Research > Neck Lift

Who would best Represent an Ideal Candidate for Neck Lift?

A neck lift can improve upon the appearance of the neck by creating more definition of the angle of the jaw. Undergoing this procedure can provide a boost to one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. A neck lift can be performed on individuals above 18 years of age who feel the need to improve their necks. Typical patients range between the ages of 30 and 70. A neck lift can address various cosmetic issues, including:

• Turkey neck
• Excess fat and/or skin in the neck
• Retrognathia

If you are self-conscious about these issues, you can be considered a good candidate for a neck lift. However, patients who undergo this procedure should also have realistic goals and expectations as well as be physically and mentally stable. People must remember that cosmetic surgery is meant for improvement, not perfection.
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Where do I begin?

Those considering neck lift should first find a qualified cosmetic surgeon to perform the procedure. CosmeticSurgery.com has created an easy and effective way for patients to find a cosmetic surgeon online. For more information please CLICK HERE.

After deciding upon a cosmetic surgeon, it is important to meet with the doctor for a consultation visit. During consultations, doctors can learn more about the patients and vice versa. This visit gives the doctor a chance to evaluate the current state of the patient’s neck and discuss options that will help the patient achieve a desired look. Consultation visits also give patients the opportunity to address their reasons for wanting surgery and to ask any questions they might have. These visits also allow the doctors to inform the patient of the benefits, precautions, treatment response, adverse reactions, method of administration and other important information.
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How is a neck lift performed?

A neck lift may be performed in the cosmetic surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or at a hospital. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and performed under general anesthesia, allowing the patient to sleep during the operation.

The neck lift takes about two to three hours for the doctor to perform. If multiple procedures are performed, it takes longer. The neck lift is actually a combination of procedures. The first is cervicoplasty, where excess skin is removed. The other is platysmaplasty, where neck muscles are removed or altered. Surgeons may also perform liposuction on the neck to remove fat deposits from the neck. To learn more about liposuction, please review the extensive information featured on CosmeticSurgery.com, CLICK HERE.

During cervicoplasty, two incisions are made either under or behind the ear. When combined with a platysmaplasty, a small incision is made under the chin. Sections of skin are trimmed, lifted into place and sutured. Then, a section of fat and muscle is removed and the ends are sutured together at the mid-anterior (front) section of the neck. The skin can be brought together under or behind the ear to further firm up appearance of the neck.

Various surgeons uses different techniques to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing neck, check with your cosmetic surgeon which procedure they use.
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Are there other options to improve the appearance of the neck?

A necklift is a combination of various procedures, but for some, one procedure alone could improve the appearance of the neck.

Neck Liposuction: Removing fat alone can improve problems in the neck. However this is only available to patients who have little excess skin in the neck region. If they do not have excess, droopy skin, neck liposuction will present a beautiful result.

Facelift: A facelift removes excess fat and skin from the facial area, including the neck. This procedure can tighten a jawline that grows slack and jowly and those with folds and fat deposits around the neck. This is more beneficial to those wanting to improve upon signs of aging in their face as well as the neck. A facelift also helps those who have no excess fat in this region, but possess a significant amount of excess skin.

Chin implant: This is for people who have a weak chin and, as result, the neck looks overly fleshy. Chin implants can also help those with retrognathia, a condition where the jaw is receding.

Please discuss with your surgeon as to which procedure will work best to meet your needs.
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How Much Pain is Associated with Neck lift?

There will be some discomfort after undergoing neck lift surgery, which can be lessened with prescribed pain medication. Some degree of swelling and possibly bruising can be expected, but this is only temporary. It is recommended that you stay home for at least a week after surgery and take it easy for the first three weeks following surgery.
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What happens after undergoing a Neck Lift operation?

During the recovery period, doctors usually have patients wear a compression garment for several days. This garment helps improve blood circulation, minimize swelling, and flush out potentially harmful fluids. The compression garment can allow the patient to heal from their necklift faster and minimize the amount of downtime while providing comfort and support to the neck.

Even though swelling takes a few weeks to subside, patients should be able to start seeing the results of their neck lift within a week following surgery. Patients will notice more definition in their neck and under the jaw line.

The duration of the results depend on the type of procedures used. The neck lift procedure can last about five to ten years, but this varies from patient to patient. A facelift also lasts about the same amount of time. Patients can choose to undergo another facelift and necklift when they start to notice their results fading. Otherwise, their appearance will revert to a pre-surgical state. Liposuction permanently removes fat deposits from the neck. Fat can still grow in other areas, and that is why it is important to stay in shape even after undergoing liposuction.
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What Are the Risks and Limitations of Neck lift?

With any cosmetic procedure, there is always the possibility of risks. A neck lift may involve multiple procedures, so, there is an increased risk. The most common risk for any cosmetic procedure is allergic reaction to the anesthesia and infection. Another potential complication is accumulation of blood under the skin (hematoma). Yet another risk is injury to the nerves that control muscles in the treated area. Excessive scar tissue is another possible cause for concern, however, scar revision procedures can help.

These risks can be reduced when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon, with extensive experience in performing neck lifts and if patients follow their doctor’s pre-op and post-op instructions. Note: Smokers should stop smoking two weeks before surgery because this contributes to poor healing of the skin.
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What Are The Typical Costs Associated With Neck Lift?

Since a neck lift may involve several procedures performed at once, the cost of undergoing this procedure can range anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000. Liposuction alone averages $1500, a facelift usually costs $4000, and a chin implant runs about $1,700. Fees within various regions may also vary depending on whether the doctor’s practice is in an urban, suburban or rural area. When considering costs for a neck lift, make sure the total figure includes any and all associated costs. A comprehensive cost figure may be obtained while consulting with a cosmetic surgeon.

Unfortunately, most medical insurance providers do not cover cosmetic surgery procedures. However, most surgeons do offer multiple financing options. CosmeticSurgery.com provides information on various ways patients can fit a neck lift into their budget. For more information please CLICK HERE.
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Ten Questions Neck Lift Patients Should Ask Their Surgeon

To better educate the patient about neck lift, as well as assisting in formulating realistic expectations, it is recommended that the patient look at before and after photographs, speak with previous patients, (you are always welcome to ask your doctor for referrals to previous patients and where to contact them) and get answers to the following questions:

1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
2. Where will the neck lift be performed and how long will it take?
3. Which procedure(s) would be the most appropriate for improving the appearance of my neck (i.e. liposuction, facelift, chin implant)?
4. What kind of anesthesia will the surgeon use during the surgery?
5. How much does a neck lift cost and what other elements factor into that cost (i.e., hospital fee, anesthesia, etc)?
6. What is the surgeon’s level of experience in performing neck lift?
7. What percentage of patients experience complications with the neck lift?
8. What is the surgeon’s policy in regards to correcting or repeating the procedure if the surgery does not meet agreed upon goals?
9. What should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of soreness, scaring, activity level and so on?
10. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked or suspended?

In addition, it is important that neck lift patients relay to their surgeon information regarding any allergies and serious medical conditions they may have. Furthermore, patients should inform the surgeon of any medications they are taking.

This site provides information about plastic/cosmetic surgery and is designed to help users make decisions regarding their own treatment options. But medical information is not the same as medical advice--the application of medical treatment to a person's specific circumstances. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a qualified medical practitioner if you want professional assurance that our information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate to your particular situation.
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