Dr. Blake Raggio, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Necklift: What You Need to Know In last month’s article I discussed the ins and outs of the “Facelift,” a popular cosmetic surgical procedure used to reverse the signs of aging of the mid-face. This month I will discuss the nuances of a “Necklift,” a similarly powerful procedure used to rejuvenate the neck and jawline.
Yes and no. While several non-surgical options for neck rejuvenation exist, such as injectables (e.g., Botox, fillers, Kybella), lasers (e.g., CO2, IPL), threads, and energy-based devices (e.g., radiofrequency, ultrasound), such options often require multiple treatments and are associated with relatively unpredictable, temporary, and limited results. So yes, non-surgical alternatives do exist; however, they each have inherent limitations and should never be considered as an equal replacement to a surgical Necklift.
What is a “Necklift”? In short, the term “Necklift” describes the surgical procedure wherein agerelated changes to the neck are addressed to recreate a more youthful appearance to those structures affected by the aging process. In a successful Necklift redundant neck skin is excised, loose muscles are tightened, and excessive neck fat is trimmed. More experienced surgeons may implement additional techniques to improve neck contour which may include jawline/chin augmentation, submandibular gland reduction, or digastric muscle trimming. Ultimately these techniques, used either alone or in combination, create a more rejuvenated appearance to the neck. What is the associated downtime with a Necklift? The Necklift procedure is typically performed in an operating room setting under general anesthesia (you are sleeping) and takes 4-6 hours to perform depending on the techniques being implemented. Social downtime may last anywhere from 1-3 weeks depending on several factors including your underlying health and soft tissue quality, amongst other variables. Costs vary considerably ($3000 plus) and will be based upon your surgeon’s experience and preferred technique, the operative setting and anesthesia required, and the need for other procedures. What are the different types of “Necklift”? The Necklift has undergone many iterations since its initial description wherein only redundant skin was removed without repositioning any underlying structures, thus creating the unsightly “pulled” look associated with such antiquated procedures. Now that we have a better understanding of the neck-related aging process, more comprehensive treatment The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Who is a good candidate for a surgical Necklift? Although most patients who undergo a Necklift are in there 40’s to 50’s, men and women of any age who suffer from age-related neck changes would benefit from the surgery. Ultimately, a detailed assessment of your underlying anatomy is required to determine if a Necklift coincides with your aesthetic goals and expectations.
options are available to address the underlying issues at hand. To that effect several types of Necklift variations exist today, which can vary based on their incision requirements (behind the ear, under the chin) and their manner of tissue repositioning (“suture suspension” versus “deep-plane”). Ultimately, the best thing you can do is to ask your surgeon how he/she plans to address each of your underlying problem areas as alluded to above, including redundant skin, loose muscle, excess fat, bulging submandibular glands, and/or poor jawline definition. Ultimately, every patient is different, and every surgeon is different; so, find someone whom you trust to deliver results consistent with your goals and expectations. Are there alternatives to a surgical Necklift?
How can I learn more about a Necklift? If you are interested in learning more about a Necklift, I suggest consulting with a surgeon experienced in facial rejuvenation surgery. This will ensure that you receive a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan. As a fellowship-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon, I always encourage patients to understand the treatment options available to them before deciding on their plan of action, as often-times, a combined modality (surgical and non-surgical) represents the best option. As always, choose a surgeon whom you trust. There is nothing more important than the relationship you have with your doctor. In Good Health, Dr. Blake Raggio Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 334.373.3611 (office) www.ALplasticsurgery.com R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
October 2021
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