Why Consider a Neck Lift?
One of the most common concerns among our patients is the “turkey wattle,” or loose, sagging skin under the neck. The skin becomes crepe-like and starts to sag, the jowls droop and the fat beneath the chin begins to balloon. In addition, the platysma muscles loosen and can start to draw attention, causing unattractive vertical banding.
A surgical neck lift in Atlanta is an excellent way to reverse these natural aging effects, and creates a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance as well as improved self-confidence. Dr. Abramson’s approach is conservative, but highly effective. His facial rejuvenation surgery involves tightening the neck muscles, repositioning the deeper SMAS layers (submuscular aponeurotic system), trimming excess fatty tissue and skin, and sharpening the jawline to deliver an elegant, refined silhouette. Dr. Abramson performs fat grafting with some procedures to further restore volume and structure to the face.
A person with loose skin, excess fat, or muscle banding under the chin and jawline can benefit from a neck lift. Dr. Abramson’s neck lift procedure can tighten the loose skin and give you a smoother, more defined silhouette that helps you look younger.
Combined Neck Lift Surgery with Full or Mini Facelift
The results Dr. Abramson is able to achieve are impressive and long-lasting. During the initial consultation, Peter Abramson, M.D. will determine if you are a candidate for a neck lift, and recommend what combination of procedures might not only rejuvenate the neck area but the face as well.
Depending on your personal goals, along with the amount of loose skin you have, you can choose to combine a neck lift with submental liposuction to remove any fat accumulation to optimize your results and give you a more comprehensive look. The key to successful face/neck lift surgery is to tighten the underlying tissues without removing too much skin. You’ll never get an overstretched or over-tightened result with Dr. Abramson. As a face specialist, he provides patients with customized, natural-appearing results.
Candidates for a Neck Lift
- Loose, sagging skin from under the chin
- Want to restore definition tat your jaw line
- Visible vertical bands on the neck
- Areas of fat under the chin (double chin) and on the neck
- Feel your neck looks old, affecting your image
Neck lift combined with mini facelift.
Neck Lift Procedure Details
Dr. Abramson performs neck lift surgery as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. Dr. Abramson pulls loose skin up and back and then removes it. Hiding incisions behind the ears provides a more youthful neck and jawline. The surgery often accompanies a mini facelift or full facelift procedure for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
The procedure begins with a small, inconspicuous incision directly below the chin (platysmaplasty) and/or in front of the ear lobes, looping behind the ears and ending in the scalp near the back of the neck (cervicoplasty).
Sagging skin is trimmed away and lifted during cervicoplasty. Loose muscles that cause the “bands” around the neck to be prominent are tightened during platysmaplasty. Incisions are glued and/or sutured closed. Liposuction is sometimes used to remove excess fat. If so, it will be performed before the neck lift.
Procedure Preparation
Prior to a neck lift procedure, Dr. Abramson recommends that patients adhere to standard pre-op guidelines to allow for patient safety and maximum post-op results as follows:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients.
- DO NOT smoke in the weeks surrounding the procedure.
- DO NOT take pain medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Provide Dr. Abramson with a list of any medications that are taken regularly.
- DO NOT eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
- DO NOT wear makeup or contact lenses to surgery.
- Patients must have a friend or relative drive them to and form the procedure.
Aftercare and Recovery
Because a neck lift is considered to be an outpatient procedure, patients can begin the recovery process in the comfort of their own home the same day as surgery. After the procedure, a loose-fitting dressing is applied. Typically, there is little to no discomfort after surgery; however, if pain is present it can easily be controlled with over-the-counter medication. Discoloration and bruising is a normal part of the recovery process and generally fades away within seven days. To help the recovery process, Dr. Abramson suggests that patients do the following:
- Clean incisions with hydrogen peroxide daily.
- Apply antibiotic ointments to incisions daily.
- Have stitches removed in 4-8 days.
- Wear the chinstrap provided as much as possible for 1 week after leaving the surgery center.
- DO NOT wear earrings for three weeks after surgery.
- Recline in a face-up position at a 45-degree angle for at least two weeks.
- Shower with lukewarm water starting 48 hours after surgery.
- No heavy exercise for 2 weeks.
- Keep scheduled follow-up appointments following surgery.
Non-Surgical Options for Neck Firming
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 is a non-surgery Neck Lift option that combines Microneedling and Radio Frequency (RF) energy to target the deeper layers of your skin. The treatment stimulates collagen production in the neck, leading to tighter skin on the neck.
This non-surgical Neck Lift procedure is particularly effective in addressing skin laxity after weight loss.
Kybella / Fat Dissolving:
Injections target and destroy unwanted fat cells under the chin to reduce a double chin.
Kybella injections use a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is naturally produced by your body to help absorb fat. Once injected, the acid destroys fat cells beneath the chin area so they no longer have the capability to store fat. It’s like melting away the fat without heat or laser. Expect some swelling and soreness after treatment. It will resolve in a few days. There may also be temporary numbness at the injection site, which resolves. The use of ice and painkillers reduces these mild effects.
AccuTite Procedure
The procedure uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to gently heat deep tissue beneath the skin.
Collagen stimulation: This heat triggers your body to build new collagen and elastin, which firms and smooths the skin over time.
Fat reduction: It can also melt small amounts of stubborn fat under the chin and jawline while tightening the surrounding area.
What to Expect
- Best For: Mild to moderate skin sagging, fine lines, or minor fullness under the chin.
- Recovery: Minimal to no downtime, unlike traditional surgery.
- Results: Gradual improvement that typically lasts several months to a couple of years, requiring ongoing maintenance.
The search for a youthful neckline has never been more achievable, thanks to advancements in non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Maintaining Results at Home
While surgical procedures and these treatments can yield impressive results, maintaining them requires diligence at home. Consider incorporating these tips into your daily routine:
- Using broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to your neck daily.
- Use a dedicated neck cream, applying in upward motions.
- Stay hydrated by drinkling plenty of water.
- Incooorate neck exercises into your fitness regimen.
- Use retinoid products to support collagen production.
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Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and lean protein.
Redefine Your Refection
Abramson Facial Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center uses innovative, state-of-the-art techniques and instruments to perform neck lifts and other aesthetic procedures for patients throughout the Metro Atlanta, across the country and Canada.
Thinking about plastic surgery? Whether you’re interested in a neck lift, facelift, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) or non-surgical options like Kybella, or Accu Tite facial treatment our team at Abramson Facial Plastic Surgery and Rejuvenation Spa, can deliver comprehensive cosmetic care to help you look and feel your best. Start your journey today with a consultation at our Atlanta, GA office or call us at 404-297-1789.
