Neck lift

In many adults, the earliest visible signs of aging appear in the lower face and throat area. You may begin to see the formation of jowls, the accumulation of fatty bulges underneath the chin, or the dreaded “turkey wattle” effect caused by vertical banding of muscle and skin tissue in the neck. Wrinkles, lines, and creases around the mouth and lower facial region, as well as those that form around the neckline, also contribute to a tired appearance that looks prematurely aged. A neck lift, medically referred to as a Platysmaplasty or Lower Rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that tightens and tones the muscles and skin in the neck, eliminates the double chin effect, as well as diminishes the appearance of jowls along the jawline while defining a firmer, more toned facial profile. Many patients choose to combine a neck lift with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer. In some cases, a combination of a neck lift with liposuction is used to achieve a firm and defined contour in the face and neck.

The neck lift is a highly popular procedure that provides the following benefits:

• Tightens the muscles and skin of the lower face and throat region,
• Eliminates jowls and double chin,
• Enhances contour and definition of the chin, neck, and jawline,
• Eliminates excess sagging skin and fat from the chin and neck, and
• Diminishes the “turkey wattle” and rejuvenates the throat and neckline.

At Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, our team of specialized surgeons will customize a personal treatment plan to address your specific aesthetic goals in order to achieve long-lasting natural-looking results and improve the overall condition of your skin.

Neck lift Consultation and Planning

Your surgeon will perform a thorough medical history and examine your skin and face during your consultation. He or she will discuss your aesthetic concerns with you and recommend the procedures that will best address your concerns and fulfill your desired goals. No two individuals are alike, so we provide a personalized surgical plan customized for each patient.

Neck lift Procedure Description

A neck lift is a simple outpatient procedure performed in our certified surgical center using general anesthesia. The procedure is done using small incisions that are discreetly camouflaged within the skin’s natural creases and folds. Through these incisions, the surgeon is able to meticulously tighten underlying neck muscles and extract fatty deposits, sculpting a taut, smooth throat contour, eliminating jowls and double chin, as well as vertical neck bands. The neck lift procedure typically takes a few hours and patients may return home the same day. Your neck will be wrapped in a compression bandage once the surgery is completed, and your first follow-up appointment will be scheduled for the following day. Draining tubes may be used under the skin, and these are usually removed during your first follow up visit.

Neck Lift Recovery

Any soreness or discomfort you may experience following surgery can be easily addressed with oral pain medication, and our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions as well as close monitoring of your healing process. Ice packs may be used to alleviate swelling. You should make sure you have someone to drive you home after surgery and provide basic home care for a few days while you rest. You must avoid lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk and refrain from bending over to prevent pressure on the treatment area. You will have to sleep with your neck and head elevated and restrict movement of the neck as much as possible for a period of about two weeks. Sutures will be removed 5-7 days after surgery. Soreness and swelling will subside naturally in about 2 weeks and most patients will be able to resume office work and light physical activity 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, while more strenuous activity may be resumed after about one month.

Neck Lift Results

The neck lift achieves natural-looking results that may last years; however, while a neck lift may take years off your appearance, it cannot stop the clock from ticking, and the aging process will naturally continue to affect the future condition of your skin. Some patients choose to undergo additional procedures several years down the road in order to maintain a youthful appearance. A healthy skin care and sun protection regimen will extend the life of your results, as will good lifestyle habits such as avoiding smoking and other irritants. Many patients choose to complement the neck lift procedure with minimally invasive treatments such as dermal filler injections that can refresh your look with minimal expense and down time.

At Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, you can achieve a more youthful appearance for years to come with a customized neck lift performed by our team of specialized plastic surgeons.