Neck Lift

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure that addresses the loose and saggy skin on your neck (turkey gobbler) that occurs with aging. As you get older, your loose platysma muscle contributes to the formation of the turkey gobbler, jowls, and marionette folds. 

A neck lift addresses these changes by:

• Tightening the muscle in front of the neck (corset platysmaplasty)
• Adjusting the muscles back towards the hairline along the ear and neck
• Suctioning and contouring the fat layer using liposuction
• Adjusting the loose skin to give your neck a more contoured appearance

Dr. Sasaki is a world-renowned facial cosmetic surgeon and combines his expertise, compassion, and experience to ensure you get the results you desire. 

Why do I need a neck lift?

As in facial aging, advanced neck changes such as sagging loose skin, unsightly fat accumulations above and below the jawline and mid-neck occur simultaneously during the aging process. For example, the paired platysma neck muscles begin to separate from the middle of the neck and contribute to the overall formation of the “turkey-gobbler” or “double-chin” appearance. Since each platysma muscle also extends above the jawline, its laxity contributes to the accentuation of the marionette fold and jowl in the lower third of the face in combination of loose skin and excess and displace fat. Occasionally, the presence of a protruding buccal fat pad may add further distortion to the lower third of the face. 

During your extensive consultation, Dr. Sasaki explains the composite aged changes in your neck and adjacent lower third of your face. As in your face lift procedure, Dr. Sasaki will help you understand the significance of your specific findings and assist you in achieving a natural, age-appropriate appearance for many years to come. If you have questions about concomitant changes to your brow and upper and/or lower lids, please allow sufficient time for Dr. Sasaki to provide surgical and non-surgical options that may include enhanced fat grafting or removal of fat to obtain a more balanced aesthetic outcome. 

When is a neck lift needed?

Dr. Sasaki conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you would benefit from a neck lift. The procedure is typically recommended to address skin laxity, fat accumulation, and looseness in the underlying neck muscle. 

To ensure you get the best possible results, Dr. Sasaki may suggest combining your neck lift with a surgical facelift. 

If you are not a good candidate for a surgical neck lift because you display too early signs of aging, Dr. Sasaki will discuss nonsurgical options to tighten and lift the lax skin (Ultherapy®, micro-needling with radiofrequency) as well as minimally-invasive surgical procedures (suture suspension lifts). 

How is a neck lift performed?

Dr. Sasaki develops individualized surgical plans for each neck lift based on your aesthetic needs and goals. In most cases, he makes three incisions to gain access to the muscle and fat in your neck.

After making the incisions, Dr. Sasaki lifts the skin and selectively suctions out excess fat, tightens the muscle under the skin, positions the remaining fat pads, and sutures the skin in place to achieve the desired look. 

The small incision under the chin (submental) exposes submental fat (double-chin), separated bands of the platyma muscles, and localized excess mid-neck skin. The short horizontal incision allows conservative suctioning of fat, corset sutures to reduce the presence of bands, and removal of skin. The incisional scar is hidden and heals without any significant concerns.  

What can I expect after a neck lift?

Dr. Sasaki reviews the details of your recovery plan during your consultation so you know what to expect. Typically, recovery following a neck lift takes a few weeks. 

You may notice bruising and swelling initially, but these side effects subside within a couple of weeks so you can feel comfortable returning to work. 

If you’re ready to get rid of your turkey neck and double chin, contact Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center by phone or online to schedule your neck lift consultation today.