Introduction
At our award-winning plastic surgery practice in Austin, neck lift is a popular neck rejuvenation surgery we perform. A neck lift is a procedure that corrects the visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline. Sometimes referred to as a lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift addresses several issues that cause us to lose the youthful, angular qualities of the lower face as we age. Neck lift surgery can achieve the following:
A SMOOTH NECK CONTOUR
The neck and jawline are both essential components that contribute to an aesthetically pleasing face. Think of the typical male or female model you often see when flipping through the pages of a magazine or driving past a billboard. Most of these striking individuals share one common feature – a sharp, attractive jawline and a taut, smooth neck. A well-defined jawline and a contoured neck have been a sign of beauty since the era of the Egyptians.
When we are younger, there is a more distinct separation between our face and our neck. However, as we age, the youthful definition of a once sharp and contoured jawline gradually begins to blur. These changes are most apparent from our side profile view. For this reason, it’s not something most people notice so much when looking straight in a mirror. It’s usually when we see ourselves in a photo that we notice the change.
In addition to improved self-esteem and renewed confidence, many of our Austin patients have seen how the Neck Lift benefits them in the following ways:
The best candidates for a Neck Lift are those who:
If you’re looking to receive a Neck Lift in the Austin area, the first thing you will need to do is schedule your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. During this time, you will be able to get to know your surgeon, ask questions regarding the procedure, and get your neck examined. Your doctor will also go over your medical history with you, which you should stay open and honest about so the best surgical plan for you can be crafted, as well as prevent any potential risks.
After your surgeon has created your procedure plan, and if you agree with their evaluation, then you can schedule your surgical date with our Patient Coordinator. After getting set up, you will also be given a list of instructions to follow before your procedure.
Neck lift surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation. The procedure typically takes between two and three hours to complete.
The scope of neck lift surgery varies based on the individual needs and goals of each patient. Some patients may be able to achieve the results they desire through a simple liposuction procedure that removes excess fat deposits from the neck, jaw, and chin area.
However, more dramatic results can be achieved by removing excess skin along with the fat and tightening the underlying neck muscles. During neck lift surgery, small incisions are made under the chin and/or behind the ears. Excess fat is removed through these incisions via liposuction or surgical excision.
To get rid of the appearance of loose bands in the center of the neck (platysmal bands), your surgeon will tighten and restructure the underlying neck muscles. This process is known as a Platysmaplasty. In some cases, a small section of the platysma muscle may be removed to achieve optimal results. Platysmaplasty is a key part of the neck lift procedure when it comes to creating a sharper and more defined chin-neck angle.
Once the surgeon has finished the necessary work involving the underlying tissues, the skin is redraped and pulled tautly. The incisions are sutured closed and any excess skin is removed at this point.
As with any surgical procedure, neck lift surgery involves some downtime and a period of healing. Neck lift recovery times vary from patient to patient based on several factors, including the extent of the procedure and the patient’s overall health.
Most patients can return to work in the range of 1 – 2 weeks. Patients should expect some swelling and bruising during the initial phase of recovery. The swelling will typically go down after 48 hours and most bruising will be gone within two weeks.
The cost of a Neck Lift in Austin will vary on several different factors. If you are trying to get a better idea of how much your treatment will cost, the best way to do this is to come in for a consultation and explain what you are looking to achieve with this surgery. Your plastic surgeon will craft your treatment plan and after having all of the information regarding your surgery, our Patient Coordinator will give you a price breakdown for every step of your Neck Lift.
Personique has been helping our Austin community refind their confidence and self-love for the past 40 years. With over 50,000 procedures and treatments under our belt, our patients have come to expect exceptional and stunning results. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are known for their expertise, eye for detail, and accessible demeanor with a level of personal compassion that helps them achieve remarkable results tailored to each patient’s individual goals. We make it our mission to exceed the expectations of all of our patients, by consistently delivering results that truly bring out your natural beauty.
What causes the neck to sag?
We tend to focus most of our anti-aging rituals on our facial skin, and it’s not uncommon for people to neglect the neck in their daily skincare routine. Therefore, the neck often begins to show early signs of aging before the face. As we get older, we naturally begin to lose the angled jaw and sleek neck we once had in our youth.
The natural aging process causes the skin to lose its elasticity. The result is a gradual south migration of skin, tissue, and fat. Fatty deposits begin to accumulate around the jowls, beneath the chin, and along the jawline. In addition, our neck muscles also begin to loosen and stretch, producing unattractive bands toward the center of the neck.
Neck laxity and the accumulation of fat beneath the chin and jaw is typically something that we start to notice in our forties, and unfortunately, it continues to get more pronounced with each passing decade. The good news is, for those who are not pleased with the way their neck is aging, there is a way to restore a more youthful, sleek contour to the lower face and neck. Having a neck lift is the most effective method for removing fat deposits in the neck, jowls, and beneath the chin while tightening neck muscles to restore a more aesthetically pleasing angle between the chin and the neck
Neck laxity and the accumulation of fat beneath the chin and jaw is typically something that we start to notice in our forties, and unfortunately, it continues to get more pronounced with each passing decade. The good news is, for those who are not pleased with the way their neck is aging, there is a way to restore a more youthful, sleek contour to the lower face and neck. Having a neck lift is the most effective method for removing fat deposits in the neck, jowls, and beneath the chin, while tightening neck muscles to restore a more aesthetically pleasing angle between the chin and the neck
Is a Neck Lift painful?
A common side effect of Neck Lift surgery is some tightness and soreness during the recovery. While you shouldn’t have any “pain”, your doctor will provide you with some temporary prescription painkillers to make your recovery period more tolerable. Tape and bandage are applied to the incision spots to minimize discomfort and swelling.
How many appointments will I need?
You can expect to come back for a follow-up appointment the first week following surgery. After this appointment, your surgeon will give you further instructions on how to keep a healthy recovery and when you should return for an additional check-up.
How long until I see results?
Although you will see some results from your neck lift immediately, these results will continue to improve over time as residual swelling goes down and the incisions heal. The final results from your neck lift procedure may take anywhere from 3 – 6 months to become fully evident. When they do, most patients look significantly younger and slimmer.
A well-toned neck coupled with a lifted, distinguished jawline work together to enhance the profile and give the face a more refined and elegant appearance. So long as you continue to lead a healthy lifestyle, the results of your neck lift surgery will be long-lasting. A neck lift procedure can be done on its own or combined with other cosmetic procedures like a facelift or eyelid surgery for an even more dramatic transformation.
Can I combine a Neck Lift with other procedures?
Most patients choose to combine their Neck Lift with other facial enhancement procedures that improve their profile and overall appearance. Some common combinations are Facelift (most common), Brow lift, or even Rhinoplasty. If you are looking to improve any other aspects of your face or body, please discuss your aspirations with your plastic surgeon during your consultation for the best recommendations.
If you are ready for a tighter, rejuvenated-looking neckline, we think it’s about time to contact Personique for a consultation. To set up an appointment for your Neck Lift in Austin, TX, call us at 512-459-6800 or request one through our website and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.
– Ray Velez
– John P
