A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure designed to help a person enhance the appearance of the neck, jawline and throat-area. It creates a smoother, more elegant neckline. In addition, a neck lift can help a person eliminate fat deposits and tighten the skin on the neck.
Although there are similarities between a neck lift procedure and a platysmaplasty, it is important to note that there are key differences between the treatments.
A neck lift enables an individual to address the following signs of aging on the neck and throat:
- Fat deposits and build-up under the chin and around the jowls
- Skin laxity
- Muscle laxity
- Sub-muscular laxity
Comparatively, platysmaplasty involves a reconstruction of the neck muscles. It allows a person to address several issues, including:
- Double chin
- Fatty jowls
- Loose, sagging skin that causes the appearance of a “turkey wattle”
- Distracting neck bands or cords
Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh teaches patients about procedures designed to improve the appearance of the skin in the neck and face. He can explain the differences between a neck lift and platysmaplasty. In doing so, Dr. Azizzadeh can respond to a person’s neck procedure questions and help him or her determine the best course of action.
Neck lift candidates often display wrinkles and other visible signs of aging in the neck. They are also healthy enough for surgery.
Furthermore, neck lifts are available to men and women. There is no “ideal” age for a neck lift, but many patients undergo this procedure between the ages of 35 and 65.
To qualify for a neck lift procedure, consult with Dr. Azizzadeh. A patient can visit Dr. Azizzadeh’s office in Beverly Hills or participate in a virtual consultation. Next, Dr. Azizzadeh can learn about his patient and why he or she is considering a neck lift. He can conduct an assessment to determine his patient’s eligibility for a neck lift procedure and other cosmetic treatment options. .
Facelifts and neck lifts are both cosmetic procedures. Yet, there are key differences between the two.
Whereas a neck lift is designed to correct visible signs of aging around the neck, a facelift treats lines, wrinkles, and other facial blemishes. And, there can be times when a patient benefits from a neck lift procedure. There can be instances when a patient benefits from a facelift. And, patients may benefit from a facelift and neck lift performed in combination with one another, too.
Neck lifts are surgical procedures, but non-surgical treatments can be used to temporarily correct visible signs of aging in the neck and face. Dr. Azizzadeh can provide details about surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments during a patient consultation.
Dr. Azizzadeh uses one of the following techniques to perform a neck lift surgery:
- Skin-SMAS-Platysma Lift: Involves the lifting and tightening of neck and throat skin, leading to a toned appearance in the neck.
- Platysmaplasty: Addresses the underlying muscles in the neck and repositions fat in the neck simultaneously, resulting in a tighter, more youthful neckline.
Dr. Azizzadeh evaluates a patient before completing a neck lift procedure. He uses the assessment to examine his patient’s neck and facial skin and learn about any issues this individual wants to address. From here, Dr. Azizzadeh offers a personalized treatment recommendation designed to ensure that this patient can enjoy long-lasting results.
A neck lift procedure can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete. The length of time required depends on the complexity of surgery.
Neck lifts are usually performed at accredited office-based surgical facilities, licensed ambulatory surgical centers, or hospitals. They are completed on an outpatient basis. Thus, most patients can return home the same day that their neck surgery is completed.
Neck lift surgery risks include:
- Bleeding
- Asymmetrical facial appearance
- Hematoma (fluid accumulation)
- Persistent swelling and/or pain
- Hair loss near the treatment incisions
- Severe scarring
- Poor results
Dr. Azizzadeh takes precautions to guard against neck lift surgery complications. He does everything in his power to ensure each patient can undergo a neck surgery without putting their health and safety in danger.
Dr. Azizzadeh offers recommendations to help his patients get ready for neck lifts. These recommendations include:
- Undergo a medical evaluation. Dr. Azizzadeh requests a medical evaluation at least a few weeks before surgery. This ensures that a patient is in good health and remains a viable candidate for treatment.
