Neck Lift

NECK LIFT SURGERY - NECK CONTOURING IN PORTSMOUTH AT AW PLASTIC SURGERY

Genetics, smoking, sun exposure, and even poor posture can contribute to aesthetic problems with the neck. Over time, as the neck muscles weaken and collagen levels drop, the skin around the neck can become loose and creased. These issues sometimes occur even in people who have relatively firm facial skin. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Wilson therefore gives his patients the option of pursuing neck lift surgery as a standalone procedure. Alternately, if a patient desires uniform rejuvenation of the face and neck, Dr. Wilson can incorporate neck contouring into facelift surgery.

ABOUT NECK LIFT SURGERY

Neck lift surgery is a versatile procedure that can be personalized to reflect each patient’s cosmetic goals. Neck lift surgery can be used to make the neck both slimmer and firmer, or it can be used solely to remove loose skin. In all cases, the objective of this procedure is to create a taut and youthful-looking neck, chin, and jawline.

Patients who are a healthy weight but retain noticeable fat deposits below their jawline can choose to have neck liposuction performed as part of their neck lift. During neck liposuction, a thin surgical instrument called a cannula is inserted into adipose tissue beneath the chin and jaw. Fat cells are then irrigated with a liquid solution and removed via suction. Once the patient’s submental fat has been removed, Dr. Wilson will perform skin resection in order to shape firm, sleek neck contours. After surgery, the patient will no longer have a “double chin” or noticeable jowls.

To correct signs of advanced skin laxity on the neck, Dr. Wilson will perform either a cervicoplasty, a platysmaplasty, or both. Cervicoplasty involves the removal of loose skin, whereas platysmaplasty is used to tighten the platysma muscles. These muscles, which run down the front of the neck, have a tendency to weaken and sag with age, creating the appearance of a neck “wattle.”

Neck lift surgery generally requires several incisions: One behind each ear and one below the chin. Because these incisions are disguised by the contours of the ears and neck, they produce little visible scar tissue. 

THE ROLE OF COMPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES

Combining neck lift surgery with one or more complementary procedures can profoundly alter the appearance of the face and neck, restoring elegant, youthful contours. 

  • SMAS fACELIFT SURGERY
    Neck lift surgery is most frequently combined with SMAS facelift surgery: Simultaneously lifting the superficial muscular aponeurotic system and the platysma muscles revitalizes and refines the whole head and neck area, eliminating many of the visible signs of aging. Lifting the SMAS also repositions the patient’s facial fat deposits (placing them higher on the cheeks), further minimizing the appearance of jowls.
  • DERMAL FILLERS OR FAT TRANSFER
    Patients seeking neck contouring may also benefit from the application of dermal fillers or fat transfer. Dermal fillers can be used to augment the chin and jawline, making the patient’s profile more striking. This step is especially beneficial for patients who have experienced age-related changes in jaw shape. As we get older, it’s not uncommon for the angle of the jaw to change significantly. This process can result in poor jaw definition. As a national trainer for both Allergan and Galderma, Dr. Wilson is a leading expert on the use of dermal fillers for lower facial contouring.
  • IPL PHOTOFACIAL
    As part of his multimodality approach to patient care, Dr. Wilson incorporates medical skin rejuvenation into many of his surgical treatment plans. He may therefore recommend the use of IPL Photofacial treatment to eliminate sunspots, fine lines, and other signs of skin aging on the neck. IPL Photofacial treatment serves the dual purpose of erasing blemishes and stimulating collagen production. Collagen aids in strengthening the skin, making it more resistant to stretching and creasing.
Neck lift surgery is most frequently combined with SMAS facelift surgery: Simultaneously lifting the superficial muscular aponeurotic system and the platysma muscles revitalizes and refines the whole head and neck area, eliminating many of the visible signs of aging. Lifting the SMAS also repositions the patient’s facial fat deposits (placing them higher on the cheeks), further minimizing the appearance of jowls.
Patients seeking neck contouring may also benefit from the application of dermal fillers or fat transfer. Dermal fillers can be used to augment the chin and jawline, making the patient’s profile more striking. This step is especially beneficial for patients who have experienced age-related changes in jaw shape. As we get older, it’s not uncommon for the angle of the jaw to change significantly. This process can result in poor jaw definition. As a national trainer for both Allergan and Galderma, Dr. Wilson is a leading expert on the use of dermal fillers for lower facial contouring.
As part of his multimodality approach to patient care, Dr. Wilson incorporates medical skin rejuvenation into many of his surgical treatment plans. He may therefore recommend the use of IPL Photofacial treatment to eliminate sunspots, fine lines, and other signs of skin aging on the neck. IPL Photofacial treatment serves the dual purpose of erasing blemishes and stimulating collagen production. Collagen aids in strengthening the skin, making it more resistant to stretching and creasing.
I had a lower face and neck lift and upper and lower eyelid surgery with Dr Wilson one year ago. I could not be more pleased with my results. I have never looked better. This surgery has given me a new self confidence that I did not expect. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you Dr Wilson you are truly an artist.
P.P.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING RECOVERY FROM A NECK LIFT

Neck lift recovery generally takes about two weeks, so patients are advised to take at least this much time off of work. However, if you have both a facelift and a neck lift, you may need to spend up to three weeks resting. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Wilson will let you know what to expect in terms of recovery duration. (Note that non-surgical complementary procedures, like dermal fillers, will not extend your healing period.)

Most patients do not report experiencing significant discomfort during neck lift recovery. However, it’s normal for the neck to feel stiff and swollen for at least three to five days after surgery. Because this can make it difficult to swallow, patients are advised to stock up on soft foods before their operation. 

 

WHO MAKES A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR NECK LIFT SURGERY?

Most healthy adults can have this procedure, provided that they are current nonsmokers and close to their ideal weight. (Smoking delays healing and increases a patient’s risk of complications. It’s important to stay smoke-free for at least three weeks before and after surgery.) Neck lift surgery is usually recommended for mature patients (those over 50), but this procedure is sometimes used on younger patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. Anyone who is dissatisfied with the appearance of their neck should consider exploring the benefits of this procedure.

When you come in for a consultation, be sure to discuss any medications or supplements you are currently taking with Dr. Wilson. Certain medications and supplements, particularly blood-thinning medications, can increase your risk of bleeding and other complications. Dr. Wilson will work with your primary care provider to ensure you have a safe surgical experience. 

 

Schedule a Consultation

From Breast Augmentation to Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty and everything in-between, Board-Certified plastic surgeon Anthony Wilson, MD offers a wide range of procedures at his Portsmouth, NH office. If you are interested in booking a procedure, take the next steps by scheduling a consultation today.

ARRANGE A NECK LIFT CONSULTATION IN PORTSMOUTH

Few features are as elegant as a lean, long neck. Maintaining the skin and muscles below the chin is therefore a key component of aging gracefully. If you would like to learn more about how neck lift surgery can help you achieve your cosmetic goals, contact Harvard-educated Portsmouth plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Wilson at (603) 294-4526. He will be happy to help you develop a comprehensive personal treatment plan during your one-on-one consultation.

Meet Dr. Wilson

Anthony Wilson, MD has vast experience performing facial, body, and reconstructive procedures. After receiving an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and completing training with a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wilson has continued to improve his technique to ensure the best results possible. Learn More about Anthony Wilson, MD, and why you should choose the Board-Certified plastic surgeon for your next procedure in the Seacoast Region.