Neck Lift
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the neck’s appearance by removing excess skin, tightening underlying muscles, and recontouring the neck area. It addresses common issues such as “turkey neck,” vertical banding, and fatty accumulations. The result is a smoother, firmer, and more youthful neckline.
Why is a Neck Lift Surgery Done?
Over time, factors like aging, sun exposure, genetics, and gravity can contribute to the skin’s sagging, formation of wrinkles, and loss of muscle tone in the neck. A neck lift can provide solutions to:
- Improve visible signs of aging.
- Address fat deposits under the chin.
- Reduce or eliminate muscle banding in the neck.
- Restore a smoother, firmer neck profile.
How It’s Done
In a neck lift, the patient and surgeon begin with a detailed consultation, discussing desired outcomes, potential risks, and the most appropriate surgical techniques. On the day of the procedure, the surgeon administers either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort. The surgeon then makes the incisions, choosing between the traditional pattern starting at the hairline and circling the ear, or the limited incision approach which is smaller and wraps behind the ear.
The surgeon sculpts or redistributes any excess or misplaced fat and tightens the sagging platysma muscle, essential for addressing the ‘turkey neck’ appearance. He or she then stretches the skin, which has lost its elasticity over the years, and trims any excess. After achieving the desired neck contour, the surgeon closes the incisions using advanced methods to reduce scarring. Once the surgery concludes, the surgeon might place a bandage around the neck to support its new shape and provides specific care instructions before discharging the patient.
Why Plano Plastic Surgery?
At Plano Plastic Surgery, our standard is excellence from the first consultation through every follow-up. Our surgical team brings decades of combined experience in cosmetic breast surgery, with a patient-centered approach that prioritizes safety, natural results, and genuine care.
All breast augmentation procedures at Plano Plastic Surgery are performed in our on-site AAAASF-accredited surgical suite — a credential that reflects the highest standards of facility safety and patient care. We customize every treatment plan to the individual patient, recognizing that goals, anatomy, and lifestyle are different for every person who comes through our doors.
Our team also has extensive experience with breast revision surgery, helping patients who have sought correction of results from prior procedures at other practices.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
We prioritize an individualized approach, ensuring every consultation is thorough, personalized, and informative.
Customized Treatment Approaches
Recognizing that each patient is unique, our treatments are tailored to individual needs and desired outcomes.
Patient Care and Safety
Our team is uncompromising in ensuring the highest levels of patient safety and care at every stage of the journey.
Commitment to Continuous Education
The medical field is ever-evolving, and our dedication to ongoing education ensures we stay at the forefront of advancements.
Exceptional Results
Our commitment to excellence ensures results that consistently exceed expectations.
Revisions
Both of these doctors have a combined experience of over 61 years and have vast experience with "revision surgery" with 100's of revisions performed to correct previous surgery that the patient was not happy with from a different doctor and practice.
Who is a Good Candidate?
- Displays visible aging signs in the neck area.
- Maintains overall good health.
- Has realistic expectations of the surgery’s results.
- Does not smoke or is committed to quitting before and after the surgery.
- Is willing to adhere to post-surgery care instructions for best healing outcomes.
Neck Lift Recovery and What to Expect
Immediate Post-Operative Phase (1-2 weeks):
Mid Recovery Phase (3-6 weeks):
Long-Term Recovery:
Final Results:
Which Neck Lift Technique Is Right for You?
Neck lift is a general term covering several surgical approaches, and the right one depends on your anatomy and goals. During your consultation, Dr. Haidenberg will recommend the technique best suited to your neck.
Platysmaplasty (Neck Tuck): tightens the underlying platysma muscle and reduces vertical neck banding. Learn more about Platysmaplasty
Z-Plasty Neck Lift: a scar revision technique suited to patients with significant skin laxity. Learn more about Z-Plasty Neck Lift
Neck Liposuction: removes excess fat beneath the chin and along the jawline for patients whose primary concern is fullness rather than loose skin. Learn more about Neck Liposuction
FAQ
What is the difference between a neck lift and neck liposuction?
Neck liposuction removes excess fat beneath the chin and along the jawline. A neck lift addresses loose or sagging skin and muscle banding, which liposuction alone cannot correct. Many patients need one, the other, or both, which is why this is a common consultation question. Learn more about Neck Liposuction
What is platysmaplasty?
Platysmaplasty, sometimes called a neck tuck, is a technique that tightens the platysma muscle beneath the neck skin to reduce vertical banding, often called turkey neck. It is one of several techniques used within a neck lift and is frequently combined with skin removal for a complete result. Learn more about Platysmaplasty
How long is recovery after a neck lift?
Most patients experience swelling and bruising for the first one to two weeks, with a gradual return to normal activity over the following month. Final results become fully visible between six and twelve months, as the tissue settles and residual swelling resolves.