Problems like a double chin or “turkey gobbler” can be very frustrating. Natural changes in the muscle, fatty tissue, and skin on the neck can give away your age but they don’t have to. We are proud to offer patients of our Bay Area office the level of care they need to reframe their face with a beautiful, youthful neckline. San Francisco plastic surgeon, Dr. Serebrakian, will recommend an appropriate technique based on your needs.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a procedure in which the surgeon trims, tightens, removes, or repositions tissue and fatty deposits. Each surgery is customized to achieve the desired result by addressing issues such as horizontal bands and laxity.
The Best Candidates for Neck Lift?
Many adults are great candidates for neck lift surgery. Generally, patients who do not smoke and who are in good health achieve the best results with the lowest risk of complications. There is no particular age at which a neck lift is ideal. We have treated people in their forties and their eighties. Ultimately, the decision to undergo a neck lift is one to be made when one has a desire for more significant long-term results.
What Does Neck Lift Surgery Correct?
A neck lift modifies and tightens the underlying muscles and connective tissue depending on the amount of loose skin. The Neck Lift procedure adds definition to your face and accentuates your jaw line. A Neck Lift provides patients with an overall fresh and more youthful appearance.
What to Expect During Neck Lift Surgery
There are a variety of neck lift techniques available and Dr. Serebrakian will recommend the appropriate technique. He will also tailor your procedure to your unique needs, as every patient is different. In the case where the smaller neck lift procedure is needed, incorporating liposuction alone may be appropriate. For moderate laxity with “banding” of the muscles on the neck, a neck lift with platysmaplasty (where the drooping or banded muscles of the neck are released and tightened) with or without liposuction may be appropriate. In the case where a larger neck lift is needed, the normal neck lift procedure is performed, most often in conjunction with a facelift.
This method of neck lift surgery produces rejuvenation of the face and neck together. In all three cases, the underlying muscles are tightened, and excess skin is removed producing a more youthful neckline.
Patient Testimonial
“Dr. Serebrakian is a true artist! I’m delighted with the cosmetic work he’s done for me!”
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How Long Will My Neck Lift Last?
The results of a neck lift can last a decade or longer. At some point, the aging process may once again affect the neck. However, there are numerous nonsurgical practices that can be implemented to support a slower aging process. For example, good sun protection that includes applying sunscreen to the neck and face every day inhibits the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the dermis. Nonsurgical treatments such as Botox or Thermage may also be considered as a form of cosmetic management.
Will I Be Under Anesthesia During My Neck Lift?
At our offices in Larkspur and Pinole this procedure could be done either under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia.
Are There Any Risks or Long-Term Side Effects with Neck Lifts?
As with almost any cosmetic procedure, there can be some risks and side effects that come with your treatment. However, under the care of Dr. Serebrakian, many of these side effects can be managed and avoided completely. Patients who undergo the neck lift procedure may experience:
- Bruising, swelling
- Numbness
- Hematoma
- Scarring
- Nerve injury
- Skin loss
- Allergic reactions
- Asymmetry
- Skin tightness that becomes uncomfortable
Though these side effects are all a possibility, many of them are not common among Bay Area Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Center patients as Dr. Serebrakian takes great care to make patient comfort and satisfaction a priority.
Most patients experience tenderness, soreness, or slight tightness in the few days following their treatment, however, this should subside after your recovery period, and patients can begin to feel nothing after 48 hours.
What is the Recovery Process Like?
Most patients are nearly 100 percent recovered from a neck lift within two weeks of surgery. During the first 48 hours after treatment, patients may notice that swelling worsens. A compression garment applied after surgery helps to reduce this side effect. Patients sometimes apply ice packs for a few minutes at a time to aid in managing comfort and side effects. After 48 hours, the next several days involve vast healing in which swelling and bruising decrease up to 90 percent. Stitches are typically removed 5 to 7 days post-operatively. After this time, many patients return to work and social activities. Exercise may resume gradually as cleared by the surgeon.
When Will I See the Results?
The results of a neck lift can be immediately noticeable. Even with the swelling and bruising that occur, patients can get a glimpse of improved contouring along the jawline as soon as their compression garment is removed. By the two-week mark, there should be a good indication of the final outcome.
What Are the Alternatives to a Neck Lift?
The early signs of aging may be somewhat mitigated with nonsurgical modalities like Thermage and Botox. Thermage is a radiofrequency treatment that is frequently used to tighten mild to moderate sagging along the jawline and other areas of the face and body. Botox can rejuvenate the neck by softening or eliminating the horizontal lines that result from lax platysma bands.
How Long Will My Neck Lift Results Last?
Though neck lifts can eliminate the appearance of wrinkles, signs of aging, and transform the jawline and shape your face, there isn’t a way to stop anyone from naturally aging. With that being said, most neck lift results can last between 10 - 15 years with the proper care. To ensure the results from your neck lift procedure are long-lasting, you can do the following:
- Wear sunscreen daily and avoid excess sunlight: Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can speed up the aging process and make signs of aging appear more prominent. If you enjoy being outdoors, ensure you wear sunscreen and reapply it every few hours to protect your skin on the face and the neck
- Eat well: Implementing a well-balanced diet into your lifestyle can have many beneficial effects on not only your weight but also on your skin.
- Maintain your weight: Commit to exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight to avoid skin sagging and weight gain
- Don't smoke: Avoid cigarettes, vapes, and other methods of smoking as tobacco can influence the sagginess of the jaw and skin pigmentation.
Where Will the Scar Be for My Neck Lift?
A neck lift may be performed through a limited incision made just under the point of the chin. This area usually has a natural crease that will hide the resulting scar. If more extensive lifting is needed, incisions may also be made in the hairline behind the ears. We take great care in creating incisions in discreet areas where resulting scars will not be noticed. At first, neck lift scars may appear slightly pink. Over the course of a few months, these short lines fade so much that they may not be noticeable at all.
Schedule A Consultation
To see if you are a candidate for Neck Lift surgery, call Dr. Serebrakian today at 510-724-8282 in Pinole or 415-461-5755 in Larkspur. You can also click here to submit an email contact form to our office. We serve Pinole, Larkspur, San Francisco, the Bay Area, and surrounding areas
