Neck lift surgery can improve the appearance of a double chin and excess skin in the neck, creating an overall tighter and more attractive look. An internal corset is usually created by sewing the edges of the platysma muscle together in the midline. The SMAS (a connective tissue covering the neck muscles) is also tightened; this corrects the sagging neck skin and vertical muscle bands associated with aging or a large weight loss.

The issues that a neck lift treats are generally caused by aging. It is also often obtained by people who have previously lost significant amounts of weight and are now dealing with excess sagging skin in the lower facial region.

Preparation
Patients can eat normally the day before their surgery, though foods that cause acid reflux and heavy meals should be avoided. However, patients should not eat or drink anything after midnight before the operation.

Patients should also be prepared to take about one week off from work. Strenuous activity should be postponed for at least three weeks.

Neck lift surgery is performed at our outpatient surgical center in Encino.

Anesthesia and Incisions
Neck lifts can be performed under local anesthesia, twilight sedation, or general anesthesia. Regardless, all patients will be made comfortable before and throughout the entirety of the procedure. For maximum safety, Dr. Varkony always works with a board-certified anesthesiologist when general anesthesia is desired.

Once the anesthesia phase is complete, incisions are generally made behind the ears to tighten skin and remove fat. Additional incisions may be made in a wrinkle or crease below the chin so that additional excess skin can be removed and bands in the neck can be treated.

For most patients, a neck lift takes about one or two hours unless additional procedures (such as a face lift) are performed concurrently.

The initial recovery phase lasts about one week. Patients experience minimal swelling and bruising, as corticosteroids are administered during and after the surgery.

Final results generally appear several weeks after the procedure is completed. Patients are usually amazed at how much younger and refreshed they look!