How to Achieve a Youthful Neck with Neck Lift Surgery

Neck lifts, medically known as lower rhytidectomies, are an excellent option for people seeking to rejuvenate their jawline and neck. The surgical procedure tightens the skin and muscles of the neck and removes excess fat to create a more youthful and defined neckline. Facelifts might be the most commonly referenced age-reversing cosmetic surgery, but neck lifts are rising in popularity as our bodies adapt to modern society. The term “tech neck” was coined in response to the effects of straining our necks as we engage with the various forms of technology that have become ubiquitous in everyday life, with many of us routinely spending hours peering at our phones, computers, and tablets. Even without the effect of “tech neck,” like our faces, our necks visibly change with age. As we get older, neck skin loses laxity leading to deep lines and wrinkles, loose skin, and the appearance of jowls. Barrett Plastic Surgery offers customizable neck lifts that achieve high patient satisfaction by targeting a variety of needs to suit anyone’s aesthetic goals. Keep reading to learn more about the youthful effects of neck lift surgery.

What is a neck lift? How is it performed?

Similar to any other surgical “lift,” the purpose of neck lifts is to remove and tighten excess skin and improve body contour for a youthful appearance. Due to our body’s decrease in collagen production as we age, our necks start to sag and fold as the skin loses laxity. Significant wrinkling and drooping are the main causes of “turkey neck” and the development of a double chin later in life. The surgery is customizable and tailored to address each patient’s specific needs — neck lifts offer a solution to these signs of aging, but can also be beneficial for people who have experienced significant weight loss that resulted in excessive extra skin. The surgery can also treat abnormal contours due to muscle banding around the neck. Neck lifts are often combined with facelifts, browlifts, eyelid surgery, or other procedures for more comprehensive results. 

To perform a neck lift, the surgeon will make incisions based on the contour from the top of the patient’s ear to the hairline. From that incision, the surgeon removes extra fat, skin, and tissue, sometimes redistributing it for a better neck shape. The skin is then re-draped and tightened. For double chin correction, the surgeon makes another incision to perform liposuction. Barrett Beverly Hills utilizes a detailed suturing method and extensive scar management protocol for optimal results. The surgery takes around 4-6 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. 

Who is a good candidate for a neck lift?

Good candidates for neck lifts include:

• Individuals with realistic expectations: While many patients seek neck lifts to improve signs of aging, it’s important to understand the limitations of the procedure. Neck lifts are a great rejuvenation surgery, but they cannot stop the aging process or fundamentally alter someone’s appearance.
• Individuals in good general health: Patients with underlying health conditions should consult their doctor before considering a neck lift.
• Individuals experiencing signs of aging in their neck leading to jowls or “turkey neck”
• Individuals with excess skin from significant weight loss

Can a neck lift get rid of a double chin?

Submental fat refers to the excess fat that accumulates under the chin due to weight gain, aging, jaw recession, or genetics, causing the appearance of a double chin. The jawline is a critical part of facial symmetry — if the chin, nose, and mouth protrude at disproportionate lengths, the side profile becomes off-balance. While some people can reduce their submental fat through exercise and diet alone, these methods are not successful for everyone. Neck lifts are an outstanding form for double chin correction; since the surgery successfully tightens the jawline and removes excess fat, patients often seek the procure to target their double chin.

What are the benefits?

Benefits of neck lifts include:

• Removes excess skin and fat, creating a smoother and more defined neckline 
• Addresses vertical neck bands and sagging skin, restoring a youthful appearance
• Provides better facial symmetry and balance
• Long-lasting neck rejuvenation

How do I prepare for the procedure?

Patients anticipating neck lift surgery should expect to stop smoking prior to the procedure and discontinue any medications or supplements that may exacerbate bleeping. Patients will work with their surgeons during the initial consultation to create a comprehensive surgical plan that addresses their unique needs. Before the surgery, patients should plan time away from work, childcare, and pet care for the first few days following the neck lift. 

What can I expect during recovery?

Recovery after a neck lift lasts about six weeks with patients expecting four days of complete downtime. After surgery, patients commonly experience some swelling, numbness, bruising, and a feeling of tightness or tension in the face and neck. These symptoms may last 2-4 weeks, with full facial sensations typically returning to normal within a few months. Most patients feel comfortable in public after ten days, and most return to work after 2-3 weeks. 

Are there risks?

Like any surgical procedure, abdominoplasties have risks, including infection, blood clots, scarring, and other associated possible complications. Finding a qualified, board-certified surgeon with a reputation for successful procedures significantly reduces the risk of complications. 

Other risks include:

• Nerve injury
• Skin loss
• Open wounds
• Negative reaction to anesthesia 

Are there noninvasive options?

For those interested in making minor changes to their double chin or jawline, nonsurgical options include CoolSculpting, Botox, or targeted exercises. CoolSculpting works by killing fat cells with cold temperatures; however, this is not a good choice for those looking to eliminate significant amounts of fat or need to firm excess loose skin. Botox allows the injector to relax enlarged masseter muscles, decreasing the jaw muscles' activity and leading to a reduction in the jaw. But Botox cannot reduce submental fat. Finally, some targeted exercises are proven to decrease the appearance of a double chin and increase jaw definition. 

Neck liposuction is another popular non-invasive alternative to a neck lift. Liposuction on the neck offers similar results, like increased facial symmetry and a youthful appearance without the surgery. Weight loss does not guarantee the complete elimination of a double chin, but chin liposuction allows patients the ability to enhance their jawline, get rid of pesky submental fat, and improve their side profile. 

What are the next steps?

If you’re interested in cosmetic surgery, Barrett Beverly Hills offers in-person and virtual consultations for potential patients. Our practice sets the standard for natural-looking results with a holistic approach to effectively minimize post-surgical downtime and scarring. For more information about us, call (310) 398-2648 or complete a virtual consultation form. Keep up with us on social media via TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Realself, and YouTube, and subscribe to our blog for updates. We look forward to guiding you on your journey!