Neck Lift
Neck Lift
A neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens and smooths the skin on the neck to improve the laxity that occurs with age. This procedure can provide a dramatic youthful transformation in a person’s overall appearance. A neck lift may be performed as a stand-alone procedure, however is commonly performed in conjunction with a facelift so that a balanced rejuvenation is provided to the entire face and neck.
Dr. Rahul Seth is skilled in the latest techniques in neck lifting and is highly experienced in facial rejuvenating procedures that can compliment your neck lift to give you a more youthful appearance. Dr. Seth aims to create a natural and harmonious appearance based on a patient’s needs and aesthetic goals.
Candidates
You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if you are
- generally healthy
- a non-smoker
- found to have good elasticity in your skin
- targeting sagging skin and loose muscles on your neck
Procedure
A neck lift is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The procedure takes two to three hours and you are able to go home the same day with a friend or family member. We encourage you to have someone to spend the first night after surgery with you for monitoring.
Depending on patient goals and anatomy, the neck lift incisions are made either behind the ears and/or centrally with a single incision made under the chin. The tissues of the neck are then lifted, repositioned, and anchored. If there is excess fat in the chin and jaw area, liposuction may also be used to remove this excess fat. Dr. Seth utilizes cutting edge techniques of submandibular gland excision and anterior digastric muscle reduction, all performed through the small incision tucked behind the chin, to provide ideal results to the neck. The excess loose skin is removed and stitches are used to close the incisions.
Recovery
At Golden State Plastic Surgery, we are proud to provide extraordinary care at each step of your facial rejuvenation journey. Following your neck lift, Dr. Seth will place a bandage over your incisions as well as apply an elastic compression dressing that should be worn at all times for the first five days after surgery. You may have drainage tubes to remove excess fluid and assist in healing. These tubes will be removed the day following surgery. Stitches and surgical staples will be removed in the office after one week.
Throughout your recovery, we recommend being gentle with your face and neck while waiting to shower until two days after surgery. You may experience swelling, bruising, numbness, and a feeling of tightness or tension in the neck. Most of these symptoms resolve within two to three weeks, and sensation typically returns to normal within a few months.
Pain medication is prescribed for pain relief, but most facelift patients are able to wean themselves off after a few days, taking Tylenol or Motrin only as needed. Patients are advised to sleep with their head elevated and avoid turning the neck for the first 48 hours. Applying cold compresses can help minimize swelling.
Recovery time will depend on the scope and breadth of surgery; however, typically recovery takes two to three weeks with many patients going back to work and social activities after two weeks. Vigorous physical activity and exercise should be avoided after their surgery in order to ensure the safest recovery with optimal results. At two weeks after surgery, patients can resume light activity and at four to six weeks all physical restrictions are lifted. Patients will see final results six months following their surgery.
How To Get Started
If you’re interested in a Neck Lift or want to learn more about your facial rejuvenation options with Dr. Rahul Seth, please request a consultation online or by phone at (925) 357-9050.
During your consultation, you will have time to discuss your aesthetic goals and treatment options. During this process, you will get to know Dr. Seth and the Golden State Plastics team that will be with you every step of your journey. Once your consultation is complete and your unique treatment plan is created you will work with the Golden State Plastics team to schedule surgery. Once your surgery is scheduled, you will receive a pre-operative appointment to review your procedure, post-operative instructions, and expectations on your road to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several reasons why someone may consider a neck lift. Some of the common reasons include:
- Sagging or loose skin: As we age, the skin on the neck can lose elasticity and begin to sag. A neck lift can help tighten and lift the skin, improving its firmness and reducing the appearance of sagging.
- Excess fat or double chin: The accumulation of excess fat under the chin can create the appearance of a double chin or fullness in the neck area. A neck lift can address this concern by removing excess fat and contouring the neck and jawline.
- Neck bands or cords: Neck bands, also known as platysmal bands, can develop due to weakened muscles in the neck. These bands can create an aged or “turkey wattle” appearance. A neck lift can tighten the underlying muscles and smooth out the appearance of neck bands.
- Jawline definition: A neck lift can help enhance the definition of the jawline by tightening the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in a more defined and youthful jawline.
- Overall facial rejuvenation: Many people seek a neck lift as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan. It can be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery to achieve a more harmonious and youthful facial appearance.
- Boost in self-confidence: For some individuals, concerns about the appearance of their neck can affect their self-esteem and confidence. A neck lift can address these concerns and provide a rejuvenated and more youthful neck contour, leading to increased self-confidence.
The extent and visibility of scars after a neck lift can vary depending on the specific surgical technique used and the individual’s healing process. However, skilled plastic surgeons make every effort to minimize visible scarring and place incisions in discreet locations.
In a traditional neck lift, the incisions are typically made under the chin and/or behind the ears. These locations are chosen to keep the scars as inconspicuous as possible. The incisions are usually well-hidden within the natural contours of the neck and hairline.
Additionally, Dr. Seth’s team will provide post-operative care instructions to promote optimal healing and minimize the appearance of scars. Following these instructions, such as keeping the incision sites clean and protected, can help improve the healing process and reduce the visibility of scars over time.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s healing process is unique, and scar appearance can vary from person to person. However, Dr. Seth strives to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome while minimizing visible scarring. During your consultation, you can discuss your concerns about scarring and ask about where incision lines will be placed.
Dr. Rahul Seth is double board certified, and his certification and training in Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery show his high knowledge, familiarity, and skill of performing surgery in the neck.
Dr. Seth approaches each patient individually and creates a surgical plan based on the issues present that need to be surgically addressed. In order to optimize results, Dr. Seth may recommend a selection of procedures which he performs through the incision behind the chin and behind the ear. These include neck liposuction, removal of the deep neck fat that causes the excess fullness behind the chin, removal of the submandibular glands, removal of the anterior digastric muscle. Depending on the anatomy of the neck and goals of surgery, a combination or selection of these procedures may be recommended.
