The neck lift is an ideal procedure for individuals whose aging concerns are limited to the neck. If aging conditions are present in the face as well, a full face and neck lift may be more appropriate. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rubinstein in Newburgh, New York is very careful when performing the neck lift to create a natural rejuvenated appearance by tightening the underlying neck muscles and removing excess skin and fat. The result is a smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking neck area.
What is a Necklift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that reduces sagging skin in the neck and under the jaw line. Surgeons frequently perform it in combination with a face lift and eyelid surgery. Incisions are also minimal and well hidden behind the ear. A neck lift is actually a set of procedures that enhance the appearance of your neck:
- Cervicoplasty is the procedure for removing excess skin
- Platysmaplasty removes or alters neck muscles
For many individuals, the neck is often one of the first areas of the face to show signs of age. Over time as the skin loses its elasticity, wrinkles and folds may develop in the neck while the chin and jawline may become slack and lose definition. Excess or sagging skin in the neck can lead to what many refer to as a “turkey neck” or “wattle”. Neck lift surgery can also address Double Chin Concerns as a consequence of obesity.
*Each neck lift Newburgh patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Neck Lift – The Procedure
Surgeons generally perform necklift with local anesthesia and sedation, though sometimes they may use general anesthesia if the patient prefers. The surgery typically takes one to three hours to complete. Incisions may be located underneath the chin within a skin crease as well as behind each ear. Through these incisions, Dr. Rubinstein removes excess fat using liposuction or direct excision techniques, tightens the underlying muscles, and removes excess skin before closing the incisions.
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Possible Complications
The necklift is a generally safe cosmetic procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and these may include bleeding, infection, numbness, asymmetry, nerve injury and scarring. You can minimize potential problems by carefully following your doctor’s pre- and post-operative instructions.
After Surgery: What to Expect
Patients can expect a recovery period of about one to two weeks following the procedure. You can resume work and most other normal activities at this time, though you’ll have to postpone exercise and strenuous activities for several weeks. We typically apply a bandage after surgery which you will keep in place for several days. If we use surgical drains, we typically remove them within twenty-four hours. Patients often experience a tight feeling in the neck, though this resolves within a few weeks. You may also experience some discomfort but you can manage it with medication. Swelling and bruising will fade within a few weeks.
Neck Lift FAQs
There are different types of neck lifts, all of which primarily address the neck more than the jaw line.
a. Mini neck lift: Only sagging skin is addressed thru a small incision behind the ears.
b. Neck lift with platysma muscle tightening: the sagging underlying muscles are lifted as well. The neck bands created by muscle cords are also addressed thru a small incision under the chin. Sedation is usually required.
c. Direct neck lift: excess skin is directly removed in the mid-line of the neck rather than big incisions behind the ears and into the hairline. The advantage is that by addressing skin where it is sagging the most, in the middle of the neck, a better neck lift result can be obtained.
If you live in the state of New York, Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists offers neck lift among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Although we are located in Newburgh, we encourage patients looking for plastic surgery in Poughkeepsie or Middletown Plastic Surgery to contact us as well.
