The aging neck

Development of neck skin and platysmal (superficial neck musculature) laxity over time is secondary to a range of factors. The causative factors include age, fluctuating weight, sun exposure, gravity, nicotine use, as well as general body habitus and conditioning. Alterations in the appearance of the neck are often referred to as a “turkey neck” or “gobbler” as the thickness in our skin changes, and the underlying fat and neck musculature exhibit continual transformations.

Facelift & Necklift Procedures at Palmetto Facial Plastics

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All about neck lift surgery

As the appearance of the neck changes, individuals often find that the internal youthfulness and vibrancy that exists within is not reflected physically on the outside. There may be a discrepancy between these two senses of self as well as between the face and the neck. Often aging of the face and neck go hand in hand, but occasionally one may be “worse for the wear.” To address this, neck lift surgery provides the opportunity to reshape the neck in isolation or in conjunction with a facelift or other procedures. If aging is present in both the face and neck, dual correction with a facelift and neck lift may be performed in order to avoid any disharmony between the two that could be visibly disruptive to facial aesthetics. This allows us to restore the cohesive picture and more closely align both our inner and outer reflections.

What to expect: your private consultation with Dr. Moses

Dr. Moses will begin by performing a private consultation during which you should speak openly regarding cosmetic concerns about your face and neck. She will also closely examine your facial build and each characteristic within your face and neck. By addressing the overall picture and paying meticulous attention to the finest details, Dr. Moses can help maintain what makes you beautiful while enhancing it.

Facelift & Neck Lift Testimonial at Palmetto Facial Plastics

Dr. Helen Moses showing a patient their face in a mirror

Am I a candidate for a neck lift?

Neck lift surgery is a wonderful option for both our male and female patients. There are distinct intricacies in the aesthetics of the neck and jawline between men and women. Dr. Moses adheres to these gender-specific characteristics in order to produce a natural, refined result. In consideration for a neck lift, Dr. Moses performs a cosmetic surgery consultation during which she encourages patients to speak openly regarding any cosmetic concerns of the face and neck and helps to prioritize a plan for optimal results. She will take a close, detailed look at not only the facial build, including the bony structure and the facial soft tissue but also at each individual characteristic that may be playing a role in your specific face and neck.

By addressing the overall picture and being attentive to your details, Dr. Moses is able to maintain your “you.” Neck lift patients, along with any surgical patient, will need to be cleared for surgery either by Dr. Moses, the Anesthesiology team, or one’s individual primary care physician or specialist as needed. There are certain medical conditions and medications that may complicate surgery itself or the recovery process, and these, if present, are addressed during the consultation as well. Additionally, due to safety and healing concerns, Dr. Moses does not perform surgical procedures on current smokers. Lastly, our practice may request medical records, blood tests, and X-rays or tissue scans to ensure the best possible patient experience.

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Your surgical appointment

Neck lift patients and any surgical patient must be cleared for surgery by Dr. Moses, the anesthesiology team, or their primary care physician or specialist as needed. Before surgery begins, you will be given instructions on what to do after your procedure, which should assist with recovery.

The neck lift procedure

The neck lift procedure, similarly to the facelift procedure, addresses laxity of the underlying musculature, slack skin, and uneven fat accumulation. The degree that each of these is addressed is curated to the individual patient; however, overall, the muscles are tightened, and excess skin and fat are removed. While the procedure does not prevent the inevitability of aging, it does create permanent change that helps to turn back the clock. The longevity of a neck lift is often a “one and done” procedure, but occasionally some opt to have a tuck-up years later if desired or needed.

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Recovery after a neck lift

On average, the recovery time frame for a neck lift ranges from 5-7 days. It largely depends on the degree of swelling or bruising that develops postoperatively, which may differ for each patient. If additional procedures are performed concurrently, such as a facelift, submental liposuction, or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), the anticipated recovery period may change as well.

The first day after surgery:

Typically, patients feel the most discomfort on the first day after neck lift surgery. To alleviate it, take your pain medication as prescribed. You should also keep your head elevated above your heart.

2 to 3 days after surgery:

The pain and discomfort should begin to subside significantly, and it is essential to get plenty of rest as this helps with the healing process. It is also crucial to avoid doing too many activities since this could prolong bruising and swelling.

After the first week:

Swelling and bruising should begin to subside. Although you will start to have more energy, it is crucial to take it easy.

3 weeks after surgery:

At this point, your stitches will have been removed, and while you may still see some swelling, you can begin to see the results of your procedure.

1 month after surgery:

You can fully resume your regular activities, but listen to your body if it tells you to rest.

Follow-up care

Dr. Moses will send you home with critical post-surgery instructions to follow. You must also keep your follow-up appointments so that she can monitor the healing process. 

Results

As the appearance of the neck changes, individuals often find that the internal youthfulness and vibrancy within are not reflected physically on the outside. With neck lift surgery, you can address the signs of aging in your neck. 

Neck lifts vs. other treatments

Microneedling

Microneedling can resurface the skin, prompting the reproduction of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.

NeckTite

NeckTite is performed using radiofrequency energy to targets subcutaneous skin and tissue for a tighter, lifted look.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

CO2 laser skin resurfacing can help improve skin texture, tone and firmness with a non-invasive option.

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Combination rejuvenation treatments

To address the signs of aging in the neck, neck lift surgery provides the opportunity to reshape the neck independently or when performed with other procedures, such as:

  • A facelift
  • A brow lift
  • Eyelid surgery
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Reach out to Palmetto Facial Plastics in Columbia, SC

If you wish to reduce the signs of aging in a natural way that maintains your inherent beauty, Dr. Helen Moses can help. She is committed to assisting clients in rejuvenating their appearance without changing it. Additionally, all surgery patients have Dr. Moses’ cellphone number and can expect the highest level of personal communication – a foundation of her practice and many loyal patients. 

The natural results she achieves with neck lift surgery combine being a woman plastic surgeon surrounded by women, her attention to detail, and the acknowledgment that there is no room for error. Every procedure must be performed with the most advanced techniques to achieve a stunning, refreshed, natural-looking outcome. Contact us today to learn more about a neck lift with Dr. Moses.

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