A neck lift is a cosmetic, surgical procedure that is used to rejuvenate the skin under the chin and on the neck. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Michael L. Schwartz, MD, performs neck lift surgery in West Palm Beach, FL and the Palm Beach Gardens area. He understands that the neck is one of the first places to display signs of aging. While many go to great lengths to protect their facial skin, their neck may be overlooked. With time, the chin and neck may lose definition and merge, and the skin on the neck may begin to lose its natural elasticity and sag. The neck also commonly displays pockets of fat as the skin loses its elasticity and form.
Neck Lift Before & After Photos
* All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
What is a Neck Lift?
Dr. Schwartz’s neck lift surgery can remove a substantial amount of fat from your neck. A neck lift will improve the appearance of neck bands, will remove excess fat from under the chin, correcting sagging facial skin, jowls and remove excess weight. The final product will provide you with a younger, firmer neck, a refreshed and youthful appearance, and the results are comparable to the results achieved with a facelift. The neck lift is less invasive than a facelift and only addresses the neck and under the chin.
A neck lift is also highly sought after by men and women who have experienced extreme weight loss. The neck lift procedure tightens and lifts sagging, loose neck skin under the chin that many people experience after losing large amounts of weight. Signs of aging, weight loss, and even heredity can be improved with a neck lift by Dr. Schwartz. This procedure achieves results that are comparable to the results achieved with a facelift, but it treats the neck alone.
How is the Neck Lift Procedure Performed?
Dr. Schwartz performs the neck lift procedure in his West Palm Beach office or at an outpatient surgical center in South Florida.
Either general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with IV sedation may be used during the operation. The neck lift takes about four hours to perform. Incisions are normally hidden in the crease under the chin and may be made behind the ears or along the hairline. Dr. Schwartz uses the incisions during the neck lift to tighten the neck muscles, remove excess skin, and to lift the remaining skin. Firmer muscles and smoother skin is achieved with limited scars that are discreetly hidden. An endoscopic technique may be suggested by Dr. Schwartz. This treatment is less invasive with smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period.
A compression garment must be worn to reduce swelling and to help in the healing process. It will support the changes in the neck over the first several weeks. Stitches will be removed by Dr. Schwartz in seven to ten days. Medication will be prescribed to reduce pain and discomfort. Patients typically return to work in 10 to 14 days.
What is the Neck Lift Recovery Like?
Neck lift recovery typically takes 12 to 14 days. Most patients can return to work within two weeks, though more strenuous activities should be postponed for about three weeks. During the healing process, you will wear a light compression garment around your neck. This should be worn as much as possible because it will stabilize the work that has been completed.
During the first week, your focus should be resting and performing gentle activities only. Bending over, intense workouts and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first week or until these restrictions are lifted by Dr. Schwartz. Bruising and swelling will be experienced initially, but this will decrease gradually each day.
On day seven, your stitches will be gently removed, and you will be able to increase your activity level. After approximately 12 days, the bruising and swelling should be minimal and you may feel comfortable returning to work and being seen publicly. Bruising can be covered with makeup, but swelling may remain noticeable for up to two weeks. The recovery is surprisingly quick, especially if Dr. Schwartz can use the endoscopic neck lift technique. This technique allows for a quicker healing process and less discomfort.
What To Expect in a Palm Beach Neck Lift Consultation
Dr. Schwartz will meet with you privately to evaluate your neck and face during a consultation to determine the best treatment for you. During the consultation with Dr. Schwartz, you will discuss what it is that you dislike about your face and neck and what you hope to achieve through surgery. Your face, neck, and skin will be examined, a thorough medical history taken, and your options discussed. All details of the deep plane face and neck lift procedure will be explained and any questions or concerns that you may have will be addressed.
If you feel that your neck is fat, you have a turkey waddle, excess skin, and wrinkles on your neck, or if you have lost the distinct curves of your jawline, Dr. Schwartz may recommend cosmetic, neck lift surgery.
While there are less invasive, non-surgical procedures that Dr. Schwartz offers for neck rejuvenation, the neck lift surgical procedure is very successful and provides lasting results for men and women. Dr. Schwartz will create a unique treatment plan for you that will match your cosmetic goals. Different procedures may be combined with the neck lift to achieve the look you desire, such as neck liposuction for removing stubborn areas of fat.
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Am I a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
If you desire to improve significant face and neck sagging, a contoured jawline, and want to experience a more youthful profile, you may be a good candidate for a neck lift. It may be completed as a stand-alone procedure when additional facial surgery is not desired or recommended. Nonsmokers who are in overall good health and have realistic expectations may be considered a good candidate for neck lift surgery.