- Avoid smoking and certain medications. Dr. Azizzadeh asks patients to stop smoking in the weeks leading up to surgery. He also requests information about any medications or supplements that a patient is taking. If any of these medications or supplements can disrupt the results of treatment, Dr. Azizzadeh asks his patient to temporarily stop taking them.
- Reach out with concerns or questions. Dr. Azizzadeh wants his patients to feel good about their upcoming surgery. He encourages them to get in touch with any concerns or questions before treatment. That way, Dr. Azizzadeh and his patient can work together to ensure the surgery day is successful.
Dr. Azizzadeh works diligently on behalf of his patients before neck lifts. If patients require assistance before surgery, they can contact him at their convenience.
Patients may experience minor discomfort during neck lifts. But, Dr. Azizzadeh ensures that his patients do not have to deal with severe pain during treatment.
Dr. Azizzadeh can provide anesthesia to patients before neck lifts. He may use local or general anesthesia and determines which option to use prior to treatment.
On average, neck lift recovery takes about two to four weeks. A bandage is usually placed around a patient’s face and neck to limit bruising and swelling during the recovery process. Also, Dr. Azizzadeh provides instructions to help his patients care for the surgical incision site and avoid post-surgery complications.
Neck lift incisions are required to complete the procedure. However, Dr. Azizzadeh takes steps to limit the risk of scarring after treatment.
Dr. Azizzadeh typically makes an incision at the hairline at the level of the sideburn. The incision continues down and around the ear and ends at the back of the head, near the bottom of the hairline.
Neck lift incisions are usually small, which helps minimize their appearance after surgery. A scar cream may also be used in the weeks following treatment to further reduce the appearance of scars.
Scars may appear after neck lift surgery but usually become unnoticeable over time. In many cases, scars will be difficult to see in natural skin creases or hair. Scars may be hidden with makeup until neck lift recovery is complete.
Patients will start to see the initial results in the first few weeks after their neck lifts. It takes about six months before the full results of neck lifts become visible.
There may be instances in which a neck lift enables a patient to treat a turkey neck, i.e. wrinkled, sagging skin that forms under the neck. To determine if a patient can benefit from a neck lift, Dr. Azizzadeh requests an evaluation.
If a patient previously underwent a neck lift that failed to deliver the desired results, Dr. Azizzadeh can help.
Dr. Azizzadeh has the skills and experience to safely treat a botched neck lift procedure. Before Dr. Azizzadeh treats a botched neck lift, he performs a thorough patient evaluation. This assessment allows Dr. Azizzadeh to learn about a patient and examine their facial appearance. Then, if Dr. Azizzadeh determines he can correct a botched neck lift, he crafts a custom treatment plan.
The results of a neck lift typically last 10 to 15 years. Treatment results may vary based on an individual’s skin condition and how well he or she takes care of the skin after surgery. Also, the face continues to age even after surgery, so results depend on the individual’s natural aging process.
Dr. Azizzadeh will provide a neck lift FAQ during a patient consultation. He offers details about what to expect before, during, and after a neck lift procedure and helps a patient establish realistic neck lift expectations.
Neck lift surgery costs may vary due to several factors, including:
- Anesthesia expenses
- Medical examinations
- Surgeon’s fee
At the CENTER, we cannot provide our patients with an estimated neck lift surgery cost until the patient has consulted with Dr. Azizzadeh. Every surgery is customized to the needs of the patient. Therefore, we are not able to give prices online or over the phone prior to meeting Dr. Azizzadeh. To find out more about the cost of neck lift surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh
Neck lifts are considered cosmetic procedures. As such, they are generally not covered by insurance. However, financing may be available to help patients cover the upfront cost of a neck lift procedure. Dr. Azizzadeh can provide information about financing options during a patient consultation.
Dr. Azizzadeh won’t take shortcuts, and he ensures that a neck lift procedure helps his patient accomplish their intended results. He recommends a neck lift only if he believes the procedure can benefit a patient. Plus, he tailors a neck lift to his patient and ensures that the procedure can revitalize the facial appearance.