Neck Lifts
The neck's appearance can be affected by aging, gravity, weakening of muscles and weight gain or loss. These factors can affect the appearance of the neck and can cause a double chin or a sagging neck. For many people, this change in appearance lowers self-esteem. Luckily, neck lifts are available to restore the neck to a more youthful appearance.
Many procedures and techniques are available to improve the appearance of the neck, including full neck lifts and mini neck lifts.
The Full Neck Lift
Before undergoing a full neck lift, a person will need to have a consultation with her doctor in order to determine if she is a good candidate for the surgery. During the consultation, the doctor will inquire about the person's general health and will also examine the patient's skin tone and bone structure.
A full neck lift surgery is often a combination of procedures done together to achieve the desired result. Often, this includes a cervicoplasty, a procedure that removes any extra skin that may be a problem, as well as a platysmaplasty, which tightens the neck muscles. Liposuction may also be employed to remove fat from the neck area.
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Neck Lift Costs
The average cost of neck lift procedures is between $5,000 and $8,000. Keep in mind that a neck lift is often done in conjunction with other procedures, such as a face lift, so this may affect the overall price.
Insurance usually does not cover cosmetic procedures, though individual surgeons may have payment plans or credit options available for neck lifts. |
Neck Lift Recovery
A neck lift usually takes only a few hours, but recovery can take as long as two weeks. After a face lift a person should observe the following:
Take antibiotics, if prescribed, to avoid infection.
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The Non-Surgical Neck Lift
Non-surgical options for enhancing the appearance of the neck are available, though they often cannot correct the underlying problems of excess fat or skin and cannot tighten the muscles in the neck. However, if a person is looking to improve the appearance of her neck through non-surgical methods, she might consider the following:
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BOTOX® is used to smooth out deep wrinkles and can give a smoother appearance to the neck. BOTOX® results generally last from three to 12 months. Expect to pay approximately $300 to have one area injected with BOTOX®.
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The ThreadLift® procedure, which is minimally invasive and uses a surgical thread to lift the neck, requires no incisions. As a plus, recovery time is short and side effects are rare. The ThreadLift® results are usually immediately visible and last three to five years. ThreadLift® prices range from $2,000 to $7,000, depending on what areas or combination of areas are being addressed. |
Neck Lift Side Effects
In general a person can expect to experience numbness or tingling in the neck area following the procedure. However, side effects will depend on the specific procedure or procedures that a person undergoes as well as on the person's general health. Side effects can include:
- infection
- puckering of the skin
- scarring
- reactions to anesthesia.
Your physician should discuss potential side effect with you prior to the neck lift.
Neck Lifts: Finding the Right Surgeon
Finding the right physician is an important factor in getting a neck lift. To make sure you work with a doctor who has the highest level of training and experience, be sure to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Also, ask friends and family members if they have had good experiences with any surgeons. Once you come up with a list of surgeons, visit each one for a consultation. During the consultation, ask a number of questions about both the physician and the procedure. Also ask for a list of references.
After meeting with a number of surgeons, compare their histories and personalities and also check their references. Choose a doctor with a high level of experience and with whom you feel comfortable.
Resources
Consumer Guide To Plastic Surgery (2007). Neck Lift. Retrieved August 16, 2007, from the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery Web site: http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/face-lift/neck-lift.htm.
Frank, Paul M.D. (2007). The ThreadLift non-surgical Face Lift New York. Retrieved August 16, 2007, from the Dr. Paul Frank Web site: http://www.pfrankmd.com/face_liftnewyork.html.
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2007). Neck Lift. Retrieved August 16, 2007, from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Web site: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3300/3329.asp?index=11020.
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