a few small incisions, under the chin and in some cases by the ears. The procedure can be performed endoscopically, meaning a small camera is inserted into the neck, allowing the surgeon to see the area without making large incisions. Depending on the condition of your neck, the surgeon will tighten and adjust the neck muscle or remove a section of the muscle. After the neck muscle is adjusted or partially removed, the surgeon will work to lift the neck by cutting away excess skin.
Neck Lift Treatment Options
Depending on the amount of fat in your neck area, liposuction might be part of the neck lift procedure as well. The surgeon will suction out the fat to improve the look of the area.
You might not need a surgical procedure to reduce the look of turkey neck. In some cases, Botox injections in the neck area are sufficient. The injections relax the muscles and reduce the appearance of bands in the neck. Injections might not last long as surgery but the recovery time is sufficiently shorter.
If you are concerned about the look of your neck, contact us to set up a consultation and discuss which procedures are most suitable for you.
The delicate skin on our neck is one place on our bodies where age is particularly apparent. Factors such as genetics, loose neck muscles from aging, environmental influences and significant weight loss can cause your neck to look older than the rest of you. But what can be done about it?
What A Neck Lift Can Corrrect
The neck lift procedure tightens the neck muscles and removes excess, sagging skin from the chin and along the jawline, sharpening the contour of the neck and removing any vertical lines that have accumulated there over time. The result is a smoother, more defined neck that makes you look much younger, and thinner, than before.
Good Candidates For A Neck Lift
In general, you are considered a good candidate for neck lift surgery if you:
- Are in good health
- Are medically cleared by your doctor (especially if pregnant)
- Are a non-smoker (or quit smoking before surgery)
Neck Lift Procedure Details
Neck lift is an outpatient surgery that is usually accomplished using a combination procedure consisting of cervicoplasty (removal of the neck’s excess skin) and platysmaplasty (alteration and tightening of the platysma neck muscle). During the procedure, the surgeon typically tightens and adjusts the neck muscle or removes a portion of it (depending on the condition of your neck), as well as removes any excess skin. Liposuction is also often used during the procedure to remove excess fat from the neck.
To get ready for the surgery, you will first be connected to an intravenous (IV) line that administers fluids and medications. You will also be given a general anesthetic (the details of which will be thoroughly discussed with you during the consultation process). Once you are under anesthesia, the surgeon will make a few small incisions under the chin, in some cases by the ears, where an endoscope (a small camera) will be inserted that will visually guide the doctor during surgery. The surgeon will tighten and adjust the neck muscle, possibly removing a section of the muscle. The surgeon will then cut away the excess skin on the neck. Depending on the amount of fat present, the surgeon may also use liposuction. The entire procedure takes two to three hours, though neck lift surgeries that include liposuction may take longer.
Recovering From A Neck Lift
Immediately after surgery, you will experience mild to moderate discomfort in your neck. You will wear a compression bandage around your neck and head for at least one week after surgery, and you may also have a drainage tube to drain excess fluids from under your skin. Some swelling and bruising is common after having a neck lift, and usually subsides within one or two weeks. During this time, it is important to keep your head and neck as still as possible and positioned above your heart to minimize swelling. During the recovery period, and possibly a little longer, exercise will be restricted. You will be able to go to work about one week after surgery (and after three or four weeks for jobs that require physical work).
Neck Lift FAQs
How long does a neck lift last?
The results of a neck lift are long-lasting. Most patients can expect their results to last 10 to 15 years, depending on factors such as skin quality, age at the time of surgery, and lifestyle habits. While a neck lift cannot stop the natural aging process, it resets the clock by tightening underlying muscles, removing excess fat, and redraping the skin for a more youthful neck contour. Some patients choose minor touch-ups later in life to maintain their results.
How much does neck lift cost?
The cost of a neck lift varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional treatments like liposuction or facelift are combined. Our office will provide a personalized quote following your consultation. Though pricing can differ, many patients find the investment worthwhile due to the long-lasting, confidence-boosting results. Although neck lift is not usually covered by insurance, financing options are available to help you afford the full cost of surgery.
What is the best age for a neck lift?
There is no “perfect” age for a neck lift, but many patients pursue the procedure in their 40s to 60s. What matters more than age is the presence of visible concerns such as sagging skin, muscle banding, or excess fat around the jawline and neck. Younger patients with early signs of aging may benefit from a mini neck lift, while older individuals often require a more comprehensive approach.
Can I get a neck lift without a facelift?
Yes, a neck lift can be performed independently of a facelift. While these procedures are often combined for more complete rejuvenation, some patients are bothered only by changes in their neck and jawline. Dr. Krau tailors each treatment plan based on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. If your midface is still firm and youthful, a standalone neck lift may be all that’s needed.
Does a neck lift help with a double chin?
Yes, a neck lift can improve or eliminate a double chin, especially when combined with submental liposuction. The procedure removes excess fat and tightens the underlying muscles and skin, resulting in a more defined chin and jawline. A neck lift can provide a long-term solution if your double chin is due to loose skin, weakened muscles, or fat accumulation.
How can I fix sagging neck skin permanently?
Surgical neck lift is the most effective and long-lasting solution for sagging neck skin. Non-surgical treatments may offer mild improvements, but they typically require ongoing maintenance and do not address underlying muscle laxity. A neck lift removes excess skin and repositions the deeper tissues to create a firm, youthful neckline that lasts for many years.
What lifestyle habits affect neck lift results over time?
Sun exposure, smoking, weight fluctuations, and poor skincare can accelerate aging and diminish your neck lift results. To protect your investment, maintain a stable weight, use sun protection daily, avoid smoking, and follow a consistent skincare routine. Patients who adopt healthy habits tend to enjoy smoother, more youthful neck contours for years after surgery.
Schedule A Neck Lift Consultation
Is your neck making you look and feel years older than you are? Call Dr. Krau’s practice at (305) 861-6881 to schedule a consultation and find out more about neck lift surgery.