A neck lift, medically known as lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline. It is designed to address sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle banding in the neck area, restoring a more youthful and defined contour. For some patients, they genetically have a “oblique angle to the neck and desire more definition.
Often patients have tried other procedures such as skin tightening devices or liposuction, but this does not give sufficient results. A neck lift contours the deeper structures of the neck under the platysma muscle. A “platysmaplasty” suturing the muscle together is often performed to restore the area under the chin to a right angle and give the neck definition. This procedure can be combined with liposuction.
Did you know….
Neck lifts are increasingly popular procedures for both younger individuals that have a “double chin” no matter their weight and for older individuals that develop a sagging of the skin. There are many different techniques for a neck lift that can be tailored to you.
Who is a Candidate?
Candidates for a neck lift typically include individuals that have loose or sagging skin around the neck due to aging or individuals with localized fat deposits or fullness under the chin (double chin) that persists despite diet and exercise.
Ideal candidates are generally in good health, non-smokers, and desire better overall facial balance and contour of the neck, but have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.
What to Expect During the Procedure
During a neck lift procedure you will be placed under either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are typically made only under the chin and sometimes behind the ears, where they are well concealed. The exact placement depends on the specific techniques used by your surgeon.
The surgeon will remove excess fat under the muscle, tighten the platysma muscles, perform liposuction if needed, and re-drape the skin for a smoother appearance.
The procedure usually takes about 2 hours.
Post-Operative Recovery
You may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications.You will wear a compression dressing and have sutures in place for 1 week and be given instructions to care for your incision. Rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first week. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can resume normal activities. Results of a neck lift are typically long-lasting, though individual aging processes and lifestyle factors can affect how long the results last.
