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Neck Lift - Overview

Restoring Structure to the Jawline and Neck

It is very common for facial aging to progress unevenly, leaving your eyes and forehead looking rested while the neck and jawline lose their crisp definition. A neck lift works to harmonize your overall appearance by precisely targeting the areas where skin laxity creates the most noticeable change. This surgery may be the best approach if you have a youthful upper face but have developed jowls, a sagging jawline, a double chin, a “turkey wattle,” or excess fat and sagging skin on your neck.

Older lady admiring her neck in mirror

Who is a good candidate for a neck lift?

You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if your upper face looks youthful, and you want to resolve the appearance of aging skin and sagging tissues along the jawline and upper neck region. This surgery may be recommended if you have:

  • Excess fat beneath the chin
  • Loose neck skin
  • Jowls from skin laxity and excess fat in the lower face
  • Muscle banding on your neck, creating an aging look

What a Neck Lift Can Do For You

  • Redefine Your Jawline: Lifts sagging jowls and deep tissue to recreate a sharp, distinct boundary between your lower face and neck.
  • Smooth Loose, Hanging Skin: A neck lift away excess skin ("turkey wattle") to eliminate crepey texture and restore a sleek, firm neck contour.
  • Repair Separated Neck Muscles: Tightens and re-joins the underlying platysma muscle to flatten vertical neck cords and bands from within.
  • Erase a Double Chin: Sculpts away stubborn fat deposits beneath the chin to lighten a heavy lower profile and enhance your side view.
  • Enjoy Long-Lasting Results: Repositioning the deeper structural layers produces a natural, refreshed outcome that can last a decade or more.

Superior results for neck lift surgery

Dr. Copit is a well-known national and international educator and speaker. He sits at the cutting edge of the latest developments in surgical and technological advancements, and a constant innovator, contributing to new approaches and techniques to the field of facial plastic surgery.

At Vail Valley Plastic Surgery, we focus on making your journey to cosmetic enhancement as rewarding, comfortable, and private as possible. We offer a unique preoperative regimen that helps to speed the healing process, with minimal bruising and swelling.

Why choose Vail Valley Plastic Surgery?

At Vail Valley Plastic Surgery, we are known for elegant, natural-looking results and an exceptional level of care in a safe, private setting. Dr. Copit has extensive experience with consistently superior results in facial plastic surgery. He is the premier specialty plastic surgeon in the Vail Valley and the Colorado mountains with over 28 years of experience. 

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What Can I Expect with a Neck Lift Procedure?

Neck lift surgery can be performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. In a traditional neck lift, the incision may begin in the hairline at the sideburn, continue down around the ear, and end in the hair at the back of the head. Through the incision, fat in the jowls and neck may be redistributed or removed. The underlying tissue is repositioned, and the platysma muscle in the neck may be tightened. Once the neck and jawline are recontoured, the skin is redraped, excess skin is trimmed away, and the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape.

How Long is Recovery After a Neck Lift?

Someone else will need to drive you home after neck lift surgery, and you'll likely need a week or more at home to recover. It can take several weeks or longer for swelling to subside completely, at which time your full results will start to appear. You will be wearing a compression bandage and may have a small tube placed under the skin to drain away excess fluid. For at least two weeks after your procedure, you'll need to rest with your head elevated, use cold compresses to reduce swelling, and avoid strenuous activities. Prescription pain medication will help keep you comfortable during the first few days.

FAQ

When will my drains and stitches be removed?

Drains will be removed in approximately two days after neck lift surgery. Stitches will be removed in five to ten days.

What is the difference between a neck lift and neck liposuction?

Neck liposuction is great for younger patients who just want to remove stubborn chin fat and still have elastic skin. However, if you also have loose skin, vertical neck cords, or a 'turkey wattle,' a full neck lift is needed to tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess skin.

Can a neck lift be combined with other facial surgeries?

Yes. It is frequently paired with a lower facelift, chin augmentation, or eyelid surgery. Combining treatments creates a harmonious look with a single shared downtime.

How can I make my neck lift results last longer?

Unfortunately, the process of aging is natural and cannot be entirely halted. You can help maintain your results for longer by leading a healthy lifestyle, avoiding sun exposure, and always wearing sunscreen. We can recommend a skincare regimen for you, as well as nonsurgical treatments to help extend your refreshed, youthful neckline. Our practice has face and body skincare specialists with more than 50 years of combined experience.

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