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Neck Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
We might not think about it a lot, but the neck plays a major role in our overall appearance. Unfortunately, the neck is very susceptible to gravity and aging. Over time, we lose elastin and collagen in our skin and the neck begins to droop, creating what many call a “turkey neck.”
At Cosmetic Surgery Associates, we understand that lack of contour and excess skin on the neck can take a toll on one’s confidence. Our plastic surgeons are proud to perform neck lift surgery to restore the youthful neck contour and help patients regain their self-assurance when they notice facial aging. Contact our offices in Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington DC area today to request a neck lift consultation!
About Neck Lifts
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, addresses signs of aging in the neck and jawline.
Some of these signs of aging include:
- Excess or loose skin hanging from the neck
- Overly prominent jowls
- Stubborn fat deposits
- Muscle banding
Using small hidden incisions, the plastic surgeon tightens the skin on the neck, sometimes also removing fat deposits, to restore the patient’s jawline and neck profile during a neck lift. Often, this is combined with a full facelift in order to ensure harmony between all facial components and a more youthful appearance.
Our Neck Lift Technique
At Cosmetic Surgery Associates, neck lift surgery is one of our most commonly performed procedures in Bethesda and the Washington DC area, in part due to our unique and effective approach. Other practices may utilize a long incision across the underside of the neck, which results in more scarring. Our plastic surgeons, on the other hand, have been able to achieve incredibly transformative and natural neck lift results with much smaller incisions around the ears and hairline.
Furthermore, with just these small incisions, our doctors can not only excise excess skin but also tighten and reposition the platysma layer (or neck muscles) below the skin. This allows for enhanced natural-looking results that don’t appear too taut or overdone.
Lastly, at Cosmetic Surgery Associates, neck lifts can be performed comfortably with just sedation and without the need for general anesthesia. This makes the procedure especially safe and also reduces recovery time for patients, so they can return to their regular routines faster.
Good Candidates For Neck Lift Surgery
In general, patients should be in good health and non-smokers. Smoking can negatively impact blood flow and the healing process and adversely affect the results in the weeks after surgery.
Good candidates for a neck lift are patients who have excess skin on their neck that has started to droop, which may also be accompanied by stubborn fat deposits. These are common signs of an aging neck. Neck lift patients may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their sagging skin and muscle laxity and believe that it makes them look older. By removing excess fatty tissue and loose neck skin, a neck lift can achieve a more youthful appearance of the neck.
Patients should have realistic expectations for the outcome of a neck lift procedure. In some cases, Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge may recommend other procedures in combination with a surgical neck lift to ensure facial harmony. This customized treatment plan can be discussed at the time of the initial consultation where our doctors can recommend whether a patient is a good candidate for a neck lift.
NECK LIFT PREPARATION
Preparation for a neck lift surgery is straightforward, yet very important. Patients should stop taking any anti-inflammatory medication two weeks before their operation date. If the patient smokes, they should also plan on quitting smoking at this time. As safety is our number one concern, all patients are required to complete a medical evaluation with their primary care doctor before the surgery date.
Patients should fill their prescriptions and make arrangements for a ride home before their date of surgery. The patient will be given more detailed information about preparation when they schedule their surgery date at our Bethesda location, conveniently located within the Washington DC area.
NECK LIFT PROCEDURE
Because we have an in-house state-of-the-art outpatient surgical facility, all surgeries can be performed safely and comfortably right in our facility. Since it is an outpatient surgical procedure, we ask all patients to make arrangements for a ride home.
The plastic surgeon will make discreet incisions, similar to that of an S shape. Fat and underlying muscles may be repositioned for a more attractive contour. In some cases, the patient may also choose to undergo liposuction in the neck area, which will be done at this time.
Then, the neck skin is redraped and excess neck skin will be removed. The neck skin will be sutured in its new position. Depending on the individual’s case, the plastic surgeon will either utilize standard sutures, which will need to be removed at a follow-up appointment, or dissolvable sutures, which will go away on their own.
Additional and Alternative Procedures
While a neck lift surgery as a stand-alone procedure can offer comprehensive and flattering results, it may not be the ideal solution for every patient’s unique circumstance. Some patients may want to consider additional facial plastic surgery procedures, such as a facelift, brow lift, or liposuction to ensure that there is total harmony in their facial rejuvenation.
On the other hand, some patients may not require an invasive surgery like a neck lift to get the results they desire and may benefit from Kybella instead.
