A “turkey neck,” jowl lines, or double chin can all prematurely age you. A neck lift performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Mohit Sood can correct these problems and more. Come to Sood Center to see if a neck lift in an environment that prioritizes patient safety and comfort is right for you.
What Is a Neck Lift?
The medical term for a neck lift is “lower rhytidectomy.” A lower rhytidectomy is a procedure whereby skin is pulled upward and tightened to smooth the contours of the neck and reduce sagging. It is normally performed under local anesthesia along with IV sedation to produce a light sleep. Neck lifts are sometimes performed in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift, mini facelift, or brow lift.
Benefits of a Neck Lift
The biggest benefit to a neck lift is the youthful appearance it provides to the neck area. Many patients choose it after undergoing a facelift because the skin on their neck no longer matches their face. As such, it can provide a more uniform appearance for those who have already had cosmetic surgery. While a neck lift does not halt the aging process, it can nonetheless slow it down, as your skin will have a “younger base” from which to grow older.
How Is a Neck Lift Performed?
Local anesthesia will be administered before placing an IV in your arm to provide sedation. Incisions will then be made, the length and location of which depends on the extent of tightening you desire. More intense tightening will require incisions that begin near the sideburn area, up and around the ear, and then down into the hairline. Incisions may be needed only around the ear if only minor tightening is desired.
After making the desired incisions, fatty tissue is sculpted, redistributed, or trimmed away to create the desired appearance. The outer skin will then be repositioned, with excess being removed as needed. After making the necessary adjustments, the incisions will be sewn shut and have bandages placed over them.
Preparing for a Neck Lift
Prior to having a neck lift, you may need to have blood work or other lab tests performed. You should also refrain from taking any medications that might interfere with anesthesia. Smoking should also be eliminated in the days leading up to your appointment.
A neck lift should not be performed if your skin is damaged in any way. As such, avoiding sunburn and exposure to harsh chemicals is recommended. While a neck lift may be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries, it should not be done in close proximity to microdermabrasion or chemical peels.
Recovery from a Neck Lift
Your incisions will be covered with a bandage, which you should often change to ensure it stays clean. Depending on how much tissue was removed, a thin tube may also be placed underneath your skin to help with drainage. Do not allow this tube to become wet or contaminated, and do not attempt to remove it on your own. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check your progress and remove your stitches and drainage tube if required.
How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?
Cost will largely depend on the extent of tightening you desire. Since your personal goals play a direct role in the cost, the exact amount can be determined only after undergoing a consultation. To make a neck lift as affordable as possible, we allow for a variety of payment options that include cash, personal checks, major credit cards, and CareCredit® financing.
Is a Neck Lift Right for Me?
If you are bothered by sagging skin on the neck or have recently undergone a facelift that has resulted in signs of aging on your neck being highlighted, a neck lift could be a good option.
Why Choose Dr. Mohit Sood for a Neck Lift?
Each person has his or her own reason for wanting a neck lift. Your goals are also different from anyone else’s. Finding a surgeon who listens and also has the skill to perform a neck lift to your satisfaction is very important. Dr. Sood believes in putting his patients first and will respect your wishes as much as possible when coming up with a treatment plan. He’s also a highly skilled surgeon who has provided outstanding results for a number of other patients.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
If you are to be happy with this surgery, you’ll need to have realistic expectations as to what results are possible. For this reason, one of the first things Dr. Sood will do is have a consultation with you. He will show you before and after pictures of other patients to give you a better idea of what to expect, and your health history and your payment and financing options will be discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Long Will It Take to See Neck Lift Results?
It will take some time before patients enjoy seeing the final results from a neck lift due to swelling, bruising, and healing of incisions. Generally, it takes several weeks for swelling to disappear completely. However, patients should get a good idea of their new appearance after approximately one week.
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Is a Neck Lift Permanent?
Neck lifts are a great way to reset the aging process of the neck and lower face. Natural aging will continue, and skin will age, droop, and possibly sag again as it loses elasticity. Even with aging, patients will still never have the same amount of sagging or wrinkles as they did prior to surgery. To prolong the results and appearance of their neck, they should always use protection in the sun and live a healthy lifestyle.
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When Can Patients Resume Exercise After a Neck Lift?
Many patients have concerns about when to return to their exercise routine after a neck lift. The exact amount of time patients will need to remain sedentary varies depending on the procedure and the health of the patient, but in general, two weeks is a good estimate for some activities. Light activities, like walking, can and should be performed the day after the surgery. If patients play contact sports, they will need to wait approximately six weeks after the procedure. Dr. Sood will guide you depending upon each individual’s healing and lifestyle.
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Does a Neck Lift Create Scars?
Neck lifts require Dr. Sood to make a small incision under the chin and in front of the ears resulting in some inevitable scarring. However, Dr. Sood knows this is a big concern for his patients, so he does everything possible to minimize the appearance of these scars. This includes hiding them in natural creases along the chin and ears, where they are less likely to be seen. Scars will fade with time with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.
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Does a Neck Lift Have any Side Effects?
Every surgery, even one as simple as a neck lift, has the chance for complications. These side effects are rare because of the extreme care Dr. Sood takes with each and every patient. Less serious side effects patients might experience include bleeding, swelling, and pain. However, these should clear up within a few days. More serious side effects can include loss of skin or hair around the incision, blood clots, nerve injury, or infection.
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What is a Good Age to Have a Neck Lift?
If patients are healthy and over the age of 18, they can have a neck lift whenever they would like. Most of the patients Dr. Sood sees for neck lifts are between the ages of 50 and 75.
A neck lift can make you feel more confident by restoring a more youthful look. Find out more about the neck lift procedure and see if it is right for you by contacting Dr. Mohit Sood. He can be reached at his offices: (609) 904-5390 and (856) 403-9686.
