WHAT IS A NECK LIFT?
A Neck Lift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. The jowls on the face or turkey neck can make someone look older than they feel. Patients who struggle with sagging skin in the neck can turn to Dr. Elisa Burgess in her Lake Oswego, OR practice to undergo a neck lift to correct the issue. A neck lift can treat the following:
- Excess fat and skin relaxation in the lower face that creates jowls
- Excess fatty deposits under the chin
- Loose neck skin
- Muscle banding in the neck, which creates abnormal contours
FAQs
The ideal patients for this surgery are those who want to correct sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds, excess skin in the lower face, fat deposits of folds in the neck, or a general sagging of the face or neck. Oftentimes the facelift and the neck lift surgeries are done together. This is because improving only one area and not the other area may bring disharmony to the face and neck region. Ideal patients should also be healthy, nonsmokers, and are usually between 40 and 70 years old. Patients who struggle with high blood pressure, issues with blood clotting, or a tendency to form excessive scars should first consult their surgeon to make sure they are candidates for a facelift and neck lift.
In general, patients who undergo face and neck lift procedures in Portland look the same but significantly younger. The goal is to restore the patient to a more youthful, but still natural appearance.
A traditional neck lift incision often begins in the hairline at the level of the sideburn, continues down and around the ear and ends in the posterior hair. Fat may be sculpted or grafted into the face and from the neck. The tissue underlying the neck skin is repositionedand tightened. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A separate incision under the chin may be necessary for liposuction of this area depending on the thickness of the neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.
Incision lines are closed with sutures. Sutures may be dissolving or may need to be removed after a few days. Once healed, the incision lines from a neck lift are usually well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the ear. The visible improvements of a neck lift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final neck lift result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself.
Individualized instructions will be given with regard to dressings and a special jaw bra may be worn. Dr. Burgess and her staff will encourage you to walk around after surgery. Bruising, swelling, and aching are likely, and oftentimes patients look worse than they feel for at least the week following surgery. Swelling may contribute to some loss of feeling in the face and discomfort may be managed with medication. It is imperative to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks. Traveling long distances is not recommended in the first month following surgery. Ensure that you attend all scheduled exams following surgery. Scars from the procedure will be noticeable at first but will improve over the next year. Results of the procedure are not permanent as gravity and aging continue to play a role. Understand that results are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and may require future revision surgery.
Absolutely. A neck lift can be effectively combined with other procedures such as facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgeries to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The combination is tailored to each individual's needs for a harmonious result.
While Kybella is a non-surgical option that targets fat under the chin, a neck lift is more extensive, addressing both excess fat and sagging skin. For those with significant skin laxity, a neck lift may be the preferred option.
Yes, alternatives include non-surgical treatments such as thread lifts, laser skin tightening, and fat-dissolving injections like Kybella. These options vary in effectiveness and longevity when compared to traditional neck lift surgery, and are not a subsitutue for surgery.
Weight loss can reduce the amount of fat in the neck area, potentially improving the appearance of a 'turkey neck'. However, it may not address excess skin, after weight loss which could require surgical intervention.
Neck lift procedures are performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that patients are comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
As with any surgery, risks are associated with getting a neck lift. These may include infection, scarring, hematoma, nerve injury, and anesthesia complications. Selecting a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, such as Dr. Burgess, minimizes these risks.
The results of a neck lift can last several years but are influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skin care. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle and skin care regimen can prolong results.Â
During a consultation, Dr. Burgess will evaluate your medical history, discuss goals and expectations, and recommend a treatment plan. This is also the time to ask questions and address concerns.
Preparation involves following your surgeon's instructions, which may include medication adjustments, laboratory tests, and avoiding certain substances like nicotine and aspirin before surgery.
Costs vary widely and depend on the surgeon's expertise, geographic location, and the complexity of the procedure. Contact us for more detailed information about the costs associated with this procedure.
Many patients report increased self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance following a neck lift, as it can significantly rejuvenate one's profile and lead to a more youthful look. Dr. Burgess is helping patients turn back the clock and look refreshed.Â
Dr. Elisa A. Burgess is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Lake Oswego, Oregon, specializing in neck lift procedures as part of her practice's comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Her attention to detail ensures outcomes that balance form, function, and aesthetics, aiming to fulfill her patients' aspirations for natural beauty and self-confidence.
For those considering a neck lift, consult with Dr. Burgess to discuss your vision and to understand how a neck lift can be tailored to your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
If you are interested in a neck lift and want to schedule a consultation, or if you have any questions, please contact our office.