Neck Lift

Nobody loves a turkey neck, yet time, gravity and genetics can bring the signature droopiness and sagging jowls to your neckline. Stress and environmental factors can also affect the look and shape of your neck. The neck can be one for the first places you notice the signs of aging that develop into fatty jowls, double chin, loose skin, horizontal creases and vertical bands. A neck lift tightens the skin and underlying muscles and removes excess fat to create sleeker contours.*

Austin plastic surgeon Dr. David Dellinger holds board certifications in both plastic/reconstructive and general surgery. Together with the team from Elysian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dellinger has helped men and women throughout Texas achieve their appearance goals with the help of neck lift surgery.

Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512-229-1978 to learn more your options for a neck lift.

• A native Texan, Dr. Dellinger has more than 20 years of experience performing plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has helped thousands of men and women in Texas with facial plastic surgery.
• We offer a variety of non-surgical cosmetic treatments that can further enhance the results of your neck lift.*
• During your consultation, Dr. Dellinger and his staff aim to put you at ease, hear and understand your concerns and recommend a treatment or combination of treatments that may be right for you.

A neck lift may be right for men and women who are bothered by extra skin and fat in the neck. You should also be healthy and have realistic expectations about what a neck lift can do for you. A neck lift can be a good option for people who are unhappy with their neck contours, or who feel their neck looks older than their face.

A neck lift can significantly improve the appearance of your neck and define your jawline. A neck lift doesn’t treat facial aging, though. Dr. Dellinger may recommend combining neck lift surgery with a facelift  for more comprehensive rejuvenation.*

During your consultation, Dr. Dellinger will examine your neck and determine which type of neck lift may work best for you.

• Liposuction alone may be enough for people who have mild to moderate fat deposits combined with minimal skin and muscle laxity.
• For people with good skin tone, a mid-level neck lift may combine liposuction with tightening the neck muscles.
• A full neck lift involves making incisions under the chin or behind the ear to remove excess skin and fat, tighten the neck muscles and reposition the skin and underlying tissue.

Your neck lift may be performed under general anesthesia, conscious sedation or local anesthesia depending on your custom procedure. Your neck lift may take an hour to 3 hours.

After your neck lift, you should rest at home for a few days before gradually resuming light activities. You may have some bruising, swelling, numbness and a tight feeling right after your neck lift. The bruising should dissipate within the first week, though it may take several months for the swelling and numbness to completely go away. Your results should be long-lasting, although nothing can completely stop the aging process.*

How much does neck lift surgery cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a neck lift is $5,242. The cost of a neck lift varies depending on a variety of factors, including the surgeon’s experience, whether other procedures are being performed at the same time and geographical location of the facility. While the cost of the procedure can be an important factor, the qualifications and experience of your plastic surgeon should remain your top priority.

Most health insurance plans do not cover neck lift surgery. If you are concerned about being able to afford surgery, ask about our financing options.

Does a neck lift leave scars?

Neck lifts utilize a small incision under the chin, and with any incision, there will be some scarring. However, with the location of the incision being under the chin, the scars should be well-hidden. If you are combining your procedure with a facelift, there may be additional incisions. During your consultation, Dr. Dellinger will discuss incision placement and how to properly care for them to help minimize their appearance. He will make every effort to ensure your incisions are placed in discreet locations.

What are the risks associated with a neck lift?

As with all surgical procedures, there is some level of risk involved with a neck lift. Complications to be aware of include infection, excess bleeding or scarring, allergic reaction to anesthesia, and asymmetrical results. Dr. Dellinger will go over a more detailed list prior to your surgery so that you know what to look out for.

How long do the results of a neck lift last?

While individual results vary, most patients enjoy long-lasting results from their neck lift. How long your results last depend on many factors, including your skin’s elasticity, the techniques used in your neck lift surgery, how well you care for your skin afterward as well as lifestyle choices such as smoking and ultraviolet exposure.

Are there non-surgical options to improve the appearance of my neck?

Depending on your goals, you may not need surgery. Injectable fillers can help fill out minimally sagging skin and wrinkles, and BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used to improve wrinkling on the neck. Other treatments such as a Sciton BBL Photofacial can improve the tone and texture of the skin as well as correct pigmentation issues. Also non-invasive treatments such as TruSculpt 3D can remove excess fat and provide some tightening of the neck skin. However, if you are wanting to address a significant amount of sagging on your neck, a non-surgical approach alone won’t provide the results you want. Many of our patients combine injectables with their neck lift to achieve more complete results.

How can I prepare for my neck lift surgery?

Before your surgery, Dr. Dellinger will provide you with detailed care instructions that are specific to your neck lift procedure. It’s crucial that you follow these helpful guidelines as they support your recovery and results. General preparation tips for our patients receiving surgery include:

• Stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and after the procedure.
• Avoid using blood-thinning medications such as aspirin as you get closer to your surgery date.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to support proper healing.
• Schedule time off work.
• Arrange transportation on the day of surgery as well as help around the house for the first few days after surgery.

To schedule your neck lift consultation, please call our Austin plastic surgery practice at 512-229-1978 or request a consultation online.

*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.