What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a procedure to restore and revitalize the appearance of the neck and throat. This surgery not only trims and smoothes excess skin on the neck, but it also removes fat deposits and tightens muscle laxity. By correcting the underlying muscle structures in addition to the outer skin layer, a necklift produces provides patients with a more youthful neckline.
At the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh takes a conservative, precise approach to neck lift surgery. Everyone ages differently; therefore Dr. Azizzadeh customizes each necklift procedure with the anti-aging needs of the patient in mind. As a result, he often utilizes a combination of procedures and techniques to achieve facial harmony and a natural-looking neckline.
How Does a Neck Lift Differ from a Platysmaplasty?
Neck lift surgery and platysmaplasty may seem similar, but there are significant differences between these procedures.
Whereas a neck lift surgery helps an individual improve the appearance of the neck, jawline and throat, a platysmaplasty involves reconstruction of the neck muscles. Platysmaplasty surgery is commonly used to address one or more of the following issues:
- Fatty jowls
- Droopy skin
- Double chin
Dr. Azizzadeh is a Beverly Hills neck lift surgeon recognized for his expertise with neck lift surgery and platysmaplasty. He teaches patients about neck lift surgery, platysmaplasty and other facial rejuvenation procedures. Also, Dr. Azizzadeh helps patients decide between neck lift surgery and platysmaplasty and evaluate complementary facial rejuvenation treatments.
What Are the Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery?
The benefits of neck lift surgery include:
- Enhanced jawline
- Removal of excess skin and fat from under the chin
- Tighter facial muscles
For individuals who want to revitalize the appearance of the neck and face, a neck lift may prove to be ideal. Dr. Azizzadeh is happy to discuss neck lift surgery with patients. He also responds to patients’ concerns and questions and offers expert treatment recommendations.
Am I a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a great procedure for an individual who is experiencing excess skin and muscle laxity on the neck. As we age, the skin on the neck can become loose and slack, excess fat and skin relaxation can create jowls, fatty deposits form under the chin, and muscle banding make the neck appear visibly aged.
More specifically, good candidates generally have one or more of the following issues:
- Fat deposits and buildup– neck is prone to developing a buildup of fat both under the chin and around the jowls with age
- Skin laxity– time, the skin on the neck tends to sag and droop, contributing to an aged appearance
- Muscle laxity– muscles on each side of the neck begin to lose their elasticity and structure
- Sub-muscular laxity– system of tissues underneath the muscles can suffer the effects of aging, beginning to droop or sag and present loose, excess skin
Dr. Azizzadeh can correct the loss of youthful contours in the neck from the issues mentioned above, with a neck lift. As an internationally renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Azizzadeh’s goal is to achieve harmony with all vectors of the face, including the neck. In order to do this, he does not simply tighten the outer skin on the neck. Instead, he uses deep plane lifting techniques, ensuring the neck is tight, elegant and natural looking.
Comprehensive Neck Lift Consultation Process
A comprehensive neck lift consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh is a unique experience. After examining the patient’s face and neck and having a thorough understanding of the patient’s concerns and anti-aging goals, Dr. Azizzadeh will discuss both non-invasive and surgical approaches, when appropriate. Unlike other plastic surgeons who may only recommend neck lift surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh has an innovative perspective of customizing surgical and non-surgical treatments for the neck and the face to comprehensively address signs of aging. As a result, the patient will see an appearance that is youthful and harmonious.
In addition to neck surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh may also recommend additional surgical or non-surgical procedures which results combine well with a neck lift. These other procedures include:
- Facelift: Rejuvenates the appearance of the face and neck. Facelift surgery is one of the most popular facial plastic surgery options.
- Brow Lift: Reduces the appearance of a heavy, sagging brow. A brow lift helps patients raise drooping eyebrows, eliminate deep furrows, and rejuvenate the eyes.
- Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty): Treats bags under the lower eyelids and excess skin that affects the upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty enhances the appearance of the eyelids and can be performed on the lower eyelids, upper eyelids, or both.