Kybella
Kybella is a nonsurgical injectable that diminishes fat from the lower chin and neck areas (sometimes called a double chin). Once injected, the solution targets and destroys fat cells. These fat cells then exit the body as they are naturally eliminated.
Kybella is a good option for patients who have excess fat deposits under their necks or the appearance of a double chin. However, they should have good skin elasticity and no sagging skin. This is because the skin needs to be able to snap back into position as the fat deposits diminish.
It is also important to note that Kybella takes some time to effectively work. In general, patients should plan on scheduling six treatment sessions over six months. It will also take some time for the fat cells to break down and naturally make their way out of the body.
Liposuction
Liposuction is another option for patients who have excess fat deposits in their neck and jawline, but strong skin elasticity. Fat deposits in the neck area are especially difficult to get rid of despite diet and exercise. Liposuction has the advantage over Kybella in that results are seen immediately. However, it is an invasive procedure and will require more recovery time than Kybella.
Liposuction is frequently performed in conjunction with a neck lift. At the time of the consultation, one of our esteemed doctors will be able to help the patient determine whether or not they would benefit from liposuction alone or in combination with their neck lift procedure.
Facelift / Brow Lift
Facelift surgery is often performed in combination with neck lifts, as performing one without the other can create a startling contrast between the appearance of the face and neck. In some cases, the plastic surgeon will not need to perform a full facelift surgery to create harmony in the facial region. Depending on the individual’s case, they may only need a lift in one region, such as the brow.
A facelift can be easily performed at the same time as a neck lift as the incisions are also typically made along with the ears and hairline. The tissues and fat are repositioned and the skin is redraped, removing the excess, loose skin and smoothing signs of aging.
NECK LIFT RECOVERY
Following surgery, patients will be appropriately bandaged. Some patients may require a tube to drain excess fluid following the procedure. All patients will be properly instructed on how to replace their aftercare garments to ensure positive results from their recovery process.
During the recovery time, there may be some discomfort around the operational site. Patients will be provided with prescription medication that they should fill before their day of surgery. To help alleviate bruising and swelling, patients should sleep and rest with their head elevated to reduce swelling.
Due to the neck lift technique that our doctors use, patients will benefit from a relatively fast recovery period. Most patients will need to take about one week off from work. It will be okay to start wearing makeup again after one week.
We ask all patients to return for a follow-up appointment approximately two days to one week after their procedure at our Washington DC area office. We typically schedule a few follow-up appointments to ensure that the patient is healing properly. Our doctors are adamant about maintaining long-term relationships with our clients and making sure they are comfortable with their procedure far beyond the surgery date.
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NECK LIFT RESULTS
Following a neck lift procedure, bruising and swelling will dissipate over a few weeks after surgery to a month. At this time, the patient’s final results will start to appear, with a sleeker neck and a natural appearance. The incisions from the procedure are hidden along the hairline and in the natural folds and creases around the ears. These will also continue to fade over a year.
Consultation
At Cosmetic Surgery Associates, consultation is an integral part of giving the patient a look they love. During the initial consultation at our Bethesda office, patients will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons and discuss their concerns and goals for facial plastic surgery. They will also be asked why they are interested in undergoing a neck lift procedure and what signs of aging they would like to address.
The doctor will then determine whether or not the patient would be a good candidate for a neck lift procedure. To do this, the plastic surgeon will ask about the patient’s medical history and examine the patient’s neck and face, including taking measurements and photographs as necessary.
In some cases, the plastic surgeon may recommend alternative or additional procedures. Please feel free to ask the doctor about any other procedures of interest, even outside of those regarding the face and neck.
Pricing
The neck lift cost will vary depending on the extent of the patient’s condition and any additional procedures they may plan to undergo at our Washington DC area practice. To receive a price quote, please request a neck lift consultation with Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Associates!
Schedule a Neck Lift Consultation
Patients considering neck lift surgery are encouraged to reach out to our Bethesda office to set up a consultation with one of our Maryland board-certified plastic surgeons. Our office is located just 2 miles away from North Bethesda and 5 miles away from Potomac & Rockville. We also serve patients in the greater Washington DC area. During the consultation, our surgeons will go over your cosmetic goals and help decide which procedure will get you the best results while answering your questions and going over the procedure in more detail. To set up this consultation, give us a call today!
Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers