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What is a Neck Lift? Our Guide Understanding Your Options:

Posted on by Dr Jack Scheuer to Neck Procedures

Have you found, as you’ve gotten a little bit older, that you have more and more loose, flabby skin hanging from your neck? For many men and women, this is an unfortunate reality of time and gravity. Sooner or later, the skin begins to lose its elasticity and hang down. This droopy skin may make you look and feel older than you really are.

The good news is that this problem can be remedied in a number of ways, starting with a neck lift. This surgical procedure provides long-lasting results, and it’s something we’re happy to offer our patients here at Charlotte Plastic Surgery.

But what is a neck lift, exactly? And are there any other options to consider? In this post, we’ll explain the different methods available for losing that droopy skin around the neck.

What is a Neck Lift?

We’ll start with a basic definition: When we talk about the neck lift, what exactly are we referring to?

Essentially, a neck lift is a surgical procedure that’s designed to get rid of that loose, saggy skin, turning back time and restoring your neck to a more fit and youthful appearance.

During a neck lift, your surgeon will remove the platysmal bands or folds of skin that reside at the center of your neck. In addition, excess accumulations of fatty tissue can be removed and eliminated. (This is sometimes done through liposuction.) The result is that the skin along your neck is tightened and contoured, leading to an altogether younger-looking profile.

Neck Lift Patient Results

Before and After Eyelid Lift Results

Advantages of Having a Neck Lift

For those who struggle with sagging skin along their neck, this procedure can be highly beneficial. One of the main reasons for this is that the final results are long-lasting; even after many years pass, our neck lift patients tell us that their surgical outcomes remain very positive.

It’s also worth noting that, as far as surgeries go, this one is fairly straightforward. Our surgeons can complete a neck lift in as little as an hour, and patients are generally discharged from the hospital the same day. Additionally, the recovery time is just about two weeks and typically involves only minor discomfort.

Neck Lift Alternatives

For as advantageous as a neck lift can be, there are some patients who simply aren’t ready for surgical intervention. We understand and are happy to offer several non-surgical alternatives that may help improve the appearance of your neck.

In particular, we want our patients to know about the benefits of choosing liposuction, Profound RF, CoolSculpting, and Kybella.

Liposuction

At Charlotte Plastic Surgery, we often say that liposuction is a good option for those who have stubborn fat deposits that just won’t respond to diet and exercise. Through this surgical procedure, we literally suck extra fat out of the body, which can lead to a significantly slimmed-down and contoured appearance. And, because liposuction can be precisely targeted to certain areas of the body, we can use it strictly to eliminate that extra skin that hangs around the neck. As we mentioned before, this procedure is often used in tandem with a standard neck lift.

Liposuction Patient Results

Before and After Liposuction Results

Profound RF

This innovative treatment uses fractionated radiofrequency (gentle heat energy) to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the targeted area. Not only can this help to remove lines, creases, and wrinkles, but it also tightens up loose skin. As such, we use this as a treatment for sagging in all its forms, from the jowls to the neck, from the abdomen to the buttocks. Indeed, this is one of our favorite options for non-surgically contouring the skin under the neck and chin.

Profound Patient Results

Profound-Case-7

CoolSculpting

Over the past couple of years, CoolSculpting has become one of the most popular options for body contouring. It’s not difficult to understand why. This painless and non-invasive procedure literally freezes the fat cells in your body; those fat cells then die off and are naturally eliminated, leading to an all-around sleeker, more streamlined physique. For those who are concerned about a saggy neck, CoolSculpting can be targeted directly to that area, removing that extra flab and producing a tauter physical appearance. And, given that the neck is a relatively small surface area, we can often achieve major results in just a handful of sessions.

Coolsculpting Patient Results

CoolSculpting

Kybella

One additional non-surgical option worth noting is Kybella. This is currently the only injectable medication that’s approved by the FDA to treat stubborn fat deposits under the chin. Kybella destroys fat cells in the targeted area, meaning it can give you a more contoured appearance without the need for surgical intervention. For some patients, this provides a simple yet effective alternative to getting a standard neck lift.

Kybella Patient Results

Kybella

Which Procedure is Right for You?

Clearly, there are several options available for those who are concerned about saggy skin around their neck. The question is, how do you determine which option is best suited for your needs?

A good place to begin is simply making an appointment with Charlotte Plastic Surgery. One of our surgeons will sit down for a relaxed, private, one-on-one consultation; in the age of COVID, we can even do this virtually.

During the consultation, we’ll ask you more about your goals, and conduct a visual examination of your neck. We’ll be happy to explain the different options, answer any questions, and help you make an informed decision about how to achieve your goals, as safely and as efficiently as possible.

We want to be clear in saying that these different neck procedures are not one-size-fits-all, and the best way to choose a course of treatment is to meet with us directly.

Contact Charlotte Plastic Surgery

Do you have additional questions about getting a neck lift, or about these alternative options? Or are you ready to schedule an appointment for a consultation? Either way, we encourage you to contact the team at Charlotte Plastic Surgery. Reach out to our office any time you’re ready to talk about ways to look and feel your best.