- Submental Liposuction: Tightens the muscles beneath the chin, improves the chin’s contour, and eliminates the appearance of a double chin.
- Dermal Fillers: Enhances the facial appearance without surgery. Dermal fillers are used to fill in fine lines and creases throughout the face.
- Botox: Smooths fine lines, wrinkles, and furrows caused by excessive muscle movements. Botox treatments require just minutes to administer and temporarily relax muscle movements in the face.
In many cases, the ideal anti-aging treatment plan includes both surgical and non-surgical options.
To help his patients achieve a full understanding of their aging process, Dr. Azizzadeh has created the “Aging Arc”. This helps patients see the aging process visually, in relation to their age in actual years. It is Dr. Azizzadeh’s goal to put his patients in the positive range on the Aging Arc, meaning their facial and neck appearance is the best it can be in relation to their chronological age. During a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, he will show the patient where he or she falls on the Aging Arc, along with what facial rejuvenation techniques can be used to put them in the positive range.
As a highly specialized facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Azizzadeh takes plenty of time to help his patients fully understand their cosmetic options during their consultation. He educates patients on the underlying causes of their cosmetic complaints, along with how each treatment option will address those particular issues. In the complex field of facial and neck plastic surgery, knowledge is the most important thing for a patient, and it is Dr. Azizzadeh’s goal to educate his patients. From there, he knows that you will make the right decision for yourself.
What to Expect During a Neck Lift Surgery Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh
Dr. Azizzadeh requests a consultation to evaluate a patient prior to neck lift surgery. At this time, Dr. Azizzadeh examines a patient’s medical history and his or her neck and other facial features. Dr. Azizzadeh also learns why a patient is considering neck lift surgery.
If Dr. Azizzadeh believes a patient is a good candidate for neck lift surgery, he then outlines all aspects of treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh personalizes neck lift surgery to each of his patients. This ensures Dr. Azizzadeh can help a neck lift surgery patient get the best-possible results.
Dr. Azizzadeh's Approach to a Neck Lift Surgery
As a Harvard-trained, double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Azizzadeh takes an extremely detailed approach to neck surgery. Through his many years of experience, he believes there is no such thing as a standard neck lift. Instead, every patient requires thorough examination of his or her unique issues and anti-aging goals so Dr. Azizzadeh can create a customized neck lift. Dr. Azizzadeh’s approach to neck surgery is dynamic, integrating all areas of his facial plastic surgery expertise for the best outcomes.
For his neck surgery patients, Dr. Azizzadeh will use one or both of the following techniques depending upon the degree of lift and tightening required:
- Skin-SMAS-Platysma Lift-Generally performed for more mild neck lift cases, the skin lift involves lifting and tightening the neck and throat skin, creating a more toned appearance in the neck. Dr. Azizzadeh will always support the SMAS-platysma to get long lasting results.
- Platysmaplasty-This procedure tightens underlying muscles in the neck, known as platysma muscles. During the aging process, these muscles are responsible for the unwanted appearance of bands in the neck. A platysmaplasty addresses these muscles while concurrently repositioning fat to create a tighter, more youthful neckline.
With every neck lift surgery, it is Dr. Azizzadeh’s goal to maintain the patient’s natural beauty. Therefore, during the surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh is able to precisely tighten and sculpt features and restore volume, preserving the patient’s natural contours for a beautiful and vibrant outcome.
How to Prepare for Neck Lift Surgery
As an expert Beverly Hills neck lift surgeon, Dr. Azizzadeh helps each of his patients prepare for neck lift surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh responds to a neck lift patient’s concerns or questions leading up to a procedure. He also offers recommendations to ensure a patient can streamline his or her neck lift recovery.
Certain aspirins, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs may increase a neck lift patient’s risk of bleeding. As such, Dr. Azizzadeh may ask a patient to stop taking certain medications prior to a neck lift procedure.
Furthermore, Dr. Azizzadeh provides special instructions about what a patient should do the night before and morning of neck lift surgery. He offers postoperative care tips to neck lift patients, too. That way, neck lift surgery patients know exactly what to expect at all stages of treatment.
