WHAT IS A NECK LIFT?

People often get a neck lift to combat the aging process by getting rid of loose neck skin, preventing jowls from forming, removing excess fatty deposits, and resolving muscle banding around the neck.

This process creates a more youthful look for the neck, reducing wrinkles, sagging, a double chin, and a turkey-wattle neck. The neck lift can often be paired with a facelift for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A NECK LIFT?

You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if any of the following three common problem areas of the face are familiar to you:

• Deflation: As we age, we lose facial fat volume. This is usually most noticeable as hollowness just below the cheeks or the descent of fat in the jaw, neck, or other parts of the face.
• Radial Expansion: Facial ligaments weaken over time and the attached tissue separates, causing a loss of definition in the jaw line, prominent smile lines around the mouth, and more pronounced jowls.
• Neck Sagging: As muscles loosen, fat accumulates under the chin. At the same time, the skin loses elasticity, causing fullness around the jaw and neck.

There is no way to definitively stop the aging process; however, through facial rejuvenation, we can slow it down and restore you to a more youthful version of yourself. While it is not an anti-aging cure, a well-performed neck lift can give you a much younger-looking appearance.

People who are not in good physical health may not be ideal candidates for a neck lift. Those who are allergic to anesthesia or suffer from chronic health problems may not be suitable candidates for the procedure.

Non-smokers are the best candidates for the neck lift procedure, since smoking can have a negative impact on the health of the skin. This can lead to complications during surgery and during the healing process. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit smoking well in advance of your neck lift. Avoiding smoking during recovery is also key.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION

Always consult with your plastic surgeon before deciding to undergo a neck lift. Make sure you understand the potential risks and recovery period associated with the procedure. If looking younger is your goal, your surgeon may be able to recommend other procedures that, when coupled with a neck lift, will help restore balance and harmony to your face and body.

At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we thoroughly review your medical history (including past procedures, current medications, allergies, and all pre-existing conditions), speak with you about your expectations, and provide you with an extensive overview of the procedure. We will also discuss the cost of the procedure and what you should do after the surgery to hasten your recovery.

HOW IS A NECK LIFT PERFORMED?

Like most surgical procedures, a neck lift is performed by first administering a general anesthetic to ensure comfort during the operation. Then, depending on your aesthetic goals, your surgeon may perform either a traditional neck lift, or a limited incision neck lift.

During a traditional neck lift, the incision is made at the hairline near the sideburns and extends around the ear, as close to the hairline as possible to hide any visible scarring that may occur. In a limited incision neck lift, shorter incisions are made only around the ear. The type and length of the incisions depends on the extent of the procedure.

After the incisions are made, the tissue beneath the neck skin is repositioned. Muscles and soft tissue are tightened and excess fat is removed or redistributed. Skin is repositioned and tightened over the contours of the neck and chin and any loose or excess skin is removed.

Once the corrections are made, the incisions are closed using sutures and the patient is transferred to a post-anesthesia care unit

RECOVERY AFTER A NECK LIFT

A neck lift is an outpatient procedure, so patients are typically able to go home the same day. Swelling and bruising at the site of the incisions are normal. To ensure the best possible outcome, it is very important to follow all instructions given by your surgeon, including medications, wound care, and follow-up appointments.

The sutures are usually removed within a few days of the procedure. In the interim, patients should keep their head elevated slightly and avoid bending or twisting their neck excessively. Do not apply ice directly to the neck or chin because it can reduce blood flow in the affected areas.

Swelling and bruising typically go away within a few weeks. The full results of a neck lift will be visible within a month after the procedure.

COST OF A NECK LIFT

The average cost of a neck lift in the United States is approximately $4,500, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, this figure will vary depending on geographic location, the plastic surgeon, and your aesthetic goals.

At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we will provide you with a detailed price breakdown during the initial consultation. Most health insurance providers do not cover any of the costs associated with a neck lift, so if necessary, speak with your plastic surgeon about potential financing options.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

If you would like to learn more about your options for a neck lift in Chicago, or if you have questions about the procedure, give us a call to schedule a consultation. We will make sure that you understand the entire procedure all the way through recovery, and we are always upfront about the associated costs and potential risks involved with plastic surgery. If you are looking for a more youthful and natural-looking appearance, contact the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago today.

All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.