A neck lift improves the contour of the neck by removing fatty deposits, tightening muscles, and removing excess skin. A good neck lift candidate has fullness under their chin and jowls, as well as sagging of neck skin and muscles. If your neckline and neck contour improves when you pull back the area you probably are a good neck lift surgery candidate. At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Sacramento, CA, we specialize in helping patients achieve a more youthful and defined neck profile with our neck lifts.
What Is Neck Lift Surgery?
Neck lift surgery focuses on rejuvenating the appearance of the neck by addressing sagging skin, muscle laxity, and unwanted fat deposits. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, underlying muscles are tightened, and fat in areas like the chin and jawline can be sculpted or redistributed. A neck lift works beneath the skin to provide long-lasting improvements in contour and tone. It’s a customizable surgery, allowing adjustments based on the patient’s concerns, whether loose skin, stubborn fat, or a combination of both.
What Can Neck Lifts Treat?
Sagging Neck Skin
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping the skin firm, slows down. This leads to sagging neck skin, which makes the neck appear older and less defined. Lifestyle factors like sun exposure, smoking, and weight fluctuations can accelerate the breakdown of these proteins. A neck lift removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue to resolve these concerns.
Jowls
Jowls form when the skin and fat around the lower face and jawline droop. Gravity pulls down on weakened muscles and loose skin, causing the definition of the jawline to blur. This is a natural part of aging that can be influenced by genetics or significant weight loss. A neck lift can treat jowls by tightening the skin and lifting the underlying structures.
Double Chin
A double chin occurs due to excess fat beneath the chin, which may be a result of weight gain, aging, or genetic predisposition. The loss of skin elasticity combined with fat accumulation can make the neck appear bulkier than desired. A neck lift can sculpt this area by removing fat and tightening the skin.
Neck Banding
Neck banding, also known as platysmal bands, occurs when the thin muscles in the neck become more prominent as we age. These vertical cords can make the neck look older and can be pronounced. Neck banding is not only a result of aging but can be worsened by lifestyle habits like poor posture and looking down at screens for extended periods. A neck lift can smooth and diminish these bands by tightening the underlying muscles.
Wrinkled or Crepey Neck Skin
Wrinkles and crepey skin can come from sun damage, loss of moisture, and the breakdown of collagen and elastin over time. The thin skin on the neck is particularly susceptible to these changes. While topical wrinkle treatments and sun protection can help, a neck lift offers more lasting improvements. These changes can be complemented by treatments that focus on increasing collagen production in the neck for firmer textured skin.
Types of Neck Lift Procedures
A traditional neck lift targets excess skin, sagging muscles, and fat deposits across the neck and jawline. This method is ideal for patients experiencing greater skin laxity and muscle weakness. For those with minimal skin sagging but noticeable fat accumulation under the chin, a submental neck lift focuses primarily on fat removal and contouring the chin and neck area. In some cases, liposuction may be combined with a neck lift to enhance results by further sculpting the jawline.
What to Expect From the Neck Lift Process
During the neck lift consultation we will discuss your desires, concerns and treatment recommendations. Often computer imaging of the profile is used to communicate what neckline improvements are possible. In some cases, other facial procedures may be recommended in conjunction with a neck lift, such as chin implant, mini face lift, and fat transfer.
The neck lift procedure is performed through a small incision under the chin and a longer incision in the crease behind the ear that extends along the neck hairline. Fat is removed from the superficial and deep planes through the incision under the chin. The deep and superficial muscles are contoured and tightened and excess skin is removed, improving the chin-neck profile.
The incision behind the ear and along the hairline provides exposure to tighten the neck muscles from behind and remove excess skin, restoring a youthful neck contour. At the end of the neck lift procedure, a light dressing is placed, which is removed the next day.
Neck lift surgery recovery involves minimal activity for several days, avoiding any heavy bending or lifting. Any bruising resolves in about seven days. Most patients return to work in 7- 10 days depending on their job.
Post-Surgery Care
Swelling and bruising after a neck lift can be managed by keeping your head elevated, using cold compresses, and avoiding strenuous activities. Gently clean your incisions and apply any prescribed ointments to prevent infection. Showering should be delayed until your surgeon gives the green light, usually after a few days. When you do, be cautious to keep water away from the incision areas. Wearing a neck compression garment helps reduce swelling and aids the neck in settling into its new shape. We will give you detailed instructions that you can follow after your surgery.
Maintaining Your Results After Your Neck Lift
Daily sunscreen use prevents UV damage that can accelerate aging and compromise your neck lift results. Keeping your skin moisturized helps maintain elasticity, while a stable weight prevents fat from accumulating in the neck area. Some patients opt for non-surgical treatments like radiofrequency microneedling or laser therapy to boost collagen and extend the longevity of their results. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon can also help monitor progress and recommend additional treatments if necessary.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon for Your Neck Lift
Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in neck and facial procedures and board certification. Review before-and-after photos of previous neck lift patients to assess the surgeon’s skill. During your consultation, make sure your surgeon listens to your concerns and explains the procedure and recovery process. A reputable surgeon like Dr. Kaniff will have all of these qualities and emphasize personalized care and attention to detail, adjust their approach to meet your needs, and listen to you.