How Is Neck Lift Surgery Performed?
Neck lift surgery is typically performed under anesthesia. Dr. Azizzadeh first makes a small incision behind each of a patient’s ears; in some instances, he may also make a small incision under a patient’s chin. Next, Dr. Azizzadeh tightens a patient’s neck muscles, as well as removes sagging or excess skin from the neck. This helps a patient achieve a firm, youthful-looking neck.
Dr. Azizzadeh is a Los Angeles neck lift surgeon who tailors each procedure to his patient. He prepares an extensive treatment plan for a neck lift patient. Together, Dr. Azizzadeh and his patient ensure this treatment plan is successful.
Neck Lift Recovery Information
Once you have scheduled your neck surgery, we will provide you with a comprehensive packet of information detailing the healing process, what to expect and tips to reduce swelling and bruising. Here are some of these guidelines below, giving you an idea of what you can expect:
- Patients typically have stitches taken out 7 days after surgery.
- Patients can be swollen for about 4 weeks after surgery.
- It may take up to a year to see the final results.
For further details regarding recovery information, you may contact the CENTER’s office.
At The CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, our goal is your comfortable, smooth recovery. If any questions or concerns arise at any point during your recovery, we are here to help.
Beverly Hills Neck Lift FAQ
A neck lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps a patient remove excess fat on the neck, as well as treat sagging skin or muscle banding. Comparatively, liposuction is used to exclusively remove fat deposits from the neck or other parts of the body.
A neck lift surgery is generally performed at an outpatient treatment center. The procedure usually requires only a few hours to complete, and patients can return home shortly after treatment.
A neck lift is often performed under local or general anesthesia. Dr. Azizzadeh determines if a neck lift patient requires anesthesia prior to treatment.
Both men and women commonly undergo neck lift surgeries.
The ideal age for Los Angeles neck lift surgery varies. Dr. Azizzadeh conducts a patient evaluation prior to a neck lift to determine if an individual qualifies for treatment. If Dr. Azizzadeh believes an individual can benefit from neck lift surgery, he is happy to perform the procedure, regardless of the patient’s age.
The time required to complete neck lift surgery varies. In some instances, Dr. Azizzadeh may perform a neck lift in about one hour. Or, if neck lift surgery is performed in conjunction with a facelift or other facial rejuvenation treatments, Dr. Azizzadeh may require several hours to complete the procedures.
When performed by an expert facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Azizzadeh, the risks of a neck lift surgery are very minimal. However, neck lift surgery risks may include bleeding, scarring and infection. In rare instances, a small amount of blood collects under the skin (hematoma) and must be removed after surgery. Also, if certain portions of the neck skin flap do not heal well, a patient may require an extended recovery period.
Dr. Azizzadeh outlines the risks associated with neck lifts before surgery. He is happy to respond to a patient’s concerns or questions before and after a neck lift procedure as well.
Dr. Azizzadeh wants to ensure that each patient considering neck lift surgery has all the information necessary to evaluate the benefits and risks of treatment. That way, each patient can make an informed decision about neck lift surgery.
Smoking can have effects on the neck lift recovery process. Dr. Azizzadeh will recommend a patient stop smoking for at least two weeks prior to a neck lift surgery. This allows a patient to reduce the risk of medical complications. Additionally, Dr. Azizzadeh requires patients to avoid smoking after surgery for several weeks.
Yes. A neck lift sometimes provides an alternative to patients who want to improve their facial appearance without receiving a traditional facelift.
In some instances, patients benefit from a neck lift and facelift that are performed at the same time. Dr. Azizzadeh helps patients determine if a neck lift should be performed independent of a facelift.
Dr. Azizzadeh performs a full patient evaluation before a neck lift. If a chronic medical condition puts a patient’s safety at risk, Dr. Azizzadeh will not recommend surgery for this individual.
Light activities like slow walking may be performed after the anesthesia wears off following a neck lift procedure. However, strenuous activities or exercise may increase a patient’s risk of bleeding, swelling and bruising and should be avoided immediately following surgery.
