The neck often ages even more quickly than the face, eventually displaying changes that may include vertical banding, skin creases, double chin, a turkey wattle appearance, and sagging neck skin. These and other changes can be distressing and affect the overall appearance of the face. Fortunately, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Bared, MD, FACS, can transform the neck and jawline for a more youthful, contoured appearance with neck lift surgery at Facial Plastic Surgery Miami in South Florida. Depending on the specific needs of the patient, Dr. Bared may recommend you be seen by a specialist and may refer you to another provider.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to remove excess skin, tighten lax platysma muscles, and reshape the jaw and chin for a more youthful appearance. Submental liposuction is often performed during the procedure to remove fat and contour the neck and jawline.
While non-invasive cosmetic options are available to treat some signs of aging, plastic surgery is the only way to remove excess skin and fat, tighten the neck, remove platysmal banding, reshape the jawline, and improve the profile. Neck lift surgery provides long-term results, though the natural aging progression and other factors may still eventually affect the appearance of the neck area in the years following surgery.
Neck Lift Techniques
In general, there are three main neck plastic surgery techniques that may be used to rejuvenate this key area. Dr. Bared may recommend a specific technique or a combination of the following options:
Cervicoplasty
Dr. Bared performs cervicoplasty neck surgery to tighten the neck skin. This surgery requires a small incision under the chin and sometimes around the back of the ears to remove and tighten excess skin.
Corset Platysmaplasty
Reconstructive corset platysmaplasty is performed to reduce a turkey wattle, which is caused by sagging platysma muscle tissue. The doctor tightens the muscles of the neck, treats platysmal banding, and removes excess muscle tissue as needed.
Internal sutures bring the muscles toward the center. Corset platysmaplasty is the most common type of neck plastic surgery, and it produces full rejuvenation of the skin and muscles.
Liposuction
Submental liposuction allows Dr. Bared to remove excess fat along the jaw, neckline, and chin. To perform the procedure, he inserts a cannula into a tiny incision in the neck area to break up and suction out fatty deposits. Liposuction is often combined with a full neck lift, facelift, or chin implant.
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Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery
The neck lift procedure addresses common signs of aging like sagging skin, neck bands, wrinkles, and lines. Younger individuals with a “turkey wattle,” a poorly defined neckline, or a double chin may also benefit from a neck lift treatment. Dr. Bared customizes neck cosmetic procedures to match each patient’s goals, which often include:
- Boosting self-confidence and self-image
- Improving the profile
- Smoothing the neck for younger-looking skin
- Reshaping or defining the jawline
- Tightening and reshaping a double chin
- Removing jowls and excess neck skin
- Lifting and reshaping a “turkey wattle”
- Tightening the neck muscle
- Long-lasting rejuvenation
Am I a Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?
The best candidates for neck lift are non-smokers who are in good health, have a positive outlook, and realistic expectations. Neck lift candidates may have a sagging neck due to age, significant weight loss, or genetics. Men and women with sagging, excess neck skin that creates a lack of separation between their neck and jaw or chin can benefit from this procedure.
Necklift
Before and After Photos
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
The Neck Lift Procedure
Dr. Bared performs neck lift surgery as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The anesthesia type will be determined based on the extent of the lift and details of the operation. Incision placement will also depend on the technique but will always be located in discrete areas chosen to ensure minimal scarring.
Neck lift surgeries typically take two hours but may take longer when paired with a facelift, chin implant, or another plastic surgery. Dr. Bared will explain the surgical plan in detail during the consultation.
The neck lift procedure often begins with liposuction. Dr. Bared creates a small incision under the chin and inserts a hollow suction tube to remove a double chin, jowls, and to sculpt the jawline. Based on the extent of the surgery and the skin’s elasticity, liposuction can be performed alone or in combination with the removal of a small amount of sagging skin, a chin implant, or a full neck lift.
Cervicoplasty typically involves liposuction before an incision is formed under the chin to lift the skin on the neck or to add a chin implant. Dr. Bared may also create a small incision behind each ear to treat excessive skin, a sagging neck, or lax neck muscles.
Reconstructive surgery or corset neck surgery typically involves an incision starting in front of the earlobe. The incision wraps beneath and behind the ear and ends in the scalp. Dr. Bared then lifts sagging skin and trims excess tissues to address a turkey wattle.
He then creates an incision under the chin and tightens the underlying muscles and deeper layers of tissue to elevate the neck before joining the separated platysma muscles with sutures. This technique resembles a corset as the stitches combine the muscles to smooth vertical bands, add support, and transform an aging face and neck.
Once the patient’s aesthetic concerns have been addressed, the incisions are closed with sutures. Dr. Bared may place drains before bandaging the area.
Recovery Process
Dr. Bared places a pressure dressing over the surgical area that wraps around the head and neck to support the muscles and tissue during the healing process. The neck area will initially feel tight and sore.
