Neck Lift
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and Sugar Land, TX
A neck lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens loose skin, removes excess fat, and repairs muscles to rejuvenate the neck. As we age, the skin on our neck loses its elasticity and develops a fine, crinkly, crepe-like texture. This skin begins to sag, impacting your self-image and making you physically uncomfortable. A neck lift revitalizes this area to improve contour and restore a youthful appearance.
Led by Dr. Ahmad Ahmadi, Avante Plastic Surgery is one of the top practices in the Houston metropolitan area. He is a highly skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who will ensure you receive the highest quality care. With over two decades of experience, we take pride in offering some of the best plastic surgery results in Houston and Sugar Land.
If you’re interested in a neck lift and want more information, please schedule a private consultation with Dr. Ahmadi today. Call our office at (281) 265-2639 or fill out our contact form to take the first steps.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Neck Lifts
In 2020 alone, surgeons performed over 160,000 in the United States. (1) While not as well-known as the facelift, but frequently performed in combination with them, the neck lift is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to help you look and feel younger and happier with your appearance. This surgery corrects the typical signs of aging in the neck area. Patients can expect smoothing of the jowls, correction of double chin, and tightening of the neck bands after a neck lift surgery.
What are Platysmal Bands?
The platysma muscle spans across the entire neck area. This broad, thin muscle helps move the bottom lip and is an extension of the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer. The platysma becomes lax with age, negatively impacting the neck’s contour by adding bulk and allowing the skin that surrounds it to sag, sometimes referred to as “turkey neck”. The fascia around the muscle also sags, causing lengthwise wrinkles called platysmal bands. To repair this area, a neck lift typically sutures this muscle back into its original position to tighten both the skin and underlying bands. (2)
Excess tissue collection around the neck also leads to a double chin, a feature closely associated with aging. Neck lifts can remedy this by adding liposuction to the process and removing loose skin from the area. Dr. Ahmadi often utilizes this technique to improve patient results and ensure they are long-lasting.
Benefits of a Neck Lift
Patients enjoy the following benefits from their procedure:
- Smoother neck area
- Reduced excess skin
- Tightened muscles
- Minimal scarring
- More youthful appearance
- Short recovery period
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Achieves what diet and exercise cannot
Candidates
Ideal candidates for a neck lift meet the following criteria:
- Adults between the ages of 20 and 55
- In overall good health
- Have a double chin (or turkey neck)
- Have excess loose skin
- Keep a positive outlook and realistic expectations
- Nonsmokers
Unfortunately, we can’t recommend this procedure to any patient who has chronic health conditions or is allergic to anesthesia.
Personal Consultation at Avante Plastic Surgery
Dr. Ahmadi will discuss your goals during your private consultation. He will evaluate your neck and ask questions regarding your medical history. He will also answer any questions you may have and address any concerns about the procedure. Please be open and honest during your consultation with Dr. Ahmadi when answering medical questions. We are all on the same team to provide you with the best results possible, and honesty during your consultation is vital.
Once he has a better idea of how he can help you, Dr. Ahmadi will create a customized surgical plan to help you achieve your desired look. If you agree with his recommendations, our Patient Coordinator will book your surgery and provide instructions to achieve the most out of your procedure.
Preparation
To prepare for your neck lift surgery, you should refrain from using anti-inflammatory medications that thin the blood. These medications increase your risk of bleeding during and after your procedure. You should also avoid smoking tobacco and nicotine products for the entire neck lift process to ensure a swift recovery. Dr. Ahmadi may recommend changes to your daily medications, including herbal supplements like vitamin E and ginger, as these can impact your ability to heal. He will also provide detailed preoperative instructions that you must follow closely for optimal results.
Neck Lift Procedure
Dr. Ahmadi typically performs neck lift surgery under general anesthesia or IV sedation. He starts by making separate incisions around the ear and behind the chin crease. He places them carefully so that they are well hidden. Next, he tightens the muscles and skin to give your neck a youthful appearance. Dr. Ahmadi then removes the excess fat and uses liposuction on the area to provide you with the desired smooth results. Depending on your specific needs, a neck lift takes between 1 and 3 hours to complete.
Recovery & Results
Neck lifts are outpatient procedures so you go home after surgery. Dr. Ahmadi places drains after surgery and we send you home wearing a head and neck compression dressing. You return the next day for a drain check and dressing changes. During your immediate recovery, you will experience swelling and bruising. Side effects subside quickly so you only need to take it easy for a few days.
You should use extra pillows to keep your neck above heart level as you sleep. For the first few days after a neck lift, you should rest and recuperate at home. Do not do anything strenuous that might raise your blood pressure. It may be several weeks before swimming, immersion in water, or steamy showers are safe again, and even longer before you can get back to intense exercise.
Neck lifts are highly effective procedures with results that can last 10-15 years. You start to see a difference in the first two to four weeks, but it takes six months to a year to create a completely settled appearance.
Complementary Procedures and Treatments
Depending on your needs, Dr. Ahmadi may suggest a full facelift (to include a neck lift), a brow lift to reposition your eyebrows, an upper and lower eyelid tuck to remove excess skin and fat from the eyelids, and neck liposuction to better contour your neck, laser resurfacing, or dermal fillers.
Each of these additional treatments works to get you closer to your end goal. If you are curious about our facial rejuvenation procedures, read our blog for more information.
How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost in Houston?
At Avante Plastic Surgery Houston, we offer personalized care and attention, addressing each patient’s unique needs and goals. You have dreams for your body, and we are here to make those dreams come true! Please get in touch with our office for an estimate. An exact price can be given at the time of your consultation. Financing is also available.
Call us at (281) 265-2639 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmadi today.
FAQ
Does a neck lift fix a double chin?
A neck lift can help correct a double chin by removing excess fat through liposuction. As the patient heals, they will notice a slimmer and more defined jawline.
What is the best age for a neck lift?
The suitability of a neck lift is not determined solely by age but rather by the individual’s overall health and personal objectives. Although most candidates for neck lift surgery are typically between 35 and 65 years old, age alone is not a determining factor.
Is a neck lift painful?
Overall, you should have a comfortable experience during your neck lift, but many patients do experience some soreness and tightness during their initial recovery stage. Your surgeon may prescribe some temporary pain medication to ease any discomfort. We will also provide you with a list of instructions on how to get the most out of your recovery.
How many appointments will I need to complete the process of a neck lift?
You can expect about 3 to 5 follow-up appointments as you recover to monitor your healing process and ensure that you’re happy with your results. You will need to return about a week after surgery to have any stitches removed, as well as the cannula if one was used. We will inform you after each check-up when you will be expected to return, but it will usually take place a few weeks after surgery, then again in a few months, and finally around 6 months post-op.
Are there other options to tighten the neck area if I am uncomfortable with surgery?
Some patients prefer to get a mini, also known as a “minimally invasive” neck lift. It does not provide as much contouring as a neck lift, but may be suitable in certain cases and the recovery is quicker. Another option to consider is the thread lift. This is a non-surgical procedure that, in the cases of less advanced aging, can achieve desirable neck contouring.
References
- Pérez P, Hohman MH. Neck Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. Accessed April 26, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562229/
- Alexander L, Patel BC. Platysmaplasty Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. Accessed December 8, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563291/