Neck lift

A neck lift, or platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the neck and face below the jaw line. Often performed on an outpatient basis in conjunction with a facelift, this procedure usually takes 2 to 4 hours. Recovery time varies, though most doctors suggest the patient stay in bed for the first 24 to 48 hours and not do anything strenuous for at least a week. While the following information represents a general overview of the procedure, any decision to get a neck lift should be discussed with a licensed plastic surgeon as individual cases vary.

Who gets a neck lift?

Most neck lifts are performed on individuals over the age of 40. For these patients, age and weight fluctuations often cause the skin of the neck to stretch and sag under the chin. For younger patients, the procedure is often done in conjunction with neck liposuction. In these cases, the liposuction leaves loose skin that can be tightened along the muscles of the neck.

How the procedure is done

There are three different types of neck lift: tightening the skin, tightening the neck muscles, and procedures where both are necessary. The procedure starts with either a general anesthesia or a local with sedative. For simple skin tightening, two incisions are made, one below or behind each ear. Portions of the excess skin are trimmed and pulled up toward the incisions. Lastly, the skin is sutured or closed with tissue glue.