Neck Lift 101

Do you have a turkey neck? Sagging and fleshiness in the jaw and neck? Thought about doing something about it but aren’t sure what? A neck lift may be the answer.

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is an elective cosmetic surgery procedure to address drooping and fleshiness in the neck and around the jawline (jowls) to create a younger appearance. A neck lift can be performed alone, but it’s also part of a facelift. Ohio men and women come to me from all over the state to inquire about a neck lift at my Dayton cosmetic surgery practice.

There are 2 types of neck lift patients:

1. They have age-related sagging in the neck
2. They have inherited (genetic) sagging in the neck (unrelated to age)

There’s a reason I cite a difference between the two types. Someone who has inherited a saggy neck is often younger and, therefore, doesn’t have an equal level of facial aging. That means that they can undergo a neck lift without worry that, afterwards, their neck will look a great deal younger than their face. Those with age-related neck sagging almost always have the same degree of facial aging as well: particularly sagging in the cheek area. Older patients desiring only a neck lift risk the possibility that they will have a youthful neck beneath a face that appears much older. This is not a good look.

How is a Neck Lift Different from a Facelift?

As mentioned above, a neck lift is actually part and parcel of a facelift. A facelift treats the middle of the face (cheeks) to and including the neck. It doesn’t include the eyes, for example—that’s a blepharoplasty or eye lift, which is another procedure altogether. As mentioned, however, those rare individuals whose necks are older-looking than their faces can look much improved with just a neck lift, holding off on the facial part of a facelift until later, if ever.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

As mentioned above, healthy adult men and women with sagging in the neck are good candidates for this outpatient procedure.

How is a Neck Lift Performed?

A neck lift generally has incisions beneath the chin and behind the ears. The muscle that runs down the front of the neck, called the platysma is tightened and, if required, careful liposuction is done to remove excess fat in the neck area. After the neck has been improved, the skin is redraped, the extra skin is excised and sutures are inserted to make the resulting scars as invisible as possible.

Recovery from a Neck Lift

Recovery is generally rapid and fairly comfortable. Some swelling and bruising is normal, and the reason most people take a week off from work and social activities. Dr. Wolf advises patients to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until he gives them the OK, as lifting can stress muscles in the neck.

If you have concerns about sagging in the jowls and neck area, or have a turkey neck, Dayton cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ray Wolf can rejuvenate your appearance in short order. Call our office at 937-839-4681 or complete our online consultation form.