The following are reasons to consider a neck lift:
- You want a slender neck and a distinct jawline
- You have excess loose skin and fat on your neck
- You have unwanted folds and lines on your neck
Good candidates for a neck lift are typically looking to improve their appearance and to boost their self-confidence. Good candidates are in good physical and mental health, have realistic post-surgery expectations, and are willing to comply with all pre- and post-surgical restrictions and instructions.
Neck Lift Side Effects and Risks
Sutures will hold the muscles and skin firmly in position, and there may be swelling, discomfort, bruising, tingling, burning, pulling, and numbness for several days after the cosmetic surgery. These symptoms are common and will pass as the nerves and muscles heal and stabilize. Anticipating these symptoms is helpful and will limit unnecessary concerns.
All plastic surgical procedures carry risks and it is important to follow all pre- and post-surgical instructions, as this will limit and prevent complications. If the symptoms include intense pain, Dr. Schwartz will examine you to rule out and prevent complications such as necrosis and hematoma. Grades of pain differ between individuals. Dr. Schwartz will provide you with thorough aftercare instructions that will help to ease discomfort while promoting healing.
Neck Lift
If your droopy neck is due to loose muscle or excess skin, a neck lift might be a more appropriate surgery for you. The surgery can focus on the entire lower area of the face, as well as the neck, creating not only an improved neckline but also add youth to the jaw and mid-face. The procedure involves moving and repositioning the facial and neck muscles to create lift and to remove sagginess.
The neck lift procedure is more involved than neck liposuction. It can be performed on its own or along with liposuction, depending on the state of your neck. You’ll most likely be under general anesthesia or sedation during it. The incisions made during the neck lift are usually located in the hair line, so they can be covered up by your hairstyle. Typically, the surgery takes several hours to complete.
Since the procedure is more complicated and involved, the recovery can take some time. You’ll have stitches removed after a week and may need to take up to two weeks off from work. Any exercise or vigorous activity should be postponed until three weeks after the surgery.
Why choose Dr. Schwartz?
- Dr. Michael Schwartz is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and American Board of Otolaryngology.
- MD from Baylor College of Medicine, where he completed his General Surgery Residency at Beth Israel Medical Center and ENT Residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
- He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the American College of Surgeons.
- Dr. Schwartz is an active staff member with Good Samaritan Medical Center, West Palm Beach, Florida.
- He has over 30 years of experience as a surgeon and is extensively trained in the latest advancements in facial plastic surgery.
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- Deborah Frutko
Neck Lift FAQs
You shouldn’t expect to achieve facelift results from a neck lift. They are two different surgical procedures and neck lift will not address eyelids, brows, or the midface. These are better treated with other procedures such as a brow lift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
During your consultation with Dr. Schwartz, you will learn more about how the neck lift can benefit you, and you may want to add additional cosmetic tweaks to treat your eyebrows or eyelids along with your neck.
The incisions for the deep plane face and neck lift are located within the hairline, resulting in well-concealed scars.
There can be some minor discomfort following surgery but can be managed with medication.
Patients can usually return to work within two weeks after a deep plane face and neck lift.
The neck lift stitches are removed about one week after the surgery.
Neck lift procedures performed for cosmetic reasons are generally not covered by insurance, though patients should consult with their insurance carrier.
There are financing options available for many plastic surgeries and cosmetic surgery procedures.
There are possible symptoms and risks with all cosmetic surgeries including the neck lift. Possible complications include infection, poor healing, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and asymmetry. Possible neck lift risks, including hematoma, necrosis, and scarring, can be reduced by following all aftercare instructions. Dr. Schwartz will discuss all of the risks and benefits associated with neck lift surgery with you during your private consultation.
While neck lift can’t stop the aging process, it can turn back the hands of time on your appearance. Future touch-up, cosmetic treatments may be recommended by Dr. Schwartz that will further enhance and prolong your neck lift results.
Neck liposuction refers to the removal of subcutaneous fat through small puncture incisions with cannulas or tubes that suction out the fat. If there is good skin tone it shrinks and improves the contour of the neck shape. Neck lift is done to tighten or remove excess sagging skin or muscle. Liposuction can be combined with necklift to augment the result.
Yes there are a variety of options of local anesthesia along with IV sedation which can be used.
These procedures are often complementary, not mutually exclusive. It would depend on your exam findings and what type of jaw neckline you were trying to achieve.
Most patients experience a sense of tightness, swelling and bruising. Actual pain is usually minimal. Most of these symptoms subside after the first week or two.
If you’re interested in getting neck lift surgery in West Palm Beach with Dr. Schwartz, call (561) 655-5562, and request a free consultation. We look forward to meeting you.