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When sagging skin or excess fat reveals the natural signs of aging or genetic predispositions to drooping around your neckline, it may be time to consider a neck lift to restore your image and confidence. Neck lift surgery is one of the most common procedures Dr. Cabin performs, and with his experienced hands and first-in-class techniques, he’ll give you the results you desire. Keep reading to learn what to know before getting a neck lift!
Your Neck Lift Options
As with any surgical procedure, the approach Dr. Cabin will take depends on your unique needs and goals. Some neck lift techniques are more apt for younger patients; some work better to address aging. Becoming familiar with these different neck lift options can help you prepare for your consultation and determine the best course of action to meet your desired results.
Neck Lift In Combination with Facelift
Perhaps one of the most commonly known neck lift procedures is performed in tandem with a facelift. This comprehensive combination procedure addresses much of the underlying tissue beneath the face, jaw, and neckline to reduce the look of age-related sagging or drooping skin.
Like an isolated neck lift (see below), Dr. Cabin may begin with contouring of the deep neck structures, but the combination face and neck lift always includes redraping the soft tissue of the lower face and neck to tailor it to the underlying structure.
Isolated/Deep Neck Lift
For younger patients with minimal aging changes but genetic or structural issues that contribute to an unfavorable neckline, a deep neck lift is the proper choice. This option targets the structures deep into the skin and muscle so that the skin can naturally re-drape over this new foundation.
Direct Neck Lift
While neck lifts for aging are always combined with a facelift, the direct neck lift is one exception to the rule. Typically performed on older men, this procedure involves the direct removal of skin and soft tissue. The resultant scar sits in the midline of the neck, mostly hidden by the shadow of the chin and jawline. A traditional face and neck lift scar, hidden along the hairline and contours of the ears, is preferred for most patients. However, the direct neck lift can be the preferred option for older men who are not concerned with facial aging and would prefer not to have more obvious incisions on their upper face. It can also be performed without the need for anesthesia, which adds cost and can sometimes be contraindicated in patients with health issues.
What to Know About the Procedure
How is a neck lift performed?
The neck lift process begins with a detailed consultation, where Dr. Cabin will discuss your aesthetic goals and evaluate your unique anatomical features. This personalized approach informs your surgical plan, making sure the procedures are tailored to meet your expectations.
Depending on your procedure, you will either be under general anesthesia in an operating room or in the office, using local anesthetics and light sedation. For deep neck lifts, Dr. Cabin will carefully place your incisions under your chin in a natural crease and occasionally just behind your ears. In neck lift/facelift combination procedures, you will require incisions that extend around the front and back of the ear, carefully designed to fall within the natural creases of the ear or hairline. For direct neck lifts, the incision is made in the neck midline and designed to minimize detection. No matter the procedure, Dr. Cabin goes to great lengths to use minimal incisions and meticulous techniques to leave no trace of surgery. Depending on specific anatomy and chosen approach, at some level, the procedure involves tightening the platysma muscle – the wide, thin muscle in the neck, which often becomes lax with age. It can also involve the removal of skin and/or the deeper neck contents like fat, muscle and glands, and excess fat to refine the neck’s contour.
Dr. Cabin’s advanced techniques ensure precise modifications to the underlying tissue with an emphasis on natural-looking results. The strategic placement of incisions and the delicate reshaping of the neck’s anatomy are designed to rejuvenate the area without altering your inherent features to preserve your natural beauty and enhance your neckline.
Is a neck lift painful?
Undergoing a neck lift involves a surgical process that, thanks to modern anesthesia and pain management techniques, is typically not painful during the procedure itself. Post-operatively, patients may experience discomfort, but this is generally well-managed with over-the-counter pain medicine like Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Dr. Cabin prioritizes patient comfort and safety, ensuring that pain is minimized throughout the recovery phase. Most individuals report that any post-surgery discomfort is manageable and temporary, subsiding significantly within the first week after the procedure.
However, it’s important to follow Dr. Cabin’s aftercare instructions closely to support a smooth and comfortable recovery process.
What is the recovery process for a neck lift?
Following a neck lift, the recovery process is a critical phase where you’ll begin to see the real transformation unfold. You may experience some swelling and bruising around the neck during this time, but these symptoms will gradually diminish over the first few weeks.
Dr. Cabin provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery, including guidelines on activity levels and care for the surgical site. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within two weeks, although it is sometimes recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for at least three weeks to ensure optimal healing.
Follow-up appointments with Dr. Cabin are essential to monitor progress and address any concerns, helping you achieve the best possible outcome from your neck lift procedure.
Why Choose Dr. Cabin for Your Neck Lift Surgery
Choosing Dr. Cabin for your neck lift means entrusting your care to a highly skilled facial plastic surgeon renowned for his expertise and personalized approach. Dr. Cabin’s commitment to achieving subtle, natural-looking outcomes is matched by his dedication to patient safety and satisfaction.
With a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy and a keen eye for detail, Dr. Cabin uses cutting-edge surgical techniques to minimize your downtime and maximize your results. You can feel comfortable knowing you’re in safe hands.
Rediscover Your Natural Beauty
As a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Cabin specializes in facial surgery to enhance your look and restore your confidence. Jonathan Cabin, M.D. offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical options, so call our office to learn more about which treatment may be right for your goals today!