Misconceptions About Neck Lift Surgery
Neck Lift Results Will Look Fake or Unnatural
Some patients wonder whether a neck lift leads to overly tight or unnatural-looking results. Our modern techniques enhance your natural contours rather than creating an artificial appearance. We focus on subtle improvements by tightening muscles and removing excess skin while maintaining a balanced, refreshed look. The goal is results that align with the rest of your facial features and leave you looking more youthful, rather than “worked on.”
Only Older Patients Can Get a Neck Lift
While neck lifts are often associated with older patients, they’re not limited to a specific age group. Younger individuals may choose a neck lift if they experience genetic factors like excess fat or skin laxity in the neck area. Weight fluctuations and lifestyle choices can also lead to sagging skin at a younger age. The procedure is personalized and can be beneficial for anyone seeking a more defined neck and jawline, regardless of age.
A Neck Lift Is Permanent
Although a neck lift provides long-lasting improvements, the natural aging process continues after surgery. Factors like sun exposure, lifestyle habits, and genetics will still affect the skin over time. Maintaining your results requires ongoing care such as protecting your skin from UV damage and maintaining a healthy weight. Some patients choose non-surgical treatments later to maintain their enhanced appearance.
Neck lift FAQs
A good neck lift candidate has fullness under their chin and jowls as well as sagging of neck skin and muscles. If your neckline and neck contour improve when you pull back the area, you are a good neck lift plastic surgery candidate.
Most patients enjoy their enhanced neck contour for 10 to 15 years or longer, depending on lifestyle choices and skin care habits. Regular use of sunscreen, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking can help extend the longevity of your results.
There will be scarring from this procedure. However, the incisions for a neck lift are placed in inconspicuous areas, such as behind the ears and along the hairline, to minimize visible scarring. Over time, scars generally fade and become less noticeable. Proper post-surgery care, including keeping the incisions clean and following your surgeon’s recommendations, can help promote healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
There will be some discomfort with a neck lift, but this is managed with prescribed pain medications and proper post-operative care. Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort in the first few days following surgery, which subsides as healing progresses. Expect some soreness along with the tightness, swelling, and bruising mentioned before. Always communicate with us if you have any questions or concerns during the recovery process.
A neck lift and a facelift are both surgical procedures aimed at rejuvenating the lower face and neck, but they target different areas. A neck lift focuses specifically on the neck and jawline, addressing sagging skin, muscle laxity, and excess fat in these regions. A facelift targets the cheeks, jowls, and lower face, sometimes extending into the neck as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The two surgeries can be performed separately or together, depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals and facial structure.
A neck lift can be combined with other procedures and treatments to achieve more comprehensive results. Many patients opt to pair a neck lift with a facelift, eyelid surgery, or brow lift for wrinkle treatment and overall facial rejuvenation. Combining it with non-surgical options can also offer more balanced and natural results, giving patients a refreshed look from multiple angles. You will need to talk to Dr. Kaniff to find out if any other treatments or surgeries are recommended for the results you are looking for.
Why Choose Dr. Kaniff for Your Neck Lift?
Expertise in Facial and Neck Surgery
Dr. Thomas E. Kaniff, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience and more than 25,000 surgeries performed. His fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery gives him in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, making him especially skilled in neck lifts and facial procedures. Dr. Kaniff’s expertise means you can enjoy natural, refined results that still feel like you.
Specialized Techniques for Optimal Results
Dr. Kaniff uses advanced techniques to give you long-lasting, natural-looking neck lift results. These techniques also allow for an easier recovery. His surgical precision and artistic eye combine for a surgical experience that is as comfortable as possible and yields beautiful results.
Customized Approach for Each Patient
Understanding that every patient has a unique situation, Dr. Kaniff takes a personalized approach to each neck lift. He listens closely to your goals and creates a treatment plan that addresses specific concerns, whether it’s sagging skin, jowls, or neck banding. His individualized care extends from consultation to follow-up.
Schedule Your Neck Lift Consultation in Sacramento
A neck lift can improve the appearance of sagging skin, jowls, and other signs of aging in the neck, providing a smoother and more youthful contour. At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates, we offer expert neck lift procedures for patients from Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas, including Tahoe, Modesto, the Bay Area, and up to the Oregon border. With a focus on precise techniques and natural results, we help patients treat an area that is often overlooked in the realm of anti-aging strategies. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us by filling out our online form or call us at (916) 480-9080.