A youthful neck is a sign of health and vitality. However, as we age, our necks can lose tone, and develop redundant skin and unwanted contours. In select patients, an isolated neck lift can be a good option to improve neck appearance. Neck lift can also be combined with facelift, depending on patient goals.
How does a
neck lift work?
Neck lift is a surgical procedure that aims to rejuvenate the neck. Dr. Vial makes strategic incisions to trim away excess skin tissues, remove unwanted fat, and tighten the underlying tissues.
What does a neck lift treat?
- Extreme skin laxity in the neck
- Redundant folds of skin under the neck, also known as a “turkey wattle”
- Unwanted fat deposits under the chin
- A double chin due to excess submental fat tissues
- Neck bands and abnormal contours
Who is a candidates for a neck lift:
In general, candidates for neck lift:
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Do not have underlying medical conditions that preclude surgery
- Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking one month before and one month after the procedure
- Do not use nicotine products, or are willing to stop using products one month before and one month after the procedure (gum, chews, patch, vape)
- Are not exposed to second-hand smoke
- Have realistic expectations from the surgery
- Want to reverse the signs of aging on the neck
How is neck lift performed?
Your neck lift journey will start with a consultation with Dr. Vial. He will listen to your concerns and expectations, examine your neck skin, and discuss your neck lift options. Dr. Vial creates a customized treatment plan for your neck lift to ensure results that address your specific goals.
Neck lift is performed as an outpatient procedure, usually under sedation anesthesia. The day of surgery, Dr. Vial marks your neck and reverifies the planned scars with you. Once you are under sedation, Dr. Vial makes incisions on the neck in line with your surgical plan. The length of the incisions depends on the amount of excess skin; larger incisions are necessary to remove larger amounts of skin. Once the skin is removed, and the underlying neck structures are contoured, the skin is closed.
What are my neck lift options?
Depending on your specific condition and expectations, your neck lift options may include:
- Single incision neck lift (submental incision): Suitable for younger patients with good skin tone and thick neck contours
- Traditional neck lift: Suitable for patients with excess skin and neck thickness. Combines a submental incision with an incision behind the ear and in the nape of the neck hidden along the hairline. These incisions allow for the removal of excess skin and tissue.
- Facelift – neck lift: Suitable for patients with neck concerns and facial concerns, most often jowls. Please refer to the facelift page.
- Direct neck lift: Suitable for patients with a significant skin excess who want limited surgery. The contour can be excellent in exchange for a visible scar on the anterior neck above the Adam’s apple.
View Before and After Photos
What is the recovery
process after a neck lift?
How you recover in the three months after your surgery determines the outcome for years to come. Dr. Vial will provide a list of step-by-step recovery guidelines after your surgery. You will need to take 1-2 weeks off work, depending on the neck lift technique. You will have swelling that mostly resolves in 1-2 weeks and bruising that lasts 3-4 weeks. You should avoid strenuous workouts for the complete length of your recovery.
What are the risks of a neck lift?
Dr. Vial prioritizes safety above all else, and performs your neck lift using the latest surgical techniques. He only works with board-certified anesthesiologists and certified nurses to ensure optimal and consistent results. However, all surgeries, including neck lift, carry inherent risks that Dr. Vial will discuss during your consultation.
The complications unique to neck lift that are reported nationally include, but are not limited to:
- Asymmetry
- Dry mouth (rare)
- Changes in skin color (rare)
- Loss of facial movement (very rare)
Why choose Dr. Vial for your neck lift?
Dr. Vial is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in facial surgery. He has trained at the world’s best institutions where many of these procedures continue to be advanced. He makes safety a top priority and has developed a reputation for beautiful, natural results.
