NEck Lift
Candidates for a Neck Lift
A neck lift is ideal for individuals who are bothered by visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline—such as loose or sagging skin, vertical banding, or excess fat under the chin. Good candidates typically include:
Adults in good overall health with realistic expectations
Those experiencing "turkey neck," jowling, or skin laxity in the lower face and neck
Individuals who feel their neck looks older or less defined than the rest of their face
Patients who have maintained a stable weight and are nonsmokers
Dr. Ramachandra will evaluate your anatomy and goals to determine if a neck lift—or a combination of procedures such as liposuction or lower facelift—is the right approach to achieve a more sculpted, youthful profile.
Add in a before and after picture
Goals of a Neck Lift
The primary goal of a neck lift is to create a smoother, more defined neck and jawline by addressing visible signs of aging or volume changes in the lower face. This may include:
Tightening loose or sagging skin on the neck
Reducing excess fat under the chin and along the jawline
Smoothing vertical neck bands caused by muscle laxity (platysmal bands)
Restoring a more youthful, contoured profile that blends naturally with the face
Dr. Ramachandra customizes each procedure to your unique anatomy, aiming for elegant, natural-looking results that enhance—not alter—your overall appearance.
The Neck lift Procedure
A neck lift begins with a small, inconspicuous incision directly below the chin (platysmaplasty) and/or in front of the ear lobes, looping behind the ears and ending in the scalp near the back of the neck (cervicoplasty). Sagging skin is trimmed away and lifted during cervicoplasty; loose muscles that cause the “bands” around the neck to be prominent are tightened during platysmaplasty. In some cases, it is necessary to perform only one of the two procedures. Liposuction is sometimes used to remove excess fat; if so, it is performed before the neck lift. Incisions are glued and/or sutured closed.
A neck lift usually takes 2 to 4 hours to perform, and the patient is given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Most neck lifts are performed on an outpatient basis. Bandages covering incisions are removed after a few days; sutures are typically removed after 7 to 10 days.
Recovery from a neck lift
Swelling and bruising from a neck lift can last up to 10 days. Applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated for the first 48 hours following surgery minimizes swelling. Keeping the head still, and avoiding turning or twisting it for the first few days post-surgery, is recommended. Medication is prescribed to help alleviate discomfort.
Most people return to work and other normal daily activities within 2 weeks, after which bruising and swelling have subsided. More strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Risks of a neck lift
Although rare, possible risks and complications of a neck lift include the following:
Scarring
Excessive bleeding
Hematoma
Tissue death
Blood clots
Numbness
Intense itching
Skin discoloration
Persistent swelling
A more serious complication, also rare, is facial nerve damage that can lead to muscle paralysis.