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Neck Lift

If you are bothered by the aging appearance of your neck, it may be time to consider getting a neck lift. An elegant neck is an important part of our figure and can help define us as youthful and slimmer. There are several choices for the treatment of the neck that depend on your anatomy and your desires. These alternatives can include a facelift, a neck lift, liposuction, and other modalities. The goals when treating the neck are often the restoration of a well-defined neck to chin angle, treatment of the vertical bands that can form, reduction of neck fullness that is due to fatty tissue, and wrinkle control.

Reasons for Getting a Neck Lift

As we age, the relatively thin skin of the neck region loses its elasticity and starts to sag. Unfortunately, as we collect birthdays we also tend to gain a bit of weight and sometimes fat starts to accumulate in the under the chin region. Storing fat in the neck region can also be genetic (thanks, Mom and Dad). The most superficial muscle in the neck region is called the platysma muscle and as this loosens with time vertical bands along the neck may form. Wrinkles may form, especially if we forgot to always use our sunblock.

Before & After
Before & After

* Individual results may vary.

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The Alternatives

Treatment of the neck is an integral part of a facelift. A better name for a facelift would be a lower face and neck lift as these are the areas that a facelift targets. The goals of a facelift are to restore the skin and structures of the cheeks, jowls, and neck back to their youthful position. The elements of a facelift that address the neck are the same as those noted below for neck lifting. More on facelifts is described in the section on facelifts. But not everybody wishes or needs a facelift and may be a good candidate for one of the therapies listed below. Some places offer an alternative to neck plastic surgery that includes non-surgical neck lifts. However, a neck lift without surgery does not provide the same results that are possible through surgery.

A neck lift is a technique for men and women that re-drapes and tightens the skin of the neck to restore that pleasant angle from the neck to the undersurface of the chin. Scars are mostly placed behind the ears and there may be a small scar under the chin. If there is fullness of the neck due to fat accumulations, this is removed at the time with liposuction or direct removal via the small incision under the chin (or a combination of both.

Neck-LiftIf vertical bands, also known as neck cords or turkey neck, are present, these are treated. These bands arise from the bowstringing of the edges of the right and left platysma muscle. Not all of us have a complete separation of these muscle edges but for those of us who do, repair is accomplished by suturing them together via the small incision under the chin. The muscles can be further tightened with stitches near the back of the jaw below the ears. The repair of this muscle to minimize cords in the neck is called platysmaplasty.

For those with younger necks but with significant fullness or double chins due to fatty tissue and if the neck skin still maintains reasonable elasticity, neck liposuction alone may the answer. This can be performed via small incisions and is a relatively easier procedure to go through.

Other possible treatments in the neck region include Botox treatments in select individuals, chin implants for improving one’s jaw structure, and direct excision of extra skin on the neck. This latter procedure is simpler than a neck lift but does leave more visible scars.

 

“You gave me the courage to do surgery”

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Written onMay 6, 2019

“I know it’s your job but I did want you to know how much I appreciated your talent but only for the surgery but also in your way to have spent with me that helped. You gave me the courage to do surgery I always wanted to do. Thank you so much.”

 

by Anonymous

Preparing for Your Neck Lift

As with all of the plastic surgery treatments, a good consultation is in order to determine the best choices for you. We will review the various options and expected results with each. Choices for anesthesia will be discussed. A thoughtful treatment plan can yield a long-lasting youthful neck. Dr. Volpe can also address any questions you may have about the cost of a neck lift and what to expect during the recovery period.

Neck Lift Recovery

There will be some bruising and swelling around the neck following neck lift surgery. Any pain you may experience can be managed with medication. As with most neck procedures, an elastic neck support that we provide is worn for 1-2 weeks and is an important part of achieving the best results. Most patients will need around two weeks of recovery before they can resume most of their normal activities. More strenuous activity should be avoided for longer.

The Cost of a Neck Lift

The cost of your neck lift in Boston will be based on several factors like the techniques used, the amount of work required, and whether or not you choose to combine your neck lift with other facial rejuvenation procedures. During your consultation, our team can let you know what the expected cost of your neck lift will be. Financing options are available.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Dr. Volpe Plastic Surgery Boston at CosmeticSurgeryExperts.com today to schedule a consultation in our Newton or Back Bay offices for your neck lift. We are here to provide you with the attentive excellent care you need throughout the entire process and we are dedicated to providing you with the results you want.

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