A neck lift is an anti-aging procedure frequently performed around the world Aiming to contribute to a younger appearance and smoother neck contour, a neck lift is one of the most popular facial plastic surgeries among patients over 50. It can benefit men and women. The procedure ultimately focuses on anti-aging, but also offers many other benefits.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift removes extra skin and fat from the neck. Like the face, the neck faces more than the average amount of sunlight and environmental damage. This ages it quicker than other areas of the body. However, the neck often does not get anti-aging until the development of what is called the “turkey waddle.” This refers to a flap of loose, extra skin that hangs down in the center of the neck and chin area.
The effect of this structure is an aged facial profile. However, it can also cause patients stress and anxiety because of the difference in their appearance. Along with the “turkey waddle,” patients also can experience fine lines and wrinkles, thinning skin, crepey skin, and have their tendons become visible, as part of the neck aging process.
Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift with one of the best neck lift surgeons can help you look years younger. However, other than simply looking younger, neck lift surgery also comes with several other benefits. Among the incredible benefits of neck lift plastic surgery include:
#1: Reverse Aging
When the loose, excess skin is removed and the remaining skin tightened, this results in looking younger. However, you also have reset the clock of aging back. Thus, even though you cannot completely stop aging, a successfully performed neck lift will keep you looking younger than your peers for the rest of your life. You will age after your neck lift surgery, but compared to those who never had a neck lift, you will still look younger.
#2: Local Anesthesia
Most plastic surgery procedures are performed under general anesthesia for patients safety and comfort. Though, in recent years, procedures that are quick and fairly non-invasive, have fewer risks when performed under local anesthesia. Using local anesthesia for neck lift surgery helps lower the risks of surgery and shorten overall recovery time.
Patients who undergo a neck lift under local anesthesia often take an oral sedative as well. This helps them remain fully comfortable throughout the whole process. Occasionally, IV sedation is used without full anesthesia. Of course, neck lifts under general anesthesia are still common, but it is less common within the plastic surgery community because patients have better outcomes and few complications when the patient is placed under local anesthesia.
#3: Noticeable Results
Neck lift results are often dramatic because they can remove large amounts of skin and completely change a person’s facial profile. That said, it is still natural looking enough that many people will notice a refreshed appearance, but not immediately assume to have had a neck lift.
Normally, when you leave the office, you will have a wrap that obscures your result. When this comes off, you may have swelling and bruising. Patients can usually expect to see a difference in about two weeks with their absolute final results expected in nine to twelve months. Though, most patients do not notice too much of a change after about three to four months.
#4: Limited Recovery
As previously mentioned, patients who undergo a neck lift under local anesthesia often experience an easier and shorter recovery. This is because the side effects associated with general anesthesia are not present, so a patient can feel better sooner. Most patients can return to work within a week and the majority of their activities after two to three weeks.
#5: Combine-able
A neck lift is nearly always performed with a facelift because they use nearly identical incisions. You also will likely see better results when you remove all of the contributing extra skin which can sometimes come from the lower face. As long as the procedures are not too extensive or you are not combining too many procedures, you can usually still have a combined facelift with a neck lift under local anesthesia.
Finding The Best Neck Lift Surgeon
When considering neck lift surgery, finding the right surgeon is one of the most important things you can do to ensure good results. First, the best surgeons will perform many neck lifts per year and have results they can show you. Also, a surgeon’s results should match the sort of results you are looking for. Finally, do your research on all of the neck lift surgeons in your area and their credentials.
Dr. Jonov is a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in plastic surgeries of the face, breast, and body at Seattle Plastic Surgery.
