Neck Lift
Neck Lift Surgery in NYC to Restore a Youthful Silhouette
A slender, well-shaped neck is a universal characteristic of elegance and beauty. Unfortunately, the neck is also one of the first places to show signs of aging, such as skin creases, deep folds, and sagging skin. Unwanted fullness may also develop under the chin, disrupting the neck silhouette and creating the appearance of a “double chin”.
Based in New York City, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Cangello is widely recognized as a leader in plastic surgery, including facial and neck rejuvenation. Dr. Cangello offers neck lift surgery to tighten the underlying tissues and eliminate sagging skin to restore a sleek and youthful neck contour.
Benefits of Neck Lift Surgery
Neck lift surgery, sometimes called a necklift, platysmaplasty, or lower rhytidectomy, offers many potential benefits, including1:
- Enhanced jawline definition
- Correction of jowls
- Tightening of loose neck skin or “turkey neck”
- Elimination of submental fat or “double chin”
- Reduction of banding or neck wrinkles known as “necklace lines”
- Overall rejuvenation with a slender, more youthful neck
- There is typically no visible scarring
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
Who is a Good Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?
If you have been hiding your aging neck with scarves or turtlenecks, a neck lift could give you the long-term solution you need to live with more confidence. Ideal neck lift candidates are in good general health, with sufficient skin elasticity and do not smoke or use nicotine.
Necklift patients typically want to address the following:
- Sagging or loose skin on the neck
- Excess fat under the chin that does not respond to diet and exercise
- Deep folds and creases in the neck skin
- Diminished jawline definition due to sagging skin and fat deposits
Dr. Cangello’s Approach to Neck Lift Surgery
Many people want to reduce visible signs of age and loss of elasticity that occur due to genetics or sun exposure, but they don’t want to look enhanced or overdone. The goal of necklift surgery is to produce results that allow patients to look naturally refreshed. By adhering to the natural tension lines of the face and neck, Dr. Cangello avoids the pulled-back look that some patients may be worried about.
Dr. Cangello’s technique involves lifting the deeper tissues to create a beautifully shaped neck without compromising the body’s natural architecture. He often includes additional surgical procedures, such as liposuction, for a truly customized approach that addresses the patient’s needs. When undergoing a necklift by Dr. Cangello, patients can rest assured that their surgery will be performed with the highest standard of care and expertise.
How Does Neck Lift Surgery Work?
There are various approaches to a necklift. The technique used depends on the patient’s anatomy, skin elasticity, and the amount that the platysma muscle—which is a large “sheet” of tissue that runs from the lower jaw to the collar bones—will need to be tightened.
Preparing for Neck Lift Surgery
At the initial consultation, Dr. Cangello will examine your neck and discuss your concerns and goals, as well as your medical history, to evaluate your candidacy for this procedure. He will explain the various ways the treatment can be approached and answer any questions you have.
If neck lift surgery is right for you, he will provide detailed pre-procedure guidelines. These instructions may include dietary guidelines, recommendations for taking or avoiding certain medications, and any other information that will make the day of surgery go smoothly.
Your Neck Lift Procedure
Neck lift surgery is typically an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia and usually takes 2 to 4 hours to complete. Dr. Cangello will make a small incision that begins at the lower portion of the ear and continues up the posterior surface in the groove behind the ear, and ends at the hairline. The excess skin is then separated from the underlying neck muscles and any excess fat in the jowls, below the chin, and along the jawline is removed. If necessary, the platysma muscle will be repaired and tightened, and any excess skin will be excised.
If the necklift is being performed with liposuction, a short incision is typically made under the chin. From there, Dr. Cangello will carefully sculpt the area and enhance the definition of the jawline by removing excess fat. The remaining skin is then carefully draped over the muscle and sutured into place.
Recovery After Neck Lift Surgery
Your patient care coordinator will arrange for home nursing care on the night after surgery. Drainage tubes will be placed to prevent fluid from accumulating under the skin; these will usually be removed at a follow-up appointment the day after surgery. Sutures are typically removed 5 to 10 days after surgery. It is normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness and Dr. Cangello will advise you on pain management and aftercare details. Recovery time can vary and you will be restricted from strenuous activities for several weeks, but many patients return to work in one week.
FAQs About Necklift Surgery
Scarring is understandably a concern for patients undergoing a neck lift. During the procedure, Dr. Cangello ensures that incisions are hidden along the natural contours of the face and neck. Most patients find that their scars are hardly noticeable once healed.
While a neck lift cannot stop the aging process, the procedure provides long-lasting results, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Some of the initial signs of aging, such as mild creasing, can be treated with botox or injectable fillers; mild loss of skin elasticity can be treated with laser resurfacing. However, these are temporary solutions and a neck lift can address visible aging with a more comprehensive and long-lasting approach.
Any surgical procedure carries some risk of side effects or complications and Dr. Cangello will carefully review all risks and benefits with you. The most common risks are complications of sedation, bleeding, or infection. You can minimize your chance of risks by choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon and following all post-procedure instructions.
Yes, patients often combine a neck lift with facelift surgery or other facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Cangello can create a treatment plan that is custom-tailored to your needs.
Contact Us
We are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. Contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Cangello today to learn more about your neck lift options.
1 Mejia, J., Nahai, F., Nahai, F., & Momoh, A. Isolated Management of the Aging Neck. Semin Plast Surg.. 2009; 23(04), 264–273. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1242178
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Neck Lift Safety. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/neck-lift/safety Accessed June 6, 2022
