Neck Lift - Types, Procedure, Recovery Time, and Complications

Introduction

The improved esthetic appearance against aging is trending nowadays. Cosmetic surgeries are one of the commonly used options for esthetic enhancement. A neck lift is one such treatment option that is effective in removing extra fat and skin, which gives a saggy look to the neck of people. It is an effective procedure against the signs of aging.

According to the American Association of plastic surgeons, facelifts and liposuction were among the top five surgical procedures in the year 2020. Most neck lift surgeries are offered by the top countries of the world, being the most expensive in Western countries. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures among women especially. Across the world, 2.3 % (260,747) of neck lift surgeries of the total surgical procedures were performed in the year 2019, and non-surgical fat reduction constituted 3.4 % of the total non-surgical procedures.

What Is a Neck Lift?

It is a cosmetic surgical procedure to enhance the signs of aging or wrinkles visible on the neck and jawline. Extra fat and skin is removed from these areas to give a smooth and slim look. The medical term for a neck lift is lower rhytidectomy, platysmaplasty, and neck contouring surgery.

• A mini neck lift, also called micro neck lift or micro-mini lift, is one of the latest and modified surgical procedures similar to a traditional neck lift; it is less extensive, has a shorter recovery time, and is minimally invasive.

• A deep neck lift is a more advanced surgical procedure and layered approach in which the fat is removed from the deeper layers that have subplatysmal fat, submandibular gland, and digastric muscles.

• A direct neck lift is a neck lift procedure through direct excision (cut) to remove the excess fat and skin from the chin and neck. It is especially used in people who have a double chin.

What Does a Neck Lift Do?

It is performed to -

• Remove extra fat and skin from the neck and chin.

• Remove age-related wrinkles and signs of aging, such as sagging of skin fat.

• Contour the shape of the neck, chin, and jawline.

• Improve the appearance of the patient and make them look younger and slimmer.

• Reduce or remove the double chin.

What Are the Types of Neck Lifts?

There are two main types of neck lifts:

1. Cervicoplasty: It is done to remove the extra fat from the neck through surgery.

2. Platsmaplasty: It is done to improve the appearance of the neck by tightening, realigning, or removing the neck muscles.

What Are the Pre-operative Assessments for Neck Lift Surgery?

Before deciding on the neck lift surgery for a patient, a few common diagnostic examinations are performed, such as -

1. History: A detailed history of the patient is taken to know and identify the esthetic expectations of the patient. It is important to know why the patient wants to undergo neck lift surgery, and complete education about the surgery is given. Other medical history related to the smoking habit, medications, presence of chronic or long-standing conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, etc., is also taken.

2. Physical Examination: The patient’s neck and face area is physically examined by the doctor to decide the best suitable surgery option and identify the structural deformities if present.

What Is a Neck Lift Procedure?

Neck lift surgery is an outpatient surgery that takes place in the doctor’s clinic, and the patient can go home the same day. In general, it includes the following steps -

• The patient is put into a deep sleep through general anesthesia. Sometimes, sedative (sleeping) medications, along with local anesthesia, are given.

• The doctor makes a small incision or cuts around the ear, behind the ear, and under the chin.

• The extra skin or fat is removed from the neck area, and the neck muscles are tightened.

• The incision is then closed through suturing (stitching).

More specifically, there are various techniques available:

1. Liposuction: It is usually done in young patients who have normal skin quality, and excess fat is deposited in a single body part or area. It removes the fat present in superficial skin. The steps for liposuction are mentioned below -

• The patient is given general or local anesthesia.

• An incision is made to get access to the skin and fat.

• With the help of an ultrasonic device, the suction is done to remove the extra fat, and 5 mm of fat into the deep skin is left.

• After the surgery is over, the surgical site is compressed through foam tape or an elastic garment.

2. Submental Neck Lift: It removes the extra fat present between the intermediate and deep skin layers. The steps for the submental neck lift are mentioned below -

• A 3 cm to 5 cm long incision or cut is made on the neck.

• The skin flap is raised to remove the fat from the deep skin leaving a 5 mm even thickness.

• The remaining fat is suctioned, and the fat between the muscles is removed through scissors.

• The incision is then closed through suturing (stitching).

3. Short Scar Face and Neck Lift: It is done in patients who have excess fat but not excess skin. The neck lifts are done through liposuction or a submental neck lift sling with a facelift.

4. Full Scar Face and Neck Lift: It is done in patients who have excess skin at the back of the neck. The surgery procedure is similar to the previous options mentioned above, except for the incision or cut that is made on the backside of the ear and goes into the hairline.

What Are the Complications of Neck Lift Surgery?

A few common complications of neck lift surgery are -

• Scar formation.

• Bruising (discoloration of the skin).

• Numbness.

• Swelling.

• Infection at the surgery site.

• Allergic reaction to local or general anesthesia.

• Damage to deeper structures and nerves.

• Change in appearance due to aging.

• Irregularities in contouring.

What Is the Recovery Time for Neck Lift?

Initially, the patient may feel tightness in the skin of the neck and face, which usually goes away in six weeks. The healing of the cut or incision takes seven to ten days, and the sutures are removed.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?

An ideal candidate must be -

• Healthy without any medical condition or disease.

• Non-smoker.

• Ready to undergo the procedure with a positive attitude.

How to Get a Neck Lift Without Surgery?

There are few non-surgical options available to improve the appearance of the neck-

1. Botox: It is an effective treatment but temporary. Botox is injected into the muscle bands of the neck, and the neck appears thinner and longer than before. Botox treatment usually lasts for three to four months.

2. Fillers: Hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite fillers are injected into the skin to fill in the wrinkles, improve the skin tone, and restore the volume of the skin. These fillers last for 6 to 12 months.

3. Kybella: It is made of deoxycholic acid, which is injected into the skin to treat double chin.

4. Microneedling: Small, tiny needles are put into the skin to improve elastin and collagen production by breaking down the fat cells. It quickly treats sun-damaged skin and wrinkles.

5. Ultherapy: It is an advanced technique that uses ultrasound to tighten the deep layers of skin and muscles and improve fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment: It is the standard gold treatment. With the help of a laser beam, it increases collagen in the neck and improves skin appearance.

How Long Does a Neck Lift Last?

A neck lift usually lasts for 10 to 15 years, depending on the health of the patient, age, skin condition, etc.

• Swelling After Neck Lift - The swelling usually remains for three to four weeks after surgery.

• Exercise After Neck Lift - Heavy weight lifting, yoga, and other exercises are not recommended after neck lift surgery. The patient must wait four to six weeks to start exercising.

• Wear Compression After Neck Lift - Patients wear compression for two weeks, depending on the other factors related to healing.

Conclusion

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that enhances the appearance of the old saggy-looking neck by removing extra fat and skin. There are various treatment options available, among which liposuction is a common surgical procedure that lasts for up to 15 years, and laser treatment is the gold standard of non-surgical procedures that stays for a shorter time period.