Neck Lift

A neck lift is a 3-4 hour procedure that helps correct conditions on the neck such as excess fat, loose or excess skin, or poor neck definition.  These conditions can occur for a variety of reasons, including weight gain or weight loss, genetic predisposition, aging, or retrognathia (a chin that appears pushed back). 

For some patients, the platysma muscle, found just underneath the neck skin, is tightened if it has started to separate and sag.  For dramatic results in the entire facial area, many patients elect to have a neck lift in combination with a face lift, brow lift, neck liposuction, and/or chin augmentation.

How is a neck lift performed?

Some patients have a “skin-only” neck lift, which is called a cervicoplasty.  This procedure usually requires 2 incisions around or behind the ear, allowing Dr. Maddali to loosen and remove excess skin.  After the excess skin is removed, Dr. Maddali will reposition the skin for the desired effect. 

A patient undergoing platysmaplasty may have another small incision under the chin in addition to those by the ear, and part of the platysma muscle may be removed and/or tightened to enhance the appearance of the neck.   

Most patients will spend one night in the hospital for observation after the procedure.

Ideal Candidates for a Neck Lift:

• Are in good physical and mental health
• Have excess skin or fat around the neck
• Have a “turkey neck” or “double chin” appearance
• Have realistic expectations

How long does it take to recover from neck lift surgery?

Immediately following surgery, most patients have a tight feeling in the neck and are a little sore as anesthesia wears off.  After the day of surgery, most patients recover in about 10-14 days, and are able to return to work fairly quickly. 

Dr. Maddali will likely recommend the use of a compression garment to help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and speed up the recovery process.  The garment also provides additional support and comfort to patients who undergo a neck lift.  We recommend sleeping with the head elevated for a few weeks following surgery.  This can be accomplished by sleeping with 2-3 pillows or by using a wedge pillow.  

Some patients have some bruising and swelling in the neck area the first few days after surgery, but most patients report that it subsides after several days.  It is important to monitor the healing process, examining incision sites for anything unusual, such as redness or fluid. 

After the surgery, Dr. Maddali will schedule 1-2 post-operative visits within the first two weeks to change dressings, remove sutures, and check your progress. In addition, you will have several follow up visits to ensure that you are healing appropriately and to answer any future questions you may have.

To learn more about neck lift surgery in San Francisco, contact the plastic surgery office of Sirish Maddali MD.