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Neck Lift

Philadelphia, PA

Introduction to Neck Lift

A neck lift procedure removes excess skin and fat around the jawline and tightens neck bands to create a contoured and youthful neck. Skin laxity often impacts the neck and eyelid area before any other region on the face. A neck lift is often chosen by patients who notice mild sagging, wrinkles, or jowls that cause moderate concern but may not need a facelift.

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Common Reasons for Neck Lift

Since the neck has thinner skin than the face, lines, and wrinkles form more easily in this region. As one ages, the body produces decreasing amounts of collagen and elastin, proteins essential for maintaining the skin’s architecture and appearance. As a result, the skin begins to lose its, firmness, and elasticity. It becomes thinner, looser, and has more wrinkles.

Additionally, the skin of the neck is more prone to sagging due to gravity with aging because the neck muscles are weaker than those of the face. Therefore, the neck may show signs of aging before any other part of the face.

A neck lift may be desirable if you have excess skin under your chin (turkey gobbler deformity) or excess fat in the neck area.

In most cases, these conditions are caused due to aging. However, it can also be caused by weight gain or weight loss, genetics, unprotected exposure to the sun, smoking, and poor nutrition.

Candidates for Neck Lift

Although many people focus on addressing the effects of aging on the face, the neck and décolletage (along with the back of your hands) are some of the most overlooked areas in skin care routines. These areas are susceptible to the same signs of skin aging that occur on the face—and, in fact, skin damage tends to appear more noticeably and quickly here than in other parts of the body. 

The neck area is very delicate and can become very dry because the skin produces less oil here. Some of the most common cosmetic concerns people have about this area include dryness, severe wrinkling, including jowls, double chin, and “turkey wattle” loose skin.  

Cosmetic surgery may be necessary to address more severe signs of aging in the neck and jawline areas, while early changes may only respond to minimally invasive procedures.

Candidates

Patients may be considered ideal candidates for a neck lift if they:

  • Are in good health and do not have any underlying medical conditions that could impair healing
  • Are you bothered by signs of aging in the neck region
  • Do not have allergies to anesthesia or certain medications that could make the healing process challenging
  • Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations about what can be achieved with neck lift surgery 
  • Have a mismatch in the aging and appearance of their face and neck
  • Do not have severe jowls or cheek sagging that would need to be corrected with a facelift 
  • Do not have very thin skin

Neck Lift Incisions

A neck lift is a general term for neck surgery that can involve removing loose skin and contouring excess fat that creates jowls and submental fat that contributes to a double chin. Liposuction can be used to contour submental fat, platysmal bands (neck cords) are tightened and the submandibular glands may be contoured to create a youthful, clean neckline. 

It should be noted that while neck lifts have long-lasting results, they don’t stop the aging process. 

As with other facial surgeries, the neck lift involves incisions to tighten underlying muscles and remove excess tissue, and contour submandibular glands. The incisions are usually placed below the chin and behind both ears. Proper postoperative care will ensure a very faint, inconspicuous scar. A neck lift is performed under MAC (twilight) anesthesia.

S-Lift

When hanging jowls are the primary concern, a less intensive variation of the facelift, known as an S-lift, may be performed. This type of mini-facelift is useful for mild to moderate face and neck sagging.

The procedure offers a more youthful and refreshed appearance restoration using a less-invasive technique. Unlike the larger incisions of a traditional facelift, the S-lift involves shorter incisions shaped like an “S.”

The incisions are placed around the ear, allowing Dr. Greco to remove a small amount of skin and provide limited elevation for the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) layer. The SMAS layer can be pulled laterally and superiorly to create a smoother jawline.

Anterior Cervicoplasty

Anterior cervicoplasty is another surgical variation for the neck lift. It is designed specifically to address a “turkey gobbler” deformity – caused by lax muscles, sagging skin, and excess fat on the neck. These loose tissues can create a look identified as a turkey wattle.

Unlike a neck lift or facelift, which involves incisions to the side of the face, anterior cervicoplasty uses incisions made directly on the front of the neck. After limited liposuction and removal of excess skin in the center of the neck, loose neck muscle bands are tightened and submandibular glands may be contoured to create a youthful chin and neck angle.

Non-Surgical Options

Non-surgical options for improving the appearance of the neck can include:

Injectables

  • Botox Injections address problems with “bands” in the neck
  • Filler injections can improve “Tech Neck” (horizontal creases) 

Laser Skin Treatments: Fractionated CO2 laser stimulates collagen growth

Peels: Skin-rejuvenation techniques improve texture and pigmentation of the skin

Kybella: An injectable technique that targets fat beneath the chin

Microneedling: Stimulate collagen production in the skin of the neck

Although non-surgical options cannot provide long-lasting results like surgical procedures, they can provide beautiful, noticeable results. Treatment is generally spread over 1-6 treatments scheduled at 4-6 weeks intervals with occasional maintenance therapy thereafter.

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After A Neck Lift Surgery

After surgery, you may notice some bruising, swelling, numbness, or tightness around the neck, ears, and jawline. Using a cold compress can relieve the swelling, as well as keeping your head elevated.

The bruising usually subsides within four to seven days. However, it is normal for the neck tightness and numbness to persist for several weeks. During recovery, remember to protect your skin from the sun and avoid wearing clothing that needs to be pulled over your head. Be gentle with your surgical incisions.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of a neck lift for men will range from $17,500 – $25,000, whereas it will be closer to $15,000 – $20,000 for women. Please keep in mind that every case is different, so we can only provide a general range without a consultation. The complexity of the case and Dr. Greco’s approach determine the exact cost, which will be discussed at your consultation.

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Why Choose Dr. Greco

Dr. Timothy Greco is Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. He is skilled at all types of cosmetic procedures that help counter the effects of aging. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (ABOHNS).

Located in Bala Cynwyd, PA, Dr. Greco provides patients in the Main Line, including Villanova, Bryn Mawr, and Wayne, the opportunity to improve their neck appearance. With a focus on patient satisfaction, the team at Greco MD is dedicated to providing a positive experience from consultation to recovery. If you’re looking for a younger, fresher appearance customized to your facial structure, Dr. Greco can help!

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. Call (610) 465-1493 or check the doctor’s schedule online.

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