Typically, patients can resume yoga, cycling, running and other heavy activities within about three weeks of a neck lift. For individuals who play football or participate in other contact sports, they can resume these activities within about six weeks of surgery.
Neck lift recovery may seem long and arduous. Fortunately, there are things a patient can do to streamline his or her neck lift recovery.
Oftentimes, it helps to pick up the following items before a neck lift is performed:
- Ice packs
- Gauze and towels
- Petroleum jelly
- Arnica supplements
The aforementioned items enable a neck lift patient to minimize pain, swelling and bruising after surgery. As such, they should be readily available at home for the first few days after neck lift surgery.
Additionally, it often helps to have plenty of pillows available following a neck lift. Pillows can help a neck lift patient keep his or her head elevated after surgery.
For a neck lift patient, it may be beneficial to have a friend or family member stay with him or her for at least 24 hours after surgery, too. A friend or family member can provide care and support, and ultimately, ensure a neck lift patient can focus on his or her recovery.
Dr. Azizzadeh offers tips and recommendations throughout the neck lift recovery process. He also requests follow-up appointments to track his patients’ progress in the weeks and months following neck lift procedures.
A neck lift is designed to deliver long-lasting results. Yet patient results vary. As the aging process moves forward, wrinkles and sagging skin may start to reappear.
In most instances, surgical scars are not noticeable after a neck lift procedure. Dr. Azizzadeh tries to make incisions in specific areas of the neck to ensure neck lift surgery scars are virtually invisible.
Each neck lift is tailored to a patient’s needs, and therefore the costs will differ. The cost of a neck lift also varies based on the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, the operating room facilities, and other factors. Dr. Azizzadeh always discusses the costs of neck lift surgery with his patient prior to treatment.
The time it takes to return to work after a neck lift procedure varies. If a person works a job that does not require heavy lifting or strenuous activity, he or she can usually return to work within ten to fourteen days of a neck lift. However, if a person works a job that requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, about three weeks of recovery may be required.
Dr. Azizzadeh offers a custom treatment plan for each neck lift surgery, and this plan accounts for the recovery period. He also considers a patient’s job and offers a personalized recommendation for when a patient can safely resume his or her job and other everyday activities.
Generally, a patient experiences swelling and bruising immediately following a neck lift, with inflammation disappearing within about a week after surgery. Following this period, a patient should start to see visible results of a neck lift, with full results setting in about six months after the procedure.
The answer to this question varies depending on the patient and his or her desired neck lift treatment results. To determine if a neck lift is ideal, it is crucial to consult with Dr. Azizzadeh. As a Harvard-trained and dual-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Azizzadeh can provide comprehensive neck lift surgery insights to a patient. That way, a patient can use these insights to make an informed treatment decision.
Of course, Dr. Azizzadeh is happy to respond to a patient’s neck lift concerns and questions as well. Dr. Azizzadeh strives to provide a neck lift patient with full details about surgery. This allows a patient to understand how a neck lift will impact his or her facial appearance. Plus, it enables a patient to establish realistic expectations for a neck lift procedure.
Trust Your Face To A Beverly Hills Neck Lift Surgery Expert
As an internationally renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Azizzadeh has been featured in major news outlets for his unrelenting expertise in this crucial field, including The Doctors, Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, and more. Most notably, he was featured on Oprah for his groundbreaking facial nerve reconstruction on Mary Jo Buttafuoco, a prominent victim of a shooting.
Dr. Azizzadeh is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery pioneer, and he has been featured in a variety of world-renowned publications thanks in part to his industry expertise. He also has contributed to multiple medical textbooks that board-certified plastic surgeons use to learn the ins and outs of facial plastic and reconstructive procedures.
Schedule a Neck Lift Consultation in Beverly Hills with Dr. Azizzadeh
Dr. Azizzadeh is a top Beverly Hills Los Angeles neck lift surgeon, and he is available to teach individuals about neck lift surgery. Please contact us today at 310-657-2203 to schedule your neck lift consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh. We also offer phone or Zoom (Video) consultations for out-of-town patients.
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