What Can I Expect with a Neck Lift?

Sadly, as we age, we lose collagen and thus, structural support for soft tissue throughout our body. This is particularly evident in parts of our body which are defying gravity. This phenomenon is usually quite apparent in the neck. Sometimes, when we look in the mirror or "take a selfie", we see that dreaded turkey gobbler or double-chin. Having that loose, hanging extra neck skin can be nerve-wracking and can destroy one's confidence.

But did you know a relatively straight forward two hour surgery can significantly improve problematic aesthetic neck issues? This procedure is called a neck lift. Not only will your neck look great, but a neck lift surgery can even boost your confidence. Neck lift surgery primarily addresses three neck issues: excess neck fat, neck muscle sagging, and loose neck skin. During your consultation with plastic surgeon, Dr. Katzen, he will advise you as to your best solution to your sagging neck. Dr. Katzen will examine your neck and take into consideration your particular neck anatomy and specific aesthetic goals.

Before Your Neck Lift Surgery

Before you go under the knife, Dr. Katzen will consult with you and discuss all the options regarding your neck. Dr. Katzen will carefully analyze your face. During your consultation, you and Dr. Katzen will also discuss your unique physical features and your goals of the neck lift surgery. Dr. Katzen will give you a rundown of what you should expect during surgery. He will also discuss any risks involved and answer any questions that you may have.

Under the Knife

Your neck lift surgery will most likely be performed in an outpatient surgical center. The neck lift can be performed under "awake" (intravenous) anesthesia or "asleep" (general) anesthesia. The neck lift procedure, takes about two to three hours to complete. Please watch Dr. Katzen perform a neck lift in the video below:

After Your Neck Lift Surgery

It is very important for you to follow Dr. Katzen's post-op instructions for a speedy recovery. After the neck lift, you may experience some swelling and bruising around the neck and lower jaw line. This is normal. Swelling and bruising may last for one or two weeks. After a neck lift, pain is rare; if you do experience pain, please contact Dr. Katzen. Five to seven days after your neck lift, your sutures will be removed. Neck lifts should leave minimal scarring, and your tight 90 degree neck line should be visible immediately following a neck lift. Please allow yourself two to three weeks to recover from a neck lift. The neck lift scar fades over the course of one to two months. The cost of a neck lift varies greatly from one location to another location and from one plastic surgeon to another plastic surgeon. Do not just shop around for the best price. A neck lift is much more than a quick procedure. There is a lot of complex anatomy in the neck and experience counts. When comparing one plastic surgeon to the next plastic surgeon, please request to see their "before and after" neck lift albums. They should be able to produce such an album readily. Carefully analyze each neck lift picture. Is this what your neck looks like? Is this what you want your neck to look like? Dr. Katzen is an experienced, plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing the neck lift procedure. If you have questions regarding neck lift surgery or plastic surgery, please call (310) 859-7770 to schedule your appointment.