A neck lift, also known as cervicoplasty or lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck area. As people age, the skin and muscles in the neck area can start to sag or become loose, resulting in a “turkey neck” or “double chin.”
A neck lift can help to tighten and firm the skin and muscles in the neck, resulting in a more youthful and contoured appearance. Many patients seek solutions for the neck area that can enhance the results they’ve achieved on their faces, such as with facelifts or non-surgical methods. However, when it comes to results that will turn heads, nothing offers such stunning results as a neck lift.
Dr. Michael J. Yoo is board-certified to serve patients seeking cosmetic improvements in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, and beyond. He knows that a neck lift is a highly individualized procedure and works closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan that suits their unique needs and aesthetic goals. Due to the increasing popularity of minimally invasive procedures like neuromodulators and fillers, Dr. Yoo offers his patients these options. However, surgery is often the best path to achieving long-lasting, natural-looking results. Discover how a neck lift can transform your look and take years off your appearance—call (949) 861-3340 for a consultation appointment with Dr. Yoo today!
On his blog, patients are invited to read more about the procedures Dr. Yoo offers his Orange County and Los Angeles patients.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Neck Lift
The neck and jawline are important features that play a role in both perceived age and attractiveness, as well as the perceived body weight of individuals. Women often dislike changes in their jawline as they age. Some will go to any length to hide an aging neck, contouring with makeup or using accessories, such as scarves or high-necked shirts, to cover up. Men, too, can feel self-conscious about their necks, but this area is a common focal point for women concerned with their looks as they age.
Patients are typically more eager for surgery when they understand that a slim neck without submental fullness signals youth and beauty. The average patient considers the angle associated with an attractive submental-cervical contour from 90 to 105 degrees, though doctors push the number higher.[1] While patients may be happy to live with changes to the central face, such as wrinkles and fine lines, the sagging or crepey look of the neck is considered unacceptable for most.
If patients solely focus cosmetic improvement on the face, not the neck, it can look like the face is overdone. A more youthful face can also make the neck look even older comparatively; this can be especially noticeable from the side when the patient looks down. However, patients open to addressing the face and neck when planning cosmetic procedures will avoid this problem.
Many think removing fat under the chin and tightening the skin will solve the problem of a lax neck and submental fullness. However, this approach overlooks many anatomical issues that may be present in people seeking neck improvement, including:
- Laxity in the platysmal muscle; a thin, flat muscle extending from the sternum and the clavicle up to the lower jaw and the corners of the mouth.
- The visible vertical bands or cords prominent in the neck area with aging.
- Excess fat under the platysma.
- Large submandibular glands; a pair of major glands located beneath the lower jaw on both sides of the face.
- Hypertrophy of the digastric muscle, the muscle located under the jaw, behind the chin.
- Developmental factors like the size and shape of the jaw and chin bones
Simply removing fat and tightening skin won’t fix these underlying problems, and a surgical plan must be created to consider each issue. Dr. Yoo understands the complex anatomy of the neck and how to address each concern at the root.
What are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?
A neck lift can provide several aesthetic benefits, including, first and foremost, improved appearance. A neck lift can tighten and firm the skin and muscles, resulting in a more youthful and contoured appearance. These improvements can reduce the signs of aging, addressing a “double chin” or “turkey wattle,” creating a more symmetrical and contoured appearance. Addressing age-related concerns can boost self-esteem and confidence.
The results of a neck lift can last for several years with proper maintenance. Because of this, patients can save money on non-invasive maintenance treatments that cannot address the complex structures of the neck that only a neck lift can.
Ideal Candidates for Neck Lift
Candidates for a neck lift are men and women bothered by
- Sagging skin
- Wrinkles
- Excess fat
- Muscle banding
The ideal candidate is in good overall health, is a non-smoker, and has realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcome. Age is not necessarily a limiting factor as long as the individual is healthy enough to undergo surgery. A consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Yoo can help determine if a neck lift is right for you.
Personal Consultation
During the consultation appointment, Dr. Yoo will assess the patient’s overall health and medical history to determine if they are a good candidate for a neck lift. He will also examine the patient’s neck and face to evaluate the degree of sagging and determine the best course of treatment.
Dr. Yoo will discuss the patient’s goals and expectations for the procedure and any potential risks and complications. The patient can ask questions and learn more about the procedure before deciding whether to proceed.
