Neck Lift: Cost, Risks, Recovery
Overview
A neck lift, also known as a platysmaplasty or cervicoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery to improve visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. The procedure can wipe out unsightly banding in the neck, as well as tighten loose skin at the jawline. Various factors can lead to the loss of youthful contours in the face and neck, such as heredity, dramatic weight loss, environmental conditions and stress.
Generally, there are two types of neck lift: neck tuck and lower rhytidectomy. Neck tuck addresses the bands in the neck under the chin. The latter can combine neck bands with other procedures tightening the loose skin at the jawline.
Candidates
A good candidate includes the following conditions:
- Be in good health and do not have medical conditions that impair healing
- Nonsmokers
- People who have positive and realisic expectations
- Whose neck area does not match the upper facial appearance
Cost
The cost of a neck lift is based on the type of neck lift performed, your surgeon’s experience and the office location. According to the new statistics in 2019, the average cost of a neck tuck, which tightens neck bands only, is $4,700. A lower rhytidectomy costs about $9,300 in total.
In addition to surgeon’s fee, other factors that should be included in the total cost of a neck lift are:
- Medical tests
- Hospital or operating room fee
- Anesthesia fees
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
Risks
Like other surgical procedures, a neck lift can pose certain risks and complications. These potential risks include:
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling and pain
- Hematoma
- Scarring
- Possibility of a second surgery
- Poor wound healing
Preparation
In your first visit, your surgeon will ask about your medical history and expectations for a neck lift. When you fully understand the possible risks and complications of the surgery and decide to do the procedure, your doctor will provide thorough preoperative instructions to you and ask you to:
- Get lab tests or a physical examination
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery to promote better healing
- Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can increase bleeding
- Hydration before and after surgery for safe recovery
A neck lift may be performed on an outpatient basis, particularly if only liposuction is performed. So, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home when you are released from the surgical facility and to stay with you at least 24 hours after the surgery.
Surgical steps
The first step of a neck lift is anesthesia. Then, your surgeon will make different incisions depending on the type of procedure you need:
- Neck tuck
During a neck tuck, your surgeon will make a small incision under the chin to tighten the muscle and remove excess skin. The only scar that the patient will have is a small horizontal scar under the chin. The length of the procedure is approximately 2-2.5 hours.
- Lower Rhytidectomy
In this surgery, the incisions are made under the chin and in front of the ears. The incisions in front of the ears allow the surgeon to dissect, lift, and remove the excess skin. The length of the procedure is approximately 5 hours.
After that, your doctor will close the incisions with sutures or skin glue. Sutures may dissolve or may need to be removed after a few days. The final results of a neck lift appear as swelling and bruising subside.
Recovery
Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon will place a surgical garment or headband around your neck to maintain a good contour. You may encounter swelling and bruising in the recovery time, but they will recede in several weeks. Your surgeon will also tell you to sleep with head elevated.
Recovering from a neck lift takes about 10 to 14 days. Most people can return to work after that, but patients should avoid strenuous exercise until three weeks later. Give yourself time to heal to achieve best results from the procedure.
Keyword: neck lift.
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