Could You Be a Candidate for a Neck Lift?

It’s not surprising that the neck scarf is popular among older people for hiding crepey, drooping, or wrinkled skin. They’ll sport a scarf even in the middle of the summer.

Unlike other areas of the body, the neck doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. And there are almost no over-the-counter treatments that make any kind of difference.

Fortunately, a plastic surgeon can perform a neck lift to restore a more youthful contour and sharper jawline.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

If you have a double chin, excess fat or drooping skin on the lower face, wrinkly or crepey neck skin, or loose sagging skin that gives the appearance of a ‘turkey neck,’ you may have resigned yourself to a less-than-attractive neckline. You don’t have to though.

If you’re a nonsmoker (or willing to quit), are in generally good health, and have no medical conditions that will slow healing, a neck lift can alter your profile and jawline in such a way that you’ll look years younger.

Another key component is the ability to be realistic about the outcome. When you have a full understanding that a neck lift is not going to drastically change your appearance or stop the aging process, you will be more satisfied with the results.

What To Expect From a Neck Lift Procedure

A neck lift, or in doctorly terms a platysmaplasty, is surgery. That means you’ll be under anesthesia.

The surgeon makes an incision that typically follows the contour from the top of your ear to your lower hairline on each side. Then depending on your specific needs, the surgeon may sculpt, remove, or redistribute excess fat. Tissues may need to be repositioned and tightened and skin will be redraped and positioned over the new contours. Excess skin is trimmed away.

In the case of a double chin, there will also be liposuction to tighten the area.

Neck Lift Recovery

You will need to keep your head elevated and limit the movement of your neck to keep the stitches intact. There may or may not be a drain near the incision site to avoid fluid build-up and lessen swelling.

Any residual bruising or swelling you experience could last for several weeks. As that goes down, you’ll begin to see your new and improved contours.

Follow the specific instructions your doctor will give you to ensure you get the best possible results and quickest recovery.

Are There Non-Surgical Options?

A neck lift is surgery. There’s no way around that. And while there are non-surgical options, they will not achieve the same results.

Even so, if you’re just starting to notice changes in your neck, nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments can delay your need for surgery. Or if you’ve had a neck lift, these non-surgical treatments can complement the results.

If your issues are not advanced, nonsurgical options offer a quicker recovery time and fewer risks. Botox, for example, can reduce banding. Dermal fillers can bring more volume. Microneedling rejuvenates the skin by stimulating collagen production. And laser treatments can provide textural improvements.

You can always discuss these with your plastic surgeon.

Is a Neck Lift Right for You?

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your neck because of aging, you could be the perfect candidate for a neck lift.

You may also find that a non-surgical technique delivers what you need. Whatever the case, you don’t need to be unhappy with your neck any longer.

Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. You’ll be pointed in the direction that will garner the best results for you.