Neck Lift Surgery

Cervicoplasty, or neck lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure used to improve the look of the neck and under the jaw ling by reducing the amount of sagging skin.

It is very common for neck lift surgery to be performed along with other procedures like a chin lift or forehead lift.

It is commonly interchanged and confused with a chin lift because more times than not, these two procedures are performed together.

A typical neck lift surgery can last from two to three hours and is traditionally performed as an outpatient procedure in a surgeon’s office.

However, it can also be performed in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. General anesthesia will be given so that you will be asleep during the entire process.

Although a neck lift is called a cervicoplasty, this is technically just the first phase of the surgery.

During this portion of the surgery, two small incisions are made under or behind the ears and excess skin is removed. The next phase is platysmaplasty.

Using the same two incisions, the neck muscles are either removed or altered to give the neck a more firm look.

Finally, surgeons may perform liposuction to remove any remaining fat deposits.

Once all of this has been done, the skin is brought together behind the ears and sutured together.

Am I a good candidate for neck lift surgery?

Any person over the age of 18 is acceptable to undergo neck lift surgery.

However, the average age group ranges from 30 to 70 years of age. Unfortunately, age is not the only determining factor.

Many times the determination is made by your doctor. But below are a few guidelines to help determine if you are a good candidate for neck lift surgery.

• Your physical and mental health are in superior condition.
• You understand the procedure and acknowledge the reality of the procedure.
• You are not currently suffering from any diseases, illnesses, or immune compromising conditions.
• You have the excess in your neck and it makes you self-conscious.

How much does a neck lift cost?

Due to the multiple procedures involved in a neck lift, the price can range from $3,000.00 up to $15,000.00.

Unfortunately, this procedure isn’t covered by insurance but can be affordable with various financing options that many surgeon’s offer.

What can I expect during recovery and what are the risks?

All surgery involves some level of risk and neck lift surgery is no different.

Some of the risks are swelling, the formation of scar tissue, accumulation of blood under the skin or a hematoma, and injury to the nerves around the surgical area.

Some of these risks will correct on their own over time or will clear up with the assistance of antibiotics. Therefore, it is imperative to follow strict post-operative instructions.

Immediately following the surgery, your surgeon will require you to rest, take oral pain medication as needed, and wear a compression garment to help improve circulation and reduce swelling.

The swelling can take up to 14 days to subside completely but the results can be seen much sooner.

Results of a neck lift can last up to ten years. After that, if another neck lift is not performed, then you will revert to pre-surgery form.

How do I find a neck lift surgeon?

Once the decision has been made to have a neck lift, you must start looking for a qualified surgeon.

Start with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and then follow up with the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Visiting these two websites and searching for a surgeon in your area is a great place to start.

Once you find a surgeon that has been certified by both of these organizations, schedule a consultation.

Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions including how many times they have performed this procedure, their success rate, their rate of complications, and don’t forget to ask for referrals from previous patients.