Neck Lift
What is a Neck Lift
A neck lift is a cosmetic surgery aimed at making the neck look younger and firmer by tightening the skin, removing excess fat, and correcting muscle banding within the neck. This procedure if often paired with a facelift procedure for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Neck Lift Consultation
If you are considering a neck lift in Boston, the first step is a confidential consultation with Dr. Bartlett. At this time, he will perform a medical evaluation and listen carefully to understand your goals. Pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and any history of smoking will be reviewed for proper management. Dr Bartlett will answer questions about the benefits and risks of neck lift surgery, describe the treatment process, and may discuss alternative treatment options. Neck lifts are most commonly performed in conjunction with a facelift to achieve a smooth natural look. Other procedures such as blepharoplasty, chemical peel, and facial fat transfers can enhance a necklift result.
Dr. Bartlett will create and personalize your surgical plan. He will give you instructions to prepare for your neck lift procedure and will review the recovery period. You will be asked to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the surgery and to help out during initial recovery (24 to 48 hours).
Neck Lift Procedure – What to expect
A neck lift is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the neck by tightening the skin and underlying neck muscles. A discrete incision will be made below the chin and/or behind the ears. The neck lift can be performed in conjunction with a facelift procedure or other facial rejuvenation procedures.
After the incision, a combination of surgical techniques is performed. For necks with excess fat, liposuction may be necessary during the procedure. Loose neck muscles are tightened with internal sutures (platysmaplasty), and the sagging neck skin is trimmed. Finally, the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures. A head wrap bandage and drains will be placed.
Neck lifts are commonly performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia and is determined after discussion with Dr. Bartlett and his anesthesia provider.
3 hours. The exact duration of surgery will depend on the treatment plan, techniques used, and if there are other procedures performed during your procedure.
Neck lift surgeries are performed in our AAAASF Certified office operating room as an outpatient procedure. Neck lifts may be performed in a hospital setting if preexisting medical problems are present.
Neck Lift and Recovery
Dr Bartlett and his staff will go over the details of the recovery process ahead of time, providing written instructions and prescription medications before surgery so that you are well prepared.
For pain management, local anesthetic is injected while the patient is asleep to minimize post-operative discomfort allowing the patient to awaken comfortably. Pain is controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and the light use of a narcotic.
The patients are instructed to return to the office 24 to 48 hours after for removal of their drains. The head wrap dressing will be exchanged to a lighter bandage. The lighter bandage may be removed at home beginning on post-operative day 4. Sutures are removed at days 7 and 14 after surgery.
Swelling and bruising can last for 1 to 3 weeks. Patients are instructed to sleep with their head elevated to reduce swelling. Numbness and firmness may persist for months but do not affect appearance. Most patients look acceptable at two weeks but some may have residual swelling and bruising into their third week. Women may consider wearing their hair down during this period of healing and men often grow a beard to camouflage incisions.
Exercise is not permitted for 2 weeks after surgery. You may begin performing light exercise at 2 weeks and vigorous exercise may be resumed 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, once cleared by Dr. Bartlett. If you have a strenuous job, you are recommended to remain out of work for at least 2-3 weeks. Laptop-based work is permitted soon after surgery.
Most patients look well after 2 weeks, but the final result from a neck lift is evaluated 6 months later. It is important for patients to maintain proper skin care by using moisturizer and sunscreen to ensure results last as long as possible.
"Everyone that’s ever known me has called me Mrs. Just So. In other words, I am very particular and also a perfectionist in all areas. I couldn’t have picked a better plastic surgeon. My husband and I met Dr. Bartlett and didn’t even feel that we had to get a second opinion. No one can even tell that I had this done. People will say, “Oh, I love your haircut, you look so good,” and then other people I tell will say, “Oh my god, I want his number.” They say they’ve never seen anyone look so natural. Dr. Bartlett is a perfectionist and very tedious and is an artist. He listens and cares and even called me over the weekend to see how I was doing. His entire staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as well. I would recommend Dr. Bartlett to anyone!"
Cost
Cost of a neck lift is dependent on factors such as the time it takes to perform the surgery, the type of anesthesia used, and the techniques utilized.
An estimate of the cost can be provided over the phone by the front desk administrator. After your consultation with Dr. Bartlett a specific, detailed quote will be provided.
Schedule a consultation
Contact our office to schedule a consultation regarding a neck lift in Boston with Dr. Richard A. Bartlett. He can let you know if surgery is the best option for you and can provide you with outstanding results from your procedure.
Need More Help?
Check out these related procedures
Facelift
A facelift is a facial procedure that targets light, moderate, and harsh signs of skin aging, including deep wrinkles and sagging.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) removes excess skin and fat while lifting and tightening the eyelids.