Address Excess Neck Sagging Before It Gets Worse

Posted November 16, 2018 in Neck Lift

Many people find that their necks begin to look out of shape over time. Sagging skin, excess fat, and wrinkles mar the neck’s once-attractive appearance. A neck lift will resculpt a patient’s neck region, removing the excess tissue to reveal beautiful, youthful contours. This surgery can be done alone but is most often done in combination with a facelift.

See our facelift photo gallery for before and after photos of Dr. Careaga’s facelift patient’s.

What Is a Neck Lift?

Though we call it a “neck” lift, it is not just done for sagging, wrinkled skin on the neck but also for these conditions along the lower jawline. As skin loses its elasticity with age, it begins to droop. Excess fat deposits form in the chin and neck region, and muscles sag. These issues cause the formation of unattractive contours.

This procedure can smooth out problematic neck contours by tightening the loose tissues and removing the excess.

Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery

Signs of aging may not necessarily appear as you get older; stress and certain lifestyle habits can cause premature aging as well. And, since the neck is a very visible area, correcting sagging neck skin can cause a remarkable improvement in your overall appearance.

Here are some of the benefits of this procedure:

• When the lower jawline and neck are corrected, it makes the facial contours appear younger and more defined. When done right, it can give a person a whole new look.

• Neck lifts reduce the laxity of the skin. Excess fat can also be removed during the surgery, making the face look trimmer as a whole.

• The appearance of a “turkey wattle” can easily be addressed.

• If you’d like to correct a double chin, a neck lift may help. A defined jawline can make the face look younger.

Preparing for the Surgery

Like any other surgical procedure, neck lift surgery requires a consultation with a skilled surgeon like Dr. Careaga. This will feature a routine medical examination and any required lab tests. If needed, there will be instructions in regards to changing current medications you may be taking.

Dr. Careaga will also give you special instructions to follow for the day before the actual surgery, along with changes you’ll need to make to your lifestyle, like avoiding smoking.

What Is Done During a Neck Lift?

The procedure typically takes around two to three hours to perform. After the administration of anesthesia, tiny incisions are made below the ears or below the chin. Through liposuction, excess fat is extracted. The platysma muscles are tightened with internal sutures, and excess loose skin is excised. The incisions are stitched closed, leaving the skin taut.

Post-surgery Care

When a patient is recovering from neck lift surgery, they’ll need to make sure that their head and neck are always elevated above their heart. This means sleeping with extra pillows in order to stay propped up. Keeping these regions raised will be important for minimizing swelling.

Rest will be required for a week or two after the surgery. Painkillers will be prescribed to aid in controlling any discomfort. Head movement may be restricted for a time. Patients are advised to avoid lifting heavy weights and to stay home from strenuous jobs for a few weeks or months after the surgery.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in seeing how you can rejuvenate your neck, call our office at (305) 960-7511 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Careaga, and learn more.

This article is updated on November 16, 2018.