Neck Lift
Neck lift surgery is growing in popularity and provides outstanding, safer, and more effective results than ever before. Our team performs neck lift surgery in Houston, Texas, for men and women who want to tighten loose neck skin, remove excess fat, and restore beauty to their jawline and skin in the delicate neck area.What is a Neck Lift?
Neck lift surgery is also called a lower rhytidectomy. The neck muscles lose their tone and elasticity with age, and neck lift surgery restores the natural curves and removes and tightens lax skin. Our experienced team customizes the procedure to accommodate their patients’ unique concerns and expectations. They perform neck lift surgery for men and women who want a refreshed, more youthful appearance. Neck lift surgery elevates and tightens the inner structures of the neck, re-drapes the skin, contours the jawline, removes excess fat, and tightens lax skin to transform a double chin, remove jowls, and raise a sagging “turkey neck.”
The benefits of a Rhytidectomy
Non-surgical treatments alone cannot provide the benefits of neck lift surgery. Our team utilizes advanced techniques to rejuvenate the neck and provide natural-looking, tailored goals for each patient, such as:- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Tightening and lifting the underlying muscles
- Diminishing the appearance of platysmal neck bands
- Removing baggy or loose neck skin
- Reshaping the jawline
- Transforming a turkey neck
- Lifting and smoothing jowls
- Contouring a double chin
- Outstanding results with minimal scars
- Short recovery
Who is a candidate for Neck Lift treatment?
Healthy, non-smoking men and women with realistic expectations and a positive outlook who are experiencing sagging neck skin or jowls may be ideal neck lift candidates. Although neck lift patients are typically over 40, younger patients may benefit from neck lift surgery if they are close to their ideal weight, yet struggle with a double chin or loose neck skin. Patients experiencing wrinkling, neck banding, a double chin, jowls, or a turkey neck are invited to visit our practice in Houston, Texas, for a neck lift evaluation.How A Neck Lift is Performed
Our team typically performs lower platysmaplasty as an outpatient procedure using the latest, state-of-the-art technology at the accredited Houston Plastic Surgery Center, adjoining the Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics office. A board-certified anesthesiologist provides anesthesia before our team creates small incisions hidden beneath the chin and the ear. Our team designs a personalized treatment plan and explains the details, including the incisions, recovery, and expected results, during the consultation.Our team may recommend combining a lower facelift with the neck lift procedure to address jowls and to tighten the jawline, which may involve an additional incision along the earlobe fold or inside the ear. When the patient has sagging jowls, fine lines, and wrinkles, our team performs a direct excision during a lower facelift, removes excess skin, tightens the jawline, and adds youthful contours for a rejuvenated, firm jawline. Chin liposuction may be performed at the time of the neck lift, versus direct excision of submental fat. During the neck lift procedure, our team typically lifts the neck skin from the underlying muscles, removes excess fat, tightens the neck bands and remaining muscles, gathers the platysma muscle in the midline, removes loose neck skin, and places temporary drains before stitching the area. To finish the procedure, our team places a dressing over the incisions and the neck to reduce pain and swelling. If liposuction is performed, the surgeons place an elastic garment around the area.
What is recovery like after a Neck Lift?
The patient will typically return to the clinic the following day to have the drains removed and evaluated by our team. Bruising, swelling, and tightness may appear excessive during the first few days, but this is normal. Our team may prescribe antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, and pain medication to control side effects after the procedure. Patients are encouraged to keep their head elevated above their heart for the first few days to reduce swelling. The patient may carefully shower the following day but must keep the dressings dry. If liposuction is performed, an elastic garment is worn over the neck in the evenings for two weeks after the procedure. Avoid strenuous exercise until approved by the doctor. The swelling and bruising will gradually resolve within two to three weeks. Patients typically feel comfortable being seen in public by week two but may want to wait three weeks to schedule a photoshoot or attend an important social function.Possible Rhytidectomy risks
Neck lift surgery is considered safe for healthy men and women. While there are risks associated with any cosmetic procedure, they are significantly reduced when an experienced plastic surgeon performs the procedure. Our team will explain the possible risks and side effects associated with neck lift surgery during the consultation. Risks and side effects are rare but may include:- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Possible allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Changes in sensation
- Scarring
- Infection
Neck Lift consultation in Houston, TX
Patients interested in learning more about a lower rhytidectomy are invited to meet with our team for a Neck Lift consultation in Houston, Texas. Before recommending a personalized treatment plan, our team assesses the patient’s overall health, reviews their medical history, and evaluates the skin’s elasticity of the neck and the strength of the muscle fibers extending from the collarbone to the jaw (platysma). Our team combines art and science to retain the patient’s unique characteristics while restoring a youthful and contoured neck and jawline. Our team verbally walks their patients step-by-step through the process, answers any questions, and explains the expected results. Before and after photos from prior patients are provided for reference. Our patients are treated with compassion and provided with superb care to meet all of their aesthetic goals.NECK LIFT FAQs
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What risks are associated with neck lift surgery?
Risks and long-term side effects after a neck lift are rare when an experienced surgeon operates. Our team evaluates each patient’s medical history and explains the surgery along with any risks during the consultation, including infection, scarring, blood clots, swelling, and changes in sensation. Our team reviews each patient’s health history and explains the possible risks during the consultation, which may include infection, numbness, difficulty breathing, or unsatisfactory cosmetic results.
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Is there an age limit for neck lift cosmetic surgery?
Our team creates a personalized treatment plan for each patient based on their medical history and cosmetic goals. While the average age for neck lift surgery is typically over 40, younger patients can still have a neck lift performed if they experience early signs of aging, such as wrinkles or a turkey neck or if a more defined and tightened jawline is desired. Our team may recommend chin liposuction and other options for younger patients who want a contoured and refreshed jawline. Our team also evaluates the patient’s general health and skin elasticity if they are over 60 to determine if the procedure will provide them with outstanding results.
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How long does it take to see the benefits after a neck lift?
Patients typically experience swelling and bruising for several weeks after the surgery. The final results can be seen a few weeks after the treatment. Our team recommends that patients plan special events two weeks or more after the surgery to allow for full healing.
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How long does neck lift surgery take?
Each neck lift procedure is customized to match the patient’s needs and may include a lower facelift to address jowls. A neck lift typically takes two hours to complete. Our team explains the details of the procedure during the consultation.
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What can I expect during neck lift recovery?
Most patients experience moderate discomfort after neck lift surgery, which is managed with prescription medicine from our team. The patient must keep their head elevated after the operation. The initial swelling, tightness, and bruising fade as the neck, skin, and underlying muscles heal and take on the new, younger-looking appearance. Most patients return to work 10 to 14 days after a neck lift; some may return sooner if they experience only mild side effects. Our team may approve light exercise in about two weeks but typically recommends that patients avoid strenuous activity for three to four weeks.
