Neck Lift

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that aims to tighten sagging skin, remove excess fat, and reduce noticeable muscle bands in the neck region. ⁽¹⁾ The neck is one of the most visible areas on our bodies, influencing how we perceive ourselves and how others see us. Our necks can start to look less youthful due to aging or genetic factors, which may compel individuals to seek out this rejuvenating treatment. If you find yourself hiding your neck under high collars or scarves, it may be time to consider a neck lift.

At Wolin Plastic Surgery Center, we understand your desire for a more aesthetically pleasing neck. Our practice, led by Dr. Andrew Wolin, prioritizes meticulous planning and personalized care to help our patients achieve their ideal body goals. If you are interested in exploring your neck lift possibilities, please take a moment to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wolin. You can reach our office by submitting our online contact form, or you can call us directly at (480) 945-8440.

About Neck Lifts

Neck lift surgery is designed to address signs of aging such as sagging skin, double chins, and neck banding. An aging neck typically shows signs like loosening of the platysma muscle, which can lead to the colloquially dubbed “turkey neck,” where the skin begins to hang loosely beneath the chin. ⁽¹⁾

The skin covering the neck is thinner than the skin elsewhere on the body, making it more susceptible to the effects of aging, gravity, and lifestyle choices. Some people may also develop unnaturally prominent muscle bands due to looseness in the underlying musculature. ⁽²⁾

Benefits

A neck lift offers multiple benefits for both self-esteem and appearance. Under the expert care of Dr. Wolin, our patients see quality of life improvements through:

Candidates

Individuals experiencing sagging skin or prominent bands in the neck and/or those with excess fat deposits under the chin or along the neck usually see the best results with a neck lift. Ideal candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the results of their procedure. All prospective patients should be willing to closely follow the preparation and recovery instructions provided by Dr. Wolin. A consultation will help to determine each candidate’s eligibility further.

Personal Consultation

Your journey towards a neck lift begins with a personal consultation. During this visit, you will discuss your medical history, cosmetic goals, and concerns with Dr. Wolin. A thorough examination of your neck will take place, as well as an evaluation of your skin elasticity, underlying muscle condition, and existing fat distribution.

Dr. Wolin will also review potential surgical options tailored just for you. Depending on your needs, a combination of procedures may be suggested to offer cohesive results. It is essential to ask any questions you may have to ensure you are well-informed about the techniques being employed during your neck lift.

Schedule your consultation today to begin planning your neck lift procedure. Submit our online contact form to get started, or call our Scottsdale office directly at (480) 945-8440.

Preparation

Once your neck lift is scheduled, we will give you comprehensive preoperative guidelines to ensure optimal outcomes. Preparing effectively for your procedure is crucial for a smooth experience and successful results. Key preparation steps include:

Procedure

We will administer anesthesia at the start of your neck lift to ensure your complete comfort throughout treatment. Neck lifts are normally performed with a patient under general anesthesia, but a local anesthetic is also applied to the neck and chin to enhance your comfort. Dr. Wolin will make incisions either under the chin, behind the ear, or both. ⁽²⁾ The incisions used and their placement will depend on the issues being addressed during your neck lift. These incisions will serve the purpose of removing excess skin throughout the neck region while also gaining access to underlying muscular structures. After removing excess skin, Dr. Wolin will tighten the underlying muscles. This creates a stronger foundation for the neck skin to lie upon, which then helps delay future sagging while also sculpting a youthful appearance. If there are significant fat deposits under the chin or along the neck, liposuction will be used to remove these and sculpt a strong, angular jawline. After making the necessary corrections to the muscles, the skin will be redraped over the neck. Your incisions will be closed with sutures, and after a monitoring period, you will be sent home to begin your recovery. The entire neck lift procedure usually takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the specific techniques utilized. ⁽²⁾

Recovery

Post-operative recovery averages about two weeks, with varying timelines dependent on each patient’s specific procedures. It is typical for swelling and bruising to occur initially, and managing these will be crucial. You will likely need to keep your head slightly elevated while resting to help reduce swelling. The use of ice packs or cold compresses can also help dissipate swelling, as will light walks if you feel able to do so. You will receive prescriptions for pain medications and/or antibiotics, and these should be taken as instructed. Patients are advised to avoid any strenuous activities or exercise until they are cleared by Dr. Wolin. Attending follow-up appointments will allow us to monitor your recovery progress. Most patients can resume regular activities within two weeks, although complete recovery may take several weeks longer, at which point you can appreciate the enhanced contour of your neck. Any incision scars will gradually fade, revealing natural-looking rejuvenation.

Results

Once completely healed, patients typically enjoy a noticeably firmer neck, improved jawline definition, and an increased sense of confidence. Those emboldened by their refined look often report feeling revitalized, with many excited to showcase their new neck appearance.

Before and after photos are available for viewing upon request to exhibit potential results from a neck lift. Consult with Dr. Wolin to see past patients’ transformations and envision your future enhancements.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Wolin can combine several procedures for more cohesive results. If a patient also has significant skin laxity on their face, then we may recommend including a facelift in their neck lift treatment plan. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a procedure that makes similar adjustments to the face that are employed in a neck lift. Dr. Wolin will make incisions to cut away excess skin and tighten underlying muscles, thus diminishing wrinkles and sculpting a rejuvenated, youthful appearance throughout the face. On average, patients emerge from a facelift looking 5-10 years younger. Combining a facelift with a neck lift can also enhance the results of both procedures. Patients will emerge with comprehensive rejuvenation in their faces and necks, and the results will last much longer because more muscles are tightened.

Cost of Neck Lifts in Scottsdale

The cost of your neck lift will depend on the techniques implemented in your treatment, the scale of the procedure, the issues being addressed, necessary measures dictated by your medical history, and a handful of other factors. After meeting with Dr. Wolin to discuss your goals and form a treatment plan, you will receive a comprehensive price quote.

Schedule your consultation today to begin your neck rejuvenation journey. If you have any further questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Scottsdale office directly at (480) 945-8440.

FAQ

References

1. Pérez P, Hohman MH. Neck Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562229/
2. Alexander L, Patel BC. Platysmaplasty Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563291/