Neck Lift St. Louis

For a Contoured Jawline

Patients seek neck rejuvenation for a variety of reasons. Some have excess fullness they do not like. Others have developed a sagging “turkey neck” that can be displeasing. Muscular “bands” can develop and create abnormal contours. If one or all of these issues concerns you, our surgeons can offer customized treatment options to restore a more youthful appearance during your consultation.

Patients with relatively young, elastic skin suffering from fullness under the chin may be candidates for nonsurgical volume reduction by Coolsculpting® or Kybella®. Those with loose skin or muscular banding will need a tightening procedure such as a surgical neck lift. This is often combined with a facelift for harmonious rejuvenation. If the facial tissues are still pleasing with minimal aging, some patients may choose an isolated neck lift to correct this imbalance.

QUICK FACTS:

  • Length: 2.5-3.5 hrs
  • Anesthesia: General
  • Stay: Outpatient, same day surgery
  • Recovery: 1-3 weeks
  • Side Effects: Swelling, bruising, temporary numbness & tingling

A NECK LIFT CAN:

  • Reduce fullness under the chin
  • Restore the jawline contour
  • Remove loose, hanging skin
  • Disrupt tight neck bands

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Before & After

Patient #3365

Before:
Before Neck Lift
After:
After Neck Lift

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PREPARING FOR A NECK LIFT

A neck lift is a major operation requiring optimization of health, blood pressure, and skin quality beforehand. Your surgeon may request adjustments to any blood pressure medications with the assistance of your primary care provider.

Some patients may benefit from a skin treatment regimen 1-3 months prior to their procedure.

Smoking and all nicotine cessation is an absolute must for at least 4-6 weeks prior to this particular procedure as significant wound healing complications can occur otherwise. This includes e-cigarettes, patches, and gum.

Any medications and supplements which cause an increased risk of bleeding should also be stopped 2 weeks prior to any major surgery. Please see our list of medications and supplements to avoid. As always, make sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications.

Medications to Avoid

NECK LIFT TECHINQUE:

Your surgeon will design incisions that will hide along natural lower ear creases, under the earlobe, along the neck hairline, and sometimes under the chin. After the patient is asleep, he will infiltrate some numbing medication into the neck tissues that will also help minimize bruising and bleeding. Once the excess skin is elevated, the underlying neck muscles will be tightened for a more youthful, contoured jawline. Muscular banding will be addressed as needed, and any fullness can be excised or suctioned out. Our surgeons use both internal dissolving sutures that last several weeks to help keep your scars as fine and faint as possible, as well as some external sutures for a fine approximation that will need to be removed in 1 week. A drain may be placed that will be removed in 1-4 days. A gentle wrap will be placed to help minimize bruising and swelling.

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RECOVERY FROM NECK LIFT SURGERY

Most patients recover at home after their surgery. Our surgeons will evaluate their neck lift patients the day after surgery to remove and replace dressings as well as ensure you understand your care plan. Patients typically plan 1-3 weeks off of work to allow time for the bruising and swelling to improve. Drains will be removed in 1-4 days, and external sutures are removed in 1 week. Significant improvement in appearance is seen in the first 6 weeks, but final swelling can take 3-6 months to fully resolve. Scars will mature and fade over the ensuing year.

Patients are instructed to do frequent, gentle walks starting the day after surgery. Avoid straining or any strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks, as this can increase the risks of bruising and bleeding. Patients can increase activity after 2 weeks to moderate exercises and cardio training, then resume all activities including weight training after 4 weeks.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you Have a Question?

A: Some patients with isolated fullness under the chin may be candidates for Coolsculpting® or Kybella®. Those with loose skin or muscular banding will need a tightening procedure such as a surgical neck lift.

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