Neck Lift
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is used to remove the jowls, excess fatty deposits, and loose neck skin common in aging. On its own or combined with a facelift, neck lifts can contribute to a stronger jawline and chin, well-defined facial contours, and an overall more youthful appearance.
Neck lifts are among the most common surgical procedures performed. They can be combined with other rejuvenation procedures (such as the facelift, browlift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting) to turn back the clock on some of the most common visible signs of aging. Neck lifts are ideal for patients looking to reinvigorate their appearance, but who are not yet ready for (or in need of) face lifts.
Benefits of Neck Lifts
Neck Lift Candidates
Candidates for a neck lift include individuals with one or more of the following: jowls, loss of jaw definition, sagging/deflated neck skin, or excess fatty deposits along the neck (a double chin). For candidates with youthful faces but saggy or wrinkled necks, neck lifts can refresh the skin and shapes of your neck to complete a matching, youthful visage.
Neck Lift FAQs
Neck lifts, like face lifts, are highly individualized procedures tailored to your unique goals and overall neck and facial structure. Patients should arrive with focused areas for improvement and desired outcomes clearly in mind. By identifying your areas of greatest concern beforehand, you add precision, value, and a greater sense of satisfaction to your procedure.
Neck lifts work by removing excess fat and skin around the neck and jawline and by tightening the underlying muscles of the neck for a smoother, more profound profile. By restoring your neck and lower facial contours through the removal of jowl or double-chin fat and by lifting the muscles and tightening the skin, your face and neck should appear slimmer, younger, and more pleasing!
For easy and effortless concealment, neck lift incisions are often made behind the ears and under the chin along the natural contours of your face. This results over time (but especially after the healing process completes) in a natural, undetectable look to make you feel more like yourself than in years past.
Genetics and gravity both have a hand in the jowls, wrinkles, and double chins we experience as we age. The neck lift procedure resets these visible signs of aging by removing fat and tightening muscles for an enduring, youthful difference. It’s common for neck lift results to last 10-15 years (or longer) while taking about that many years off your appearance!
Like other surgical procedures, bruising and swelling are expected after surgery. Discomfort is easily managed through medication, while a loosely wrapped bandage protects the incisions as they heal.
Patients are encouraged to keep their heads elevated above their hearts to improve blood flow and to keep their heads as straight and level as possible without any drastic or unnecessary twisting or bending of the neck.
Swelling and bruising should resolve in around 1-2 weeks following the neck lift procedure. Proper skin care and limited sun exposure can hasten the healing process for incisions, typically taking several months. Once the healing process advances, results should be evident–a taut, slim, youthful neck to match your youthful face and spirit!
Interested in a neck lift?
Dr. Klenke is dedicated to you and take pride in helping you achieve your best results. At Pinnacle, we provide detailed consultations allowing us to understand each patient’s motivation and desired outcomes. Our goal is to customize a treatment specifically for each individual. In your initial consultation our team will evaluate your health, and define which surgical procedures are most suitable for you based on your body and a personalized surgical plan will be created.