Necklift

Page Updated: July 12, 2024

With age, the muscle, connective tissue, and fat pads of the face and neck descend. In the neck, this can lead to a poorly defined neckline, fullness underneath the chin in the submental area, and neck “banding.” In addition, the platysma muscle can lose tone and descend while the skin loses collagen and elastin, reducing the skin’s strength. When the skin becomes less elastic, it can descend with gravity. The combination of changes in the skin, connective tissue, and muscle results in a sagging neck. A neck lift is a type of cosmetic surgery that can rejuvenate the neck by repositioning and lifting the descended tissue, creating a smooth straight neckline.

• Neck Lift Surgery In Houston
• What Is A Neck Lift? 
• Benefits of Neck Lift
• How Is Neck Lift Performed? 
• Preparing For Neck Lift
• What to Expect During Your Neck Lift Procedure
• Neck Lift Recovery
• FAQs About Neck Lift

Neck Lift Surgery In Houston

Dr. Sanaz Harirchian’s practice is dedicated to aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face. She focuses exclusively on plastic surgery procedures for face and neck rejuvenation. She combines her artistic eye, perfectionist style, and thorough understanding of the science behind the aging process with cutting-edge, advanced face & neck procedures. By focusing only on the face and neck, Dr. Harirchian believes that she can give her patients the best care and outcomes. She can perform different types of facelifts and neck lifts and will tailor her technique to best treat your face.

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, also referred to as a lower rhytidectomy, addresses the signs of aging in the neck by eliminating the loose skin that can create the appearance of a “turkey neck”, reducing fullness in the submental area (double chin), and improving neck banding.¹ A neck lift will sculpt and remove the fat in the neck, tighten the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty), and remove excess neck skin (cervicoplasty). A full facelift addresses both the face and neck by improving aging and sagging in the cheeks, midface, jowls, and neck. A neck lift is best for younger patients with aging changes in the neck, without significant aging changes in the face or jowls.

With age, the platysma muscle can lose tone and descend. In addition, changes occur in the composition of the skin and connective tissue. The skin loses collagen and elastin, reducing the skin’s strength. When the skin becomes less elastic, it can descend with gravity. The combination of changes in the skin, connective tissue, and muscle result in a sagging neck. Neck lift surgery can rejuvenate the neck by repositioning and lifting the descended tissue, creating a smooth straight neckline.

Benefits of Neck Lift

Neck lift surgery can provide several benefits, including:

• Improved neck contour and definition
• Reduction of excess skin and fat under the chin and along the jawline
• Improved appearance of neck bands or wrinkles
• More youthful and rejuvenated appearance
• Boosted self-confidence and self-esteem
• Achieves long-lasting results

How Is Neck Lift Performed? 

Preparing For Neck Lift

Preparing for neck lift surgery involves several steps to ensure the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery. The first step is your consultation with Dr. Harirchian to discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history. During the consultation, Dr. Harirchian will evaluate your skin quality, neck contour, and overall health to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. It’s important to inform Dr. Harirchian of any medical conditions or medications you are taking, as well as any history of smoking or drug use. 

Before the surgery, you may need to undergo blood tests and get medical clearance from your primary care physician to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure. It’s important to stop smoking and avoid certain medications and supplements, such as aspirin and blood thinners, for several weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding and other complications. 

Finally, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and arrange for post-operative care, such as meal preparation and transportation, during your recovery period. It’s essential to follow Dr. Harirchian’s instructions closely to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome for your neck lift procedure.

What to Expect During Your Neck Lift Procedure

Neck Lift surgery is an outpatient procedure, performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Harirchian uses a deep-plane approach to rejuvenating the neck. This means that she makes a small incision and then uses that entry point to access the “deep plane” muscle of the neck and move muscle and connective tissue layers back to a more natural and youthful position. After the deep structures are tightened and lifted, the excess skin is removed. The goal of Dr. Harirchian’s neck lift approach is to restore the youthful anatomy of the neck by lifting and repositioning the deeper tissues. The focus is not on pulling or lifting skin only. Consequently, patients look natural and youthful.

A neck lift involves an incision made underneath the chin, whereby excess fat in the neck and jowls is carefully and conservatively sculpted and removed using liposuction. A corset platysmaplasty is then performed to tighten the platysma neck muscle. An incision is then made behind the ear in the hairline. Dr. Harirchian dissects underneath the platysma muscle of the neck from the sides, to move muscle and connective tissue layers back to a more natural and youthful position. Excess skin is removed after the deep tissue is tightened and lifted. The incisions are closed with sutures, and a dressing or compression garment is applied to the neck to reduce swelling and support the healing process. The surgery typically takes several hours to complete, and patients will need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure. A neck lift has limited results in older patients with significant sagging of the neck and/or jowls. These patients benefit best from a full facelift.

The exact details of your surgery may vary depending on your individual needs, but this general overview gives an idea of what to expect during a neck lift procedure. Dr. Harirchian will provide more detailed information based on your unique situation during your initial consultation.

Neck Lift Recovery

During neck lift recovery, some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the neck area are normal. Pain medications may be prescribed to help manage any discomfort. You will need to limit your activity level and avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery. Dressings and drains may be placed on your incision sites to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Harirchian will be necessary to monitor your recovery progress and ensure proper healing. Your results will begin to show as swelling and bruising resolve, but final results can take several months to be visible, once all swelling has subsided.

Patient Results

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Schedule A Consultation For Neck Lift

If you have concerns about signs of aging in the neck and would like to learn more about neck lift, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today to set up an appointment with Dr. Harirchian.

FAQs About Neck Lift

Who is a good candidate for neck lift surgery?

A good candidate for neck lift surgery is a healthy adult who is bothered by excess skin, fat, or sagging in the neck and jawline and has realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.²

What is the recovery time for neck lift surgery?

The recovery time for neck lift surgery can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and individual factors. Typically, patients can return to work and normal activities within 1-2 weeks but should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks.

Are there any risks or complications associated with neck lift surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, neck lift surgery carries risks and potential complications, including infection, bleeding, and scarring.³ Dr. Harirchian will discuss the potential risks and complications with you before you undergo the procedure.

Will there be visible scarring after neck lift surgery?

There will be some scarring after neck lift surgery, but the incisions are typically placed in inconspicuous areas such as under the chin or behind the ears to minimize their visibility. Over time, the scars will fade and become less noticeable.

How long do the results of neck lift surgery last?

The results of neck lift surgery can last several years or more, depending on the individual’s aging process and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and weight fluctuations. Patients can maintain their results by practicing healthy habits and following their surgeon’s post-operative instructions.

What is the cost of neck lift surgery? 

The cost of neck lift surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, and any other cosmetic procedures you choose to combine with your neck lift. The best way to get exact pricing for the procedure that will achieve your cosmetic goals is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Harirchian.