A neck lift is an effective way to reduce the appearance of excess skin around the lower face or neck regions that may result in vertical banding, fatty jowls or a “turkey neck.”
This facial rejuvenation procedure may be performed alone, or in conjunction with other anti-aging procedures such as a facelift or neck liposuction to achieve optimal cosmetic results.
When to Consider a Neck Lift
The best candidates for a neck lift are healthy individuals who are dissatisfied with the appearance of excess skin in their lower face and neck. A neck lift is capable of:
- Tightening loose skin
- Contouring the neck muscle
- Eliminating double chins, jowls or turkey neck
- Creating a more youthful appearance
Smoking and certain medications or supplements may interfere with the natural healing process. Your surgeon will be able to determine if you are an ideal candidate for a neck lift based on factors such as your medical history and cosmetic expectations.
Neck Lift Options at Tampa Palms
A neck lift can be tailored to a range of goals and levels of skin laxity (how loose the skin is). Dr. Mosiello offers a full neck lift for more significant sagging, a mini neck lift for milder changes, and a male neck lift planned around the contour goals many men have. Neck liposuction can also be added when there is extra fat under the chin. The right approach is determined during your consultation.
Male Neck Lift in Tampa
More men are choosing a neck lift to firm up the jawline and get rid of loose skin or a “turkey neck” that makes them look older or more tired than they feel. The goals are a little different for men. Most want a strong, straight jawline and a clear angle between the chin and neck, without a softened or “done” look.
Men’s skin is usually thicker and has beard hair, so incisions are planned around the sideburns, beard line and behind the ears to keep scars hidden and avoid moving the beard to an unnatural spot. Men also have a somewhat higher risk of bleeding under the skin after facial surgery, so following your pre- and post-op instructions closely, including keeping your blood pressure under control and stopping certain medications and supplements when told, is especially important.
Good candidates are healthy men with loose neck skin, neck bands or fullness under the chin who don’t smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery.
Mini Neck Lift
A mini neck lift is a less extensive version of a full neck lift. It uses shorter incisions, usually under the chin and/or tucked behind the ears, and is meant for mild to moderate loose skin and early banding rather than heavy sagging.
It can be a good fit if you are just starting to notice changes in your neck, or if you had a facelift or neck lift in the past and want a smaller touch-up. If you have a lot of loose skin or deep neck bands, a full neck lift usually gives a better, longer-lasting result. Recovery is typically shorter than with a full neck lift, and Dr. Mosiello will go over your personal recovery timeline at your consultation.
Neck Lift with Liposuction
If the fullness under your chin comes from fat and not only loose skin, liposuction can be added to your neck lift. The liposuction removes the extra fat through small incisions, and the neck lift then tightens the skin and muscle so the new contour stays smooth. This combination is often used for a double chin paired with sagging skin.
If your skin is still firm and the issue is mostly stubborn fat, neck liposuction on its own may be enough. Dr. Mosiello will look at your skin, fat and neck muscles during your consultation and recommend the right option.
FAQ
What are the steps of the neck lift procedure?
General anesthesia will be administered prior to your procedure. Your face and neck regions may be marked to determine proper incision placement. Incisions are typically made under or behind the ears and may extend toward the hairline. If your neck lift involves adjustment to the platysma muscle, incisions will also be made underneath the chin.
Following incision, your surgeon will remove or reposition underlying tissue and muscle. Excess fat may be removed via liposuction. The skin will then be stretched firmly into its new position and incisions will be closed using sutures or tissue glue to minimize scarring.
How long is recovery following this procedure?
Once your neck lift is complete, a compression bandage will be applied to the treatment area to minimize swelling and bruising. Results may be obscured initially due to significant swelling. Final results will become apparent as the swelling fades over the next few weeks.
Stitches may be removed after about a week, at which time it may be possible to begin using makeup. The skin should be protected from accidental trauma and sun exposure for the next few months. Incision lines will continue to fade for up to six months.
Is there scarring from a neck lift?
Neck lift surgery is designed to conceal evidence of incision lines within the natural contours of the face and neck. In addition, fine sutures and tissue glue may be used to ensure the faintest possible scarring.
How will I feel after the procedure?
After neck lift surgery, you may experience an uncomfortable feeling of tightness in the neck region. Prescription medication may be given for the first few days to help control this pain effectively. Any discomfort should subside as the swelling goes down.
Are there any possible complications?
Neck lift surgery has a very low occurrence of side effects, which may include pain, irregular scarring or asymmetry. As with all surgical procedures, there is also the slight risk of bleeding, infection or poor wound healing. Revisionary surgery may be required to address complications. All of these risks will be discussed in depth during your consultation.
Is a neck lift different for men?
The surgery is similar, but the plan is adjusted. Men’s skin is thicker and has beard hair, so incisions are placed to stay hidden and keep the beard line natural. Most men also want a sharper, more angular jawline rather than a softer look.
What is the difference between a mini neck lift and a full neck lift?
A mini neck lift uses shorter incisions and is meant for mild to moderate loose skin and early banding. A full neck lift treats more significant sagging and neck bands. Recovery is usually shorter with a mini neck lift.
Can liposuction be done during a neck lift?
Yes. When there is extra fat under the chin, liposuction can be done during the same surgery to remove the fat while the neck lift tightens the skin and muscle.
Do I need a neck lift or just neck liposuction?
It depends on your skin. If your skin is still firm and the main concern is fat under the chin, neck liposuction alone may be enough. If you have loose skin or neck bands, a neck lift, with or without liposuction, usually gives a better result.
Learn More About Neck Lifts in Tampa
For more information about neck lifts, or to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Mosiello, contact our office at 813-631-1500. Our Tampa Palms cosmetic surgery office is conveniently located in New Tampa near Wesley Chapel. Dr. Gerard Mosiello is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Tampa Palms, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and the entire Tampa Bay area. He has expertise in a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast augmentation and enhancement, breast lift surgery, breast reconstruction, facial rejuvenation, and body contouring.
