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.*
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Kobienia specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face and neck, including neck lifts. During your consultation, he 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 throughout Minnesota 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 double chin 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 usually 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. 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 can take 3 to 5 months to fully develop, although everyone’s experience is different.*
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.
Dr. Brian Kobienia
Dr. Kobienia M.D. is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and performs a wide array of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr. Kobienia earned his undergraduate degree at the St Johns University and went on to receive is M.D. from University of Minnesota School of Medicine.
In addition to neck lifts, Dr. Kobienia’s specialties also include brow lifts and facelifts.
Next Steps
Neck lift surgery tightens loose skin in and around the neck and jawline.* If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to request your neck lift consultation and learn more about how to enhance your natural appearance.
*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.
Neck Lift FAQs
How do I choose the best neck lift plastic surgeon near me?
Start by filtering your search to find only board-certified plastic surgeons for your neck lift. Once you’ve narrowed your search by credentials, view before and after neck lift photos, read online reviews and browse the websites of each plastic surgeon on your shortlist. Finally, schedule a consultation with your top one or two picks so you have a chance to meet the plastic surgeon in person and ask any questions you might have to help you make your final decision.
Is a neck lift the best option for me?
A neck lift could be the best cosmetic treatment for you if you are bothered by the appearance of sagging jowls, an undefined jawline, distended neck bands or a double chin. In some cases, nonsurgical treatment options such as injectables or radiofrequency skin tightening devices can offer initial results before a surgical treatment like a neck lift might be required. Neck lifts can also be combined with other procedures such as facelifts and brow lifts to help you achieve a more comprehensive result.
What’s the best age for a neck lift?
Most people who get a neck lift are between the ages of 40 and 60, though you can get a neck lift at virtually any age if you are in good health and your plastic surgeon feels that it is the right procedure to help you reach your cosmetic goals.
How painful is a neck lift?
You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during your neck lift itself, as this procedure is performed under general anesthesia. During the first days and weeks after getting a neck lift, you can expect to feel some minor discomfort, swelling and tightness in your neck and chin area. However, most people find that these temporary side effects are easy to manage with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
When will I see my neck lift results?
You may begin to notice visible improvements in the shape and contours of your neck and jawline within a few weeks after your neck lift procedure. However, it can take up to about five months for your final neck lift results to fully develop.
How long does a neck lift last?
Generally speaking, your neck lift results can last 10 to 15 years before additional treatments or surgeries may be needed. The longevity of your neck lift results will depend on a number of factors, including the age you were when you got a neck lift, the elasticity of your skin and lifestyle habits such as staying out of the sun and eating a healthy diet.
