Neck Lift
A loss of skin elasticity combined with thinning tissue can lead to loose neck skin or sagging jowls. The neck muscles, called platysmal bands, also tend to weaken as we age, which can cause them to protrude and create a “turkey neck” look. Also called a lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift is often the best way to reverse some of these processes by lifting the neck skin and tissue, tightening the neck muscles and restoring a sleeker, younger look.
With an office near Boston Common, neck lift surgeon Dr. Waleed Ezzat is the lead surgeon at the Boston Center for Facial Plastics. He is double-board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. His expertise in neck tightening and neck rejuvenation makes him a top choice for natural-looking neck lift results.
Contact us online to learn more
or schedule your neck lift surgery
at our Back Bay office.
When to Consider a Neck Lift
The most common reasons women and men consider getting neck rejuvenation include:
- Protruding neck bands, or platysmal muscles
- Loose or sagging skin in the neck or jowls
- Neck wrinkles
- Lack of jawline definition
The best neck lift candidates are in good overall mental and physical health and have realistic expectations for their results.
Before Your Neck Lift
Prior to getting your neck lift, you’ll have a private consultation with Dr. Ezzat to discuss your goals for cosmetic surgery and any concerns you might have about the procedure. You can ask Dr. Ezzat any specific questions about his technique and learn more about the results you can expect to see. He’ll also inform you of any pre-operative instructions to follow to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
Dr. Ezzat is highly skilled in head and neck surgery with a board certification in otolaryngology. He will evaluate the effects of age in your neck and develop a personalized approach for your needs. He may also make recommendations for additional procedures to complement your results. Some people combine neck tightening surgery with a facelift for an extensive treatment of age symptoms. If you aren’t ready to get a facelift, combining your neck rejuvenation with a cheek lift can deliver a subtle yet noticeable improvement.
Your Neck Rejuvenation Procedure
Neck lifts can be performed using general or local anesthesia. The right type of anesthetic for you will depend on your preferences, health and whether you are combining neck tightening with any other procedures. A neck lift is an outpatient procedure. Incisions are usually placed behind and in front of the ears.
During your neck lift, Dr. Ezzat will lift the skin and sculpt the shape the neck, jawline and jowls by redistributing fatty tissue. The platysmal muscles are tightened and replaced in their original, youthful position to prevent protruding. Finally, excess skin on and around the neck is carefully trimmed away, leaving a smoother, sleeker looking neck and jaw.
Your Neck Lift Recovery
Recovering from a neck tightening procedure is a different experience for everyone and depends on your overall health and whether you included additional treatments. You should try to keep your head and neck elevated as much as possible during the first week after your surgery. Bandages should also be kept dry and the incisions cleaned. You can expect to experience some swelling and bruising, which should subside over the coming weeks.
Most people who get neck lifts take 1 to 2 weeks away from work and their normal routine to let their bodies heal. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for at least 1 month after getting surgery. Your final neck lift results will develop gradually over the course of the next 6 months to 1 year.
Your New Look
After you have fully recovered from your neck lift surgery, you should be able to see a significant difference in the appearance of your neck and lower face. Loose skin should be diminished and the neck bands should be tighter, leaving your jawline better defined.
Neck Lift FAQ
How much does a neck lift cost?
The cost of a neck lift depends on the experience of the surgeon and the type of neck procedure you require. Keep in mind there are other costs as well, such as the anesthesia and operating room fees. The best way to get an accurate cost estimate for your neck lift is to schedule a consultation to discuss the specifics of your procedure with Dr. Ezzat.
Is a neck lift the best facial plastic surgery for me?
A neck lift could be an appropriate solution for you if you are looking to improve the appearance of platysmal bands (horizontal lines across the neck), drooping jowls, prominent wrinkles and creases or an under-defined jawline. Some people combine a neck lift with other facial plastic surgeries such as a facelift or brow lift for more comprehensive results.
What is a mini neck lift?
A mini neck lift is a less invasive and less extensive alternative to a full neck lift. In most situations, you will see more comprehensive and much longer-lasting results with a full neck lift. However, Dr. Ezzat can listen to your needs and goals at your consultation and explain in more detail your neck lift options to help you decide which technique could make the most sense for you.
Is a neck lift painful?
You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during your neck lift procedure, which is most often performed under general anesthesia. Directly after your neck lift, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising and tenderness. Dr. Ezzat will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including how and when to use cold compresses, pain medication and other recovery tips to help keep you as comfortable as possible as you rest and recover.
What is recovery like after a neck lift?
Many people are able to return to work around 7 to 10 days after getting a neck lift. During this initial recovery period, plan to get plenty of rest, keep your head elevated and take it easy around the house. You will need to limit physical activity and heavy lifting for several weeks after getting a neck lift, gradually reintroducing more strenuous exercise under Dr. Ezzat’s guidance over the coming weeks.
When will I see my neck lift results?
While you may notice some immediate improvements in the contours of your neck and jawline after your procedure, swelling and bruising can camouflage these results for several weeks. Around 3 months after your neck lift, you should have a good idea of what your final results will look like. It can take 6 months or more, however, for your final neck lift results to fully develop.
How long does a neck lift last?
Neck lift results can last 10 years or more before a touch-up treatment may be required. Fortunately, there are many ways to help prolong your neck lift results, including staying out of the sun, wearing sunscreen, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and managing stress.
Contact us online or call our office at 857-350-4205to learn more about your facial surgery options.
Telephone No.857-350-4205