Neck Lift

Loose neck skin, excess neck fat or distended neck bands can all detract from your facial appearance. A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a customized procedure designed to tighten neck skin and address some of the most common signs of aging in the neck. By creating a sleeker, tighter and more youthful-looking neck, a neck lift procedure can enhance your appearance in a way that seems completely natural.

Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Jennifer Harrington and Dr. Brian Kobienia specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face and neck, including neck lifts. During your consultation, your surgeon will work with you to develop a custom-tailored treatment plan that helps you meet your appearance goals.

Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery has helped women and men from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and all of Minnesota look as young as they feel with neck lift surgery. Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about neck lifts, including costs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?

Anyone who notices signs of the aging process in and around their neck may be a good candidate for a neck lift. Some of the most common reasons to consider getting a neck lift procedure include:

  • Distended neck bands, or platysmal bands
  • Sagging jowls and neck skin
  • Loss of jawline definition caused by excess skin or fat
  • A double chin

Neck Lift Incisions

Neck lift incisions are usually placed either behind the ears or under the chin. The exact placement of your incisions depends upon the goal outcome of your procedure. Patients seeking to resolve sagging skin in the lower face or neck usually benefit from a procedure that uses incisions behind the ears to lift and tighten the skin. People with a double chin, on the other hand, usually get one or more small incisions placed under the chin. Through these incisions, your surgeon can perform facial liposuction to remove excess fat cells before tightening the surrounding skin.

Your Neck Lift Procedure

Neck lift surgery is a same-day procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia, although in some cases, local anesthesia may be used instead. The surgery itself takes around 2 hours and Dr. Kobienia does the neck lifts here in our surgery center.

You should plan to arrive at the surgical facility 1 hour prior to your procedure start time and you will need to stay in a recovery room for 1 hour after your procedure has finished. A friend or family member will need to drive you home after your surgery, and an adult should plan to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your neck lift.

Depending on your individual needs, your surgeon may recommend additional procedures to best enhance your look. Many patients combine their neck lift with a facelift for a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. A neck lift can also be combined with other facial procedures, such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift.

Neck Lift Recovery

Most neck lift patients take 7 to 14 days off of work and away from other normal activities following their surgery. Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may feel up to returning to work after only 1 week of healing. Your surgeon may ask you to wear special bandages or use topical treatments during the initial phase of your recovery, and you should stay out of direct sun exposure for at least 6 months following your neck lift.

Some swelling and bruising is to be expected following any surgical procedure, but these should subside over the first couple of weeks. Your final results may take 3 to 5 months to fully develop.

It’s important to discuss any possible risks and complications of a neck lift with your surgeon before your procedure. If you notice a sudden increase in swelling or sharp pain, notify our office immediately.

Next Steps

Surgery to tighten loose neck skin can reverse common symptoms of age in and around the neck and jawline, providing better facial definition and a more youthful appearance. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to schedule your neck lift consultation and learn more about how to enhance your natural appearance.