Some signs of aging can be effectively managed with cosmetics and nonsurgical treatments to great effect, while others—like sagging skin of the neck—are only manageable to a point with these methods.
Thankfully, those looking for a more lasting and effective treatment to dramatically rejuvenate the neck and jawline area have the option of a neck lift. Our board-certified experts at Balto Plastic Surgery have ample experience in planning and performing customized neck lift surgeries for patients in and around the Miami, FL, area.
With each unique patient, our primary goal is to deliver impeccably seamless and subtle, yet powerful results that blend in beautifully with your features and last for years to come.
Curious as to whether or not neck lift surgery may be for you? Wondering what it entails in the first place? In this beginner-friendly guide to all things neck lift surgery, we’ll take you through a comprehensive introduction to the procedure, its applications and benefits, what to expect afterwards, and more.
How Does a Neck Lift Work?
The neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses common signs of aging affecting the neck. These can manifest in several ways, and depending on the patient, the procedure can incorporate several different variations to promote the desired results.
First and foremost, here’s a brief look at the various issues that neck lift surgeries can treat.
Issues Treated by Neck Lifts
As is the case with the rest of the body, the aging process of the neck involves sagging skin, increased fat, and in many cases, a phenomenon called “neck banding.” Neck banding occurs when the fan-like muscle spreading across the neck, the platysma, develops vertical “stripes” or bands. This happens because the muscle begins to weaken and separate with time, sort of like crinkling a flat sheet of paper. Banding isn’t always exclusively age-related; it can also be tied to genetics, repeated muscle contractions, and rapid weight loss.
Neck lift surgery can treat all of the above mentioned issues, which, especially when combined, can create a “turkey neck” appearance that muddles the jawline and draws attention away from the face in a negative way.
The Neck Lift Treatment Process
The first step in successfully undergoing neck lift treatment is to meet with a well-qualified provider for an initial consultation and evaluation. Our surgeon at Balto Plastic Surgery will carefully and comprehensively assess your presentation, expectations of treatment, overall health status, lifestyle factors, and more to ensure you are an appropriate fit for treatment. During this initial phase of the process, we place heavy emphasis on patient autonomy, encouraging you to voice your expectations and concerns so that we can create a rewarding and fully customized experience together.
Once the planning phase has concluded and it’s time for treatment, we will first make sure you are ready for the treatment before beginning. Once you’re comfortable, we will make very small incisions (behind the ears and sometimes under the chin). Using these incisions, the surgeon will tighten the neck muscles, remove unwanted tissue, and remodel the area for a natural and youthful aesthetic.
Finally, when the procedure has concluded, we will carefully monitor you to ensure your body responds well. You will then be fully briefed on how to best manage your own aftercare, which will safeguard both your results and your comfort. Every patient’s experience is unique, but to provide a general framework, aftercare involves swelling and discomfort management, instructions on activity modification, follow-up appointments to monitor healing and suture condition, and more.
Key Factors Affecting the Process
While it is less invasive than many cosmetic surgeries, neck lift is still a surgical procedure, meaning some people may not be eligible for this treatment. Eligibility is best discussed between patient and provider, but here are some general examples of factors that may interfere with a safe and effective treatment:
- Habitual alcohol use
- Smoking
- Allergies to anesthesia
- Unrealistic expectations of treatment
- Poor skin elasticity
- Various chronic and/or severe conditions
- Infections affecting the treatment area
This is not an exhaustive list, and not everything on it necessarily disqualifies a prospective patient from receiving neck lift surgery.
Neck Lift Benefits
There’s a reason why the neck lift procedure has remained a staple of the cosmetic surgery world for as long as it has—it produces real, lasting results for a wide range of patients. Among its most frequently touted benefits include:
- Fine line reduction: Neck lifts can drastically minimize the appearance of fine lines by remodeling soft tissue and removing excess skin.
- Sagging skin correction: Our surgeon will tighten sagging skin to restore a youthful appearance to the neck.
- Jawline and chin enhancement: Neck lift surgeries can increase jawline and chin definition for a more prominent and healthy appearance.
- Comprehensive recontouring: With or without sagging skin, age can cause a disruption in the natural contouring of the neck, which neck lift surgery can restore.
- Duration of results: When well-maintained, the results of neck lift surgery can last multiple years.
Balto Plastic Surgery Is Your Trusted Neck Lift Expert
Maintaining industry-leading standards of safety and quality throughout every procedure, Balto Plastic Surgery is committed to delivering the best possible experience and results for every patient that walks through our doors.
As your neck lift provider, we are your advocate throughout the planning, treatment, and aftercare phases of the overall process, keeping your desires and expectations front of mind in order to produce the results you want.
Contact our office today for a consultation, and we’ll partner with you to create a life-changing experience.
