A neck lift, also known as a platysmaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that eliminates excess skin and fat from under your chin, which in turn creates a more defined and youthful look. It removes or adjusts neck muscle tissue to suit your aesthetic goals and uses liposuction to eliminate excess fat.

When Do People Consider Getting a Neck Lift?

There are many reasons behind people’s decision to come in for a neck lift, some of them being:
• They have sagging excess skin under their chin, making them appear much older than they are.
• They feel like they have a neck that is too fat.
• Their jawline is not visible anymore because of aging and they want to restore it.
• They have a “turkey wattle” of excess drooping tissue.

How Do You Prepare for a Neck Lift?

Every individual will receive a personalized consultation with Dr. Espinosa to learn how to best prepare for their neck lift. Here are some of the general guidelines given:
• Potential patients are advised to quit smoking, as nicotine in the blood slows down the process of healing after the surgery.
• The patient should avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal medication, and aspirin because they increase the rate of bleeding.
• Patients will be advised to hydrate frequently before the procedure begins.

What Happens During a Neck Lift?

For a neck lift, general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation will be given to prevent any discomfort or pain during the procedure. The areas to be treated under your chin are marked as a guide to creating incisions.

Incisions are made in regions that are inconspicuous, like behind the ears or below the chin. Dr. Espinosa will proceed to tighten and adjust the platysma muscles. They may be rejoined using internal sutures. Excess fat and loose skin will be removed. Finally, the incisions will be stitched closed and dressed with surgical tape or bandages.

What Happens After the Neck Lift?

During the neck-lift consultation, Dr. Espinosa will provide specific instructions for recovery. These will include care directions for the surgical site and drains, medications to help healing and reduce infection risk, and activities to avoid during healing.

It takes time to recover from a neck lift. People can return to their regular activities 10 to 14 days after the procedure. People who participate in sports and are physically active will have to wait around four weeks before they can resume those activities. This is because any strenuous physical activities may have a negative impact on the incisions and the weakened tissues.

How Do I Get Started with My Neck Lift?

The best way to get started with the neck-lift process is contacting our office and scheduling an appointment for a helpful consultation. Dr. Nashielli Espinosa, an experienced reconstructive plastic surgeon, will be happy to help you reach your aesthetic goals.

During your consultation, you will be able to look at before-and-after photos of previous neck-lift cases. You will also be able to discuss your goals and ask any questions that you may have.