Like the face, the delicate skin of the neck is more vulnerable to signs of the aging process than the rest of the body. It is common for patients undergoing a facelift to treat the neck as well.
Much like other cosmetic procedures, the purpose of a neck lift is to restore firmness to aging skin and muscle in the neck.
Neck Lift Procedure
As an experienced Charlotte oral surgery practice, Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery offers immediate and personalized care for patients interested in a refreshed look.
Dr. Marashi and the rest of the surgical team are experts in treating the face, jaw, and neck. They will work with patients to create an individualized plan that meets their needs and produces outstanding results.
What Is A Neck Lift?
Also known as a lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin in the jawline and neck. As people age, their skin naturally becomes less elastic.
This loose skin and muscle during neck aging, along with excess fat and buildup can make the neck sag. Neck lift surgery is a common procedure to improve neck wrinkles and signs of aging.
This can be achieved by removing excess skin in the neck, jowl, and lower jaw areas, or performing a liposuction procedure to remove excess fat from beneath the chin.
Other times, the surgeon must restructure the underlying muscle beneath the skin to produce the optimal aesthetic outcome.
Benefits Of A Neck Lift
Neck lifts are a natural-looking plastic surgery, that accomplishes what diet and exercise alone cannot. When performed by an expertly trained plastic surgeon, some benefits of neck lifts include:
| • | Minimal scarring |
| • | Tightening of the underlying muscles and skin |
| • | Improvement in skin texture and appearance |
| • | Loss of accumulated fat under the chin |
| • | More youthful appearance |
| • | Improved confidence and self-esteem |
Many patients prefer neck lifts to other cosmetic solutions because they feel confident it is one of the safest, longest lasting, and most reliable treatments available while producing outstanding results.
Risks Of Neck Lift Surgery
Although neck lift surgery is a safe cosmetic procedure, there are still potential complications that can arise. Some risks associated with neck lifts are :
| • | Asymmetry |
| • | Anesthesia side-effects |
| • | Bleeding |
| • | Fluid accumulation |
| • | Infection |
| • | Numbness |
Your doctor will work with you to make sure that the procedure will achieve your goals and reduce any side effects.
Choosing a well-trained facial surgeon will lower the likelihood of any complications. In addition, they will have experience in managing any issues that occur during the plastic surgery itself.
What To Expect With A Neck Lift
To determine if you are a candidate for a neck lift, your doctor will perform an initial consultation to assess your medical history or any existing conditions. Before treatment, certain lifestyle changes may be necessary to ensure optimal results, such as:
| • | Avoiding alcohol and foods with excess sugar or fat |
| • | Avoiding nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs |
| • | Abstaining from smoking |
A neck lift can be performed in a single surgical treatment under general anesthesia, which allows patients to sleep peacefully throughout the treatment.
Neck lift surgery is minimally invasive and only small incisions are necessary to achieve the optimal outcome. These surgical sites are typically hidden behind the ears or under the chin for natural looking results.
Neck lift surgery typically lasts 2 to 3 hours so the doctor can properly arrange the skin, fat, and muscle in the front neck area. This treatment can be performed at the same time as other cosmetic procedures, such as a brow lift or a facelift, for cohesive results.
Neck Lift Surgery Recovery
After a neck lift, patients will have sutures at the incision sites. In some cases, there may be a small tube to drain excess fluid from under the skin. The surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to care for the surgical sites.
In general, recovery from neck lift surgery is straightforward. Like any surgical procedure, patients should avoid strenuous activity to allow the incisions to heal. Based on the doctor's instructions, most patients can return to their usual activities within a week of surgery.
Some side effects, such as swelling, may take a few weeks to fully subside. After this time, patients will be able to see the full results of their neck lift procedures.
Cost Of A Neck Lift
The average cost of a neck lift is around $5,100. This price varies for each patient based on other procedures, anesthesia, and insurance coverage. For any cosmetic procedure, the surgeon’s experience and your comfort are just as important as the final cost of surgery.
Your surgical team at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery will work with you to determine which financial planning option fits your needs.
Why Choose Greater Charlotte Oral And Facial Surgery?
At Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, our team believes in giving patients the quality care they deserve. Dr. Marashi has extensive training in the full scope of maxillofacial reconstructive surgery services, with years of experience performing neck lifts.
Along with a custom treatment plan that fits your cosmetic needs, the team will provide the highest level of care while making patients feel at home.
Excess Skin Removal in Charlotte NC
To find out more about neck lift treatments and other cosmetic procedures available at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, please contact one of our offices in Steele Creek or Pineville.
Our office staff would be happy to assist you in scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Marashi, who will recommend the best way to restore your youthful appearance.
Neck Lift FAQs
How Painful Is a Neck Lift?
In most cases, neck lifts result in minimal pain. Anesthesia is used during surgery which will prevent pain during the procedure.
Afterward, patients may notice some tightness, bruising, or numbness in the face and neck. The doctor will prescribe pain medication to be used to further reduce swelling and any painful side effects. These symptoms should go away within two weeks of the surgery.
How Long Does a Neck Lift Last?
The results of neck lift surgery tend to last 10 to 15 years if performed by an experienced surgeon.
The exact timeframe will vary based on the individual’s skin and how well they take care of it. Some factors are uncontrollable, such as natural aging processes. Patients can enjoy the natural results of of their neck lift for longer by limiting sun exposure and substance usage.
What Is the Best Age for a Neck Lift?
There is no correct age for a neck lift because each individual and their skin are different. The most common age for the neck lift procedure is 45 – 55, the period where aging effects on the neck muscles and skin are typically experienced.
Healthy individuals can receive neck lift surgery into their 70s and beyond. A neck lift is a good option for anyone that is self-conscious about their jawline or neck.
Can a Neck Lift Be Done Without a Facelift?
Although neck lifts and facelifts are two complementary procedures often performed together, each procedure can be carried out individually. Some concerns are comprehensively addressed by combining neck lifts with other cosmetic surgeries.
These procedures are integrated for a seamless finished look. However, this may not be the ideal procedure for all patients. Individuals with sagging skin in the neck area without visible facial aging are good candidates for neck lifts without a facelift.
Neck Lift Surgery in Charlotte NC
Contact us or Schedule a consultation with our experts at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery and learn more about our services! We look forward to helping you improve your oral health and smile!
