When it comes to aging and plastic surgery, most people automatically think of facial rejuvenation first. One of the most requested procedures that can give the appearance of restored youth is a facelift. While this procedure can take years off your appearance, a neck lift can create just as much of an impact and help turn back the clock.
As we age, we lose skin elasticity due to gravity, genetics, environmental stressors, loss of collagen, and fluctuations in our weight. Over time, skin can loosen and begin to show wrinkles more prominently, sometimes creating a “turkey neck” look. Neck lifts are becoming increasingly popular and are often combined with facelifts to create a more uniform look that promotes balance and visual harmony, enhancing our features while increasing confidence.
What does a neck lift entail, and do the results last? Below, we’ll discuss the procedure in more detail so you can make an informed decision about how it may benefit your overall aesthetic.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift can address wrinkles or sagging in the neck along with any extra fullness in the chin or slack in the jawline (jowls). This is often caused by aging and loss of fat and can worsen over time due to sun exposure and lifestyle factors like smoking, causing premature aging of the skin.
The procedure involves making an incision behind the ear or near the chin and removing excess fat and skin from the neck to create a tightening and lifting effect.
A neck lift can correct:
- Loose neck skin, also called “turkey neck”
- Excess fat or sagging skin that creates jowls
- Fatty deposits under the chin
How Long Do Neck Lift Surgery Results Last?
Now that you’re more familiar with the procedure and how it works, you may be wondering how long the effects of a neck lift can last. The simple answer is that neck lift results can last about 8 to 10 years, depending on a patient’s age at surgery, condition of the skin, amount of sun exposure, weight, and whether or not a patient smokes.
Neck lifts are often combined with other rejuvenation procedures like a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery for uniformity, giving the patient a firmer, more youthful overall aesthetic.
Though the overall effects of a neck lift can vary from person to person along with the time it can last, there are touchup procedures available that provide a non-surgical approach if additional maintenance is needed. Lasers, fillers, and microneedling can help keep your look fresh after a neck lift if it’s been closer to a decade.
Patients can expect:
- A slimmer facial profile
- A more youthful appearance
- Virtually no scarring
- Tightened skin
- Reduced double chin fat
- Safe, effective, and long-lasting results
How Do I Prolong My Results?
There are multiple ways to maximize the results of your neck lift surgery, and it begins with your surgical after care. It’s very important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and avoid certain things to maintain your new look.
One of the most important lifestyle tips for neck lift after care is to avoid nicotine completely. Smoking inhibits blood flow, which is necessary for proper healing, and it can also speed up the overall aging process.
Another factor to consider is sun exposure. After any facial rejuvenation procedure, it’s extremely important to use a daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to avoid premature aging and the breakdown of collagen. It’s also important to keep skin hydrated with a good post-procedure, medical-grade moisturizer. Vitamin C serums can also help keep your neck skin looking bright and radiant with continued use.
Healthy eating habits are just as important as what you put on your skin to prolong your neck surgery results. Choosing foods that are high in protein, antioxidants, and vitamins can help promote healthy skin during and after surgery. Vitamins A, C, and E are crucial for supple skin. Healthy fats like those found in salmon, flaxseeds, and avocados can also promote skin health long after your neck lift procedure. Along with diet, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water each day to prevent skin dryness and maintain its elasticity.
What Is the Recovery Time for a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is considered an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day. There will be some swelling and potentially some bruising that can last for weeks or potentially months, and your incision sutures can be removed within 7 to 10 days of surgery. It’s important to keep your head elevated when resting for the first few days to minimize swelling.
Once you’ve gotten your sutures out and your surgical dressing has been removed, you will be given a head wrap to wear for continued healing. When getting any facial rejuvenation procedure, it’s recommended to wear sunscreen going forward to prevent any future sun damage, which can alter the results.
Is Neck Lift Surgery Right for Me?
Candidates who are interested in a neck lift procedure should be in overall good health, non-smokers, and have a realistic take on potential results.
If you’re in the greater Los Angeles area and looking for a plastic surgeon, Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis is amazing at her craft. Her artistry combined with her kind demeanor and thorough approach make her one of the most highly respected plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills. Are you ready to take the next step towards a new you? To schedule a consultation with Dr. Davis contact us or call (800) 805-3612 today.