Neck Lift

Before & After
Photos

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that tightens the neck muscles and skin of the neck to create a more youthful looking neck, chin and jaw line. The results of a neck lift are not permanent, but it should last for many years, although the aging process does continue.

Who Can Benefit From a Neck Lift?

If the skin of your neck sags, droops, or folds, you may be an excellent candidate for a neck lift. The loose skin and sagging muscle tissue often occurs as a result of the aging process or sometimes after the loss of a substantial amount of weight.

When exercise and diet will not fix the problem, a neck lift can create a younger looking face and neck. Neck lifts are often performed at the same time as other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift. Dr. Rubinstein can advise you of the best procedures to achieve your desired results.

What is the Procedure Like?

The surgery takes two to four hours depending upon how much muscle and skin must be tightened. Most neck lifts are performed under general anesthesia so that you will remain asleep during the surgery, or you may have your neck lift with a local anesthetic and a sedative to help you relax to the point of drowsiness. Whether under general or local anesthetic, you will feel no pain during the procedure.

The procedure can be performed in the doctor's office operating room or in a hospital. You should be able to go home within a few hours of surgery, although in some cases, the doctor may ask you to spend one night under observation. You will need to have someone available to drive you home, and you may need help around the house for a couple of days.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

• It is expected to experience swelling, bruising, tightness, and pain after a neck lift, but these can be managed with prescription pain medication and cold compresses. It also helps to elevate your head to reduce swelling.
• You should be able to return to work within only a week or so after the surgery. It will be a month or longer before you can return to your regular exercise regimen, however.
• A light dressing will be applied to your neck, and the doctor will instruct you when and how to change it.
• The incisions can usually be made under the chin or behind the ears where the scars will remain unseen. If the sutures do not dissolve on their own, they can be removed by the doctor within one to two weeks after surgery.

What Are the Risks of Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a very safe surgical procedure, but as with any surgery, there are risks. The most common complications that are possible with a neck lift are numbness of the area, fluid collections, wrinkling of the skin, or scar tissue. All of these complications are uncommon and often improve in time.