Some bruising and swelling are common during the first few days and patients must sleep with their head elevated for one to two weeks. The dressing may be removed after a few days. Rest is important during this time.
Dr. Bared examines the incisions and removes the sutures in 7 to 10 days, and most patients are approved to return to non-strenuous work or activities at this time. However, patients must continue to avoid bending over, turning their head from side to side, and lifting heavy objects for several weeks after surgery.
Complete neck lift recovery takes approximately two to four weeks. These guidelines may vary based on the patient’s personal health, surgical techniques, and other variables. Dr. Bared provides each patient with after-care instructions based on the details of the surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Bared?
Dr. Anthony Bared, MD, FACS, is a highly-esteemed, board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon in Miami, Florida. His extensive qualifications, experience, and outstanding objectives include:
- Dual board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology
- Completed his five-year residency at the University of Miami, specializing in head and neck surgery and otolaryngology
- Trained under one of the fathers of modern rhinoplasty, Dr. Dean Toriumi
- Inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
- Specializes in reconstructive surgery, rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, and non-invasive treatments to reduce signs of aging and enhance facial features
- Provides both male and female patients with outstanding, natural-looking results
- Lectures at plastic surgery conferences and is the author of an informative plastic surgery blog, medical publications, and textbooks
Frequently Asked Questions about Neck Lift Surgery
Dr. Bared has a warm and inviting disposition, and he provides each patient with ample time to discuss their goals and concerns. You will see before and after photos from prior neck procedures, learn about the methods Dr. Bared offers, and discuss the expected outcomes of each procedure.
After learning about your goals, reviewing your health history, and examining your skin and facial structure, Dr. Bared will provide you with a customized cosmetic treatment plan to enhance your jawline and neck.Â
The doctor will explain the benefits and risks of your neck procedure during your consultation. Choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon dramatically reduces the risks associated with surgery, which can include bleeding, infection, and the need for revision surgery. Swelling and bruising are common side effects that may last several days, along with tingling, tightness, or numbness.Â
For more information on risks, talk to Dr. Bared or use a reputable online resource like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Â
Dr. Bared encourages his patients to quit smoking at least four weeks before the surgery, a step that is essential to proper healing. Have button-down shirts available for after the surgery and pillows to help prop your head in an upright position.Â
Have fresh food available in your home, and ask a friend to drive you to and from the operation. Someone should stay with you at your home for one or two nights to assist you after the surgery. Be sure to schedule one to two weeks off from work, depending on the surgical details.
Cosmetic neck surgery improves the lower face by lifting and firming the jawline, removing jowls, transforming a turkey wattle, removing the fat deposits that create a double chin, and firming the neck.Â
The procedure contours the jawline and eliminates signs of aging, but will not address the eyes, lines between the nose and mouth, or sagging facial skin. Dr. Bared may offer a combination procedure along with the neck surgery to address these areas, such as a facelift, or non-invasive treatments like injectables.
Dr. Bared provides each patient with instructions based on the specifics of their surgery. Your neck and head must be elevated for the first two weeks to encourage healing and to reduce bruising and swelling. Most patients return to work in one to two weeks and resume moderate exercise after three weeks.
Healing is progressive and strenuous activities must be restricted, especially after surgery that involves tightening the neck muscles. Typical limitations during the first one to two months include avoiding contact sports, vigorous activities, bending down, and repetitive movements like shaking your head back and forth.
Like any plastic surgery, neck lift cosmetic procedures will cause some scarring, but Dr. Bared limits the number of incisions whenever possible and chooses their location carefully to minimize their appearance. One tiny, three-millimeter incision beneath the chin and two incisions near the ears may be used to perform liposuction and to lift and firm the lower face and jawline.
Additional incisions may be needed to treat neck banding or separated neck muscles that cause excessive, sagging skin and a weak neckline. The scars will fade significantly and are created in inconspicuous areas whenever possible. Dr. Bared will explain the incision options during your consultation.
Schedule Your Neck Lift Consultation Today at our Miami Office
Cosmetic surgery candidates are encouraged to share their aesthetic goals during a private consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Bared at his office in Miami, FL. After learning more about the patient’s objectives, performing a physical examination, and reviewing their medical history, Dr. Bared creates a personalized neck lift plan for approved candidates based on their skin type, age, and goals.
Other surgical procedures like a facelift or chin implant, or non-invasive treatments like Voluma®, may be performed along with cosmetic neck surgery to enhance facial aesthetics and reduce signs of aging.
If you would like to achieve a firm, youthful neck, call 305-666-1774 or schedule a consultation online with Dr. Anthony Bared, MD, FACS. Out-of-town patients can schedule a virtual, web-based initial. We look forward to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals right here in our Miami location.