Having a fleshy neck can make some individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance. A neck lift can address various cosmetic issues, including:

Lack of definition in the neck
Excess fat and/or skin in the neck, as well as muscle banding

If you are self-conscious about these issues, you can be considered a good candidate for a neck lift. During the neck lift procedure, excess fat and skin are removed from the neck and the neck muscles are either altered or tightened. This results in a more defined neck and jaw line appearance.

How is a neck lift done?

The neck lift takes about three hours for the doctor to perform. If multiple procedures are performed, it takes longer. The neck lift is actually a combination of procedures. The first is cervicoplasty, where excess skin is removed. The other is platysmaplasty, where neck muscles are tightened. Surgeons may also perform liposuction on the neck to remove fat deposits from the neck.

During cervicoplasty, two incisions are made under and behind the ear. When combined with a platysmaplasty, a small incision is made under the chin. Sections of skin are trimmed, lifted into place and sutured. Then, a section of fat and muscle is removed and the ends are sutured together at the mid-anterior (front) section of the neck. The skin can be brought together under or behind the ear to further firm up appearance of the neck.

Where will my neck lift surgery be done?

A neck lift may be performed in our office surgical suite. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and performed under intravenous anesthesia, allowing the patient to sleep during the operation.

What are the risks of neck lift surgery?

With any cosmetic procedure, there is always the possibility of risks. A neck lift may involve multiple procedures, so there is an increased risk. The most common risk for any cosmetic procedure is allergic reaction to the anesthesia and infection. Another potential complication is accumulation of blood under the skin (hematoma). Yet another risk is injury to the nerves that control muscles in the treated area. Excessive scar tissue is another possible cause for concern, however, scar revision procedures can help.

These risks can be reduced when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon, with extensive experience in performing neck lifts, and if patients follow their doctor's pre-op and post-op instructions. Note: Smokers should stop smoking one month before and after surgery because this contributes to poor healing of the skin.

How should I prepare for my neck lift surgery?

In your initial consultation, Dr. Bailey or Haghighi will ask you what your goals are and discuss the possibilities with you. Dr. Bailey or Haghighi can show you, using computer imaging technology, a reasonable approximation of what you may look like after your surgery. You should also look at before and after photographs and speak with previous patients (Dr. Bailey or Haghighi for referrals to previous patients and how to contact them).

Dr. Bailey or Haghighi will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, including guidelines on physical activity, eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. In addition, it is important that you let Dr. Bailey or Haghighi know about any allergies and serious medical conditions you may have. And be sure you let him know about any medications you're taking. If you smoke, it's especially important to stop at least one month before and after surgery.

Here are some questions you should ask:

Are my expectations realistic?
What kind of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
How much does the procedure cost and what other elements factor into that cost (i.e., hospital fee, anesthesia, etc)?
What percentage of patients experience complications with this procedure?
What is the policy in regards to correcting or repeating the procedure if the surgery does not meet agreed upon goals?
What should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of soreness, scarring, activity level and so on?