Dr. Yoo welcomes an open discussion about which of his treatments and procedures will bring the patient to their ideal appearance. Browse our menu of services and write down any questions you have. Dr. Yoo will happily create a customized treatment plan to address your neck, face, or body.
Schedule your consultation today by calling (949) 861-3340.
Preparation
If you’re considering a neck lift, preparing for the procedure can help ensure the best possible outcome and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some tips on how best to prepare:
- It’s important to quit smoking several weeks before the procedure and avoid sun exposure as much as possible in the weeks leading up to the surgery.
- After your neck lift, you will need time to recover, which may mean you need help with daily activities. Arrange for a friend or family member to stay with you during the first few days, and ensure you have plenty of rest and access to any necessary medications.
- Before your neck lift, preparing your home for your recovery is a good idea; this may include stocking up on soft foods and ensuring your home is clean and comfortable.
- Patients will need to take time off of work to recover. Dr. Yoo and his staff can help determine how much time you need to take off.
We are here to support you through every step of your procedure. Let us know if questions arise and how we can help!
The Neck Lift Procedure
Patients have several options for improving their neck, depending on the specific issues they want to address, the desired improvement, and the amount of time they are willing to invest in recovery. Patients can rely on Dr. Yoo’s expertise to determine what will produce the best outcomes for their specific case.
While submental liposuction alone typically doesn’t result in significant neck improvement, using a submental incision to perform a neck lift without skin removal can create desirable contours for many patients.[2] Yet, there are limitations to the amount of neck skin that can be treated through this approach, so this is generally most suitable for younger women and male patients with mild to moderate skin excess, good skin elasticity, and minimal signs of aging in the mid-face, cheek, and jowl areas.
When a patient has a significant amount of excess skin, the best result is typically achieved by excising the skin. The most logical and effective way is with small cuts in the skin behind the ears, called periauricular skin incisions. Skin excision can be performed as part of an “extended” or “long scar” neck lift or as part of a facelift procedure, which is often necessary for most patients needing a neck lift with skin excision.[3]
Neck lift surgery is performed using general anesthesia. Patients will be monitored after the surgery as they awake from anesthesia before going home.
Recovery After Neck Lift
After a neck lift, patients need to take time to recover. Patients can expect discomfort, swelling, and bruising for a few days after the surgery. Dr. Yoo will prescribe medication to help manage the discomfort. It’s also important to keep the head elevated and avoid strenuous activities for the first week or two to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Patients will leave the hospital with instructions for cleaning and caring for the incision sites to prevent infection. The stitches that close the incisions are removed within a week to 10 days after the surgery.
Most patients can return to work and other activities within 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. It may take several months for the swelling to subside completely and for the final results of the surgery to become apparent. Be patient and trust that Dr. Yoo and his staff have your back.
Your Results
The incredible transformation after neck lift surgery can be seen in Dr. Yoo’s before and after photos. Patients can expect less submental fullness with a sharper, more attractive jawline, less sagging and wrinkling, and an overall youthful appearance to the neck. The results of a neck lift can be felt in all aspects of life, from increased confidence and self-esteem to a more positive outlook on aging. However, patients must remember that a neck lift is not a permanent solution and that the aging process will continue. To maintain the results of a neck lift, patients should adopt healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper skincare.
What is the Cost of a Neck Lift in Orange County?
The cost of a neck lift should not be the only consideration when choosing a surgeon. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Yoo, with extensive experience performing neck lifts and a strong reputation for achieving safe, effective, and natural-looking results, is crucial.
Insurance typically does not cover the cost of a neck lift as it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Yoo will provide a personalized treatment plan and a detailed cost estimate based on the individual patient’s needs and goals. Call (949) 861-3340 to get started or complete this form.
References
- Naini FB, Cobourne MT, McDonald F, Wertheim D. Submental-Cervical Angle: Perceived Attractiveness and Threshold Values of Desire for Surgery. Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery. 2015;15(4):469-477. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-015-0872-4
- Marten T, Elyassnia D. Short Scar Neck Lift: Neck Lift Using a Submental Incision Only. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2018;45(4):585-600. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2018.06.005
- Marten T, Elyassnia D. Neck Lift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2018;45(4):455-484. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2018.06.002