Many patients who have concerns about a fleshy neck, “jowls,” neck “banding,” or a “turkey gobbler” should consider this procedure. In some cases, the platysma muscle of the neck is adjusted and tightened if it has begun to separate and sag.

Issues That Can Be Corrected By A Neck Lift Include:

• Neck Wrinkles, Crepey Skin
• Neckbands
• Hanging, Sagging or excess skin
• Excess neck and/or lower face fat
• The “turkey gobbler” 

Younger Patients Are Interested In This Procedure

A Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) is not just a solution for one age group. Many younger people also consider this procedure.  Many of our younger patients who have had a neck lift lost a lot of weight and decided to have this surgery.

A neck lift is separated into two parts: excess skin, fat removal and the tightening of the neck muscles.

Dr. Sheilah A. Lynch will make a small incision under your chin and possibly in front of and/or behind your ears. These incisions allow access to the platysma (neck muscle) and any fat in the neck. The neck muscles can then be tightened, and any excess fat removed.

Dr. Lynch may choose to remove the fat with liposuction or by cutting it out. The incisions near the ears also allow for the removal of some excess skin.

Once the muscle has been tightened and any excess fat removed, the skin is re-draped over the neck. Any excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

Dr. Lynch will let you know if the sutures will need to be removed or if they will dissolve on their own.

It is possible you may have a drain under the skin on the neck to collect any fluid that would increase your post op swelling and discomfort.

If you have a drain it might remain in place only a day or two. You would be instructed on how to care for the drain if it needs to stay in for a longer period.

The neck lift procedure does not correct jowls on the lower face or skin laxity above the jawline. To address these issues, it needs to be combined with a lower face lift.

Sutures are typically removed after one week after your surgery, while swelling and bruising may last up to 10 days. Most patients are able to return to work and resume normal daily activities within two weeks. However, patients should avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks.

Wearing a compression bandage for a few weeks will help to reduce post-operative swelling. This is usually worn 24 hours for at least five to seven days and then only at night for a longer period of time. It’s important to follow instructions to ensure proper recovery.

After having a neck lift,  it is normal to expect scars, Dr. Lynch will take great care to position these incisions in your natural skin folds where possible to make them appear less noticeable. Neck lift surgery is often combined with a lower face lift surgery to remove sagging skin and tighten the neck and jawline for a more youthful appearance.

Incisions for neck lift surgery are most commonly placed behind your ears on both sides. A second smaller incision is made beneath the chin. This placement will  minimize the appearance of any neck lift scarring. Any incision has the opportunity to scar, but these scars will be discreet and will fade over time. 

Your sutures will be removed after one week, while swelling and bruising may last up to 10 days. Most patients are able to return to work and resume normal daily activities within two weeks. However, patients should avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks.