Neck Lift & Neck Contouring
A Neck lift, also known as a ‘lower rhytidectomy’, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the lower face and neck. With normal aging, the lower face can develop fullness (jowls), sagging skin and excess fat under the chin (double chin). A neck lift is an outpatient procedure performed in our Ambulatory Surgical Center under local anesthesia.
Am I a Good Neck Lift Candidate?
The neck lift procedure is ideal for patients who are interested in long-lasting rejuvenation of the neck and lower face. It is best for patients who are in good overall health, since certain preexisting health issues can increase the chance of complications.
Good candidates for a neck lift are non-smokers. Smoking results in skin health issues, which in turn lead to post-surgical complications and a prolonged healing process. Smokers must quit at least two weeks before the surgery and must continue to avoid smoking for the entirety of the recovery process.
It is important to have realistic expectations for your results. When you discuss your potential results with your surgeon, they will help you set realistic expectations.
Your Initial Appointment
Before a date can be set for your neck lift surgery, you will need to schedule an initial consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, the two of you will discuss your goals for the neck lift so that your surgeon can tailor the procedure to help meet your needs.
You will also go over your complete medical history, including past procedures, allergies, and current medications/supplements. Your surgeon will perform an exam to ensure that the neck lift is the right solution for your exact issues. Finally, a surgical plan will be created and a date will be set for the procedure.
Neck Lift Surgical Approach
Patients are given a relaxant and will, therefore, need a driver, but do not require general anesthesia or hospitalization. This greatly improves safety and reduces downtime. After tumescent anesthesia is administered to numb the skin of the lower face and neck, most patients will have liposuction to remove fat and stimulate skin tightening. Then an incision is made meticulously along the front of the ear and around the back of the ear and hairline to remove excess skin and recreate a natural contour of the jawline. The remaining skin will be tightened, and then incisions will be closed using stitches.
Before and AfterWhat can you expect from a neck lift?
- Improvement in skin laxity of the lower face and neck.
- Tightening of the jowls of the lower face.
- Removal of excess chin and lower face fat.
- Improvement in jawline contour.
- Improvement in banding of the neck.
- Lower face rejuvenation
After a Neck Lift
After the procedure, patients leave with a chin strap in place that is to be worn 24 hours a day (excluding showering) for the first week. A travel neck pillow is helpful for sleeping at night given that both ears will be swollen and tender for the first few days/week. Patients can expect immediate results with some residual swelling and bruising which will go down considerably during the first week. The later effects of neck tightening can be seen even months after the initial surgery.
Contact Our Atlanta Location to Schedule a Neck Lift Consultation
Want to learn more about neck lifts in Atlanta? Click here to contact Dr. Baucom and Dr. Mina to set up a consultation.