In years past, facial rejuvenation often required a commitment to full facial surgery and extensive recovery. Today, our goals and ability to recover are different. Many facial plastic surgery patients in Dallas and Frisco, TX, with concerns about neck aging inquire about their options for localized and focal changes instead of dramatically noticeable transformations. This has led to an increased demand for office-based, nonsurgical procedures that aim to enhance facial appearance without surgery.
But how does a nonsurgical neck lift compare to neck lift surgery? We’re sharing valuable insights below…
Does a Neck Lift Without Surgery Work?
Unfortunately, many nonsurgical neck tightening devices don’t live up to the hype. We use the following criteria to objectively and critically assess these devices:
- Do they work?
- How much improvement can one expect?
- How long will the treatment last?
- What type of recovery is expected?
Dr. Kenkel visits with a patient at his Dallas clinic.
Understanding Neck Lift Surgical vs NonSurgical Options
While patients with mild to moderate skin laxity may benefit from nonsurgical neck lift treatments, the majority of patients require surgical correction. Popular minimally invasive treatments such as Morpheus8 and FaceTite stimulate collagen and elastin production for subtle gradual skin improvement. Multiple treatments are often necessary.
On the other hand, a surgical neck lift offers long-lasting comprehensive correction. Patients with the following concerns typically benefit from surgical vs nonsurgical neck rejuvenation:
- Excessive neck skin or thin, inelastic skin
- Prominent muscular bands beneath the neck
- Unwanted fat associated with loose skin
What Are the 5 Benefits of a Neck Lift?
1. Neck lift surgery provides a more definitive and predictable result.
You really cannot compare the result obtained from a surgical procedure to anything we can achieve with devices in the office. Surgery provides patients with a more predictable result that leads to a greater change for our patients, as you can see in the before-and-after pictures below. Surgical results typically last 5 to 10 years depending on the patient and their unique facial anatomy.
2. It addresses all components of the aging neck.
There are 4 factors that can contribute to unwanted neck fullness:
- Loose skin
- Superficial and deep fat
- Prominent muscle edges resulting in “banding”
- Enlarged or droopy salivary glands
A surgical neck lift addresses each of these components, whereas office-based devices can only address one of these problem areas at a time. Occasionally, heat-based devices can address loose skin and underlying fat simultaneously, but never as aggressively as surgery can. Patients of all ages may benefit from a surgical neck lift.
3. Scars are well hidden.
A typical neck lift involves an incision that begins at the base of the ear (lobule) and extends behind the ear and back along the hairline. It often involves a small incision under the chin. The incisions behind the ears are nicely hidden by your hair during the recovery phase until they mature. Most of us have an old scar under the chin from a fall we took at some point during our childhood. These are easily concealed, given their location and how well they heal.
Our advanced surgical techniques leave barely perceptible, well-concealed scars, so you don’t need to be worried about noticeable “evidence” that you’ve had work done. Many of our patients state that people comment they look “refreshed” or like they “lost some weight,” as you can see in the before and after photos below.
4. Recovery is quick.
Most of our neck lift patients are back in public, or even at work, after 7 to 10 days. There is minimal swelling associated with the procedure. Occasionally, patients experience bruising in the lower neck that can be easily camouflaged with makeup or more concealing clothing. Your skin appears firmer, particularly deeper in the neck, but there is no distorted appearance or significant swelling.
5. It’s an outpatient surgery.
The procedure takes around 2.5 hours and is a “day surgery.” If our anesthesiologist agrees, the procedure can be done under sedation if so desired. However, most of our patients prefer to be put completely to sleep.
We send you home with a chin strap that you wear for most of the first week. A drain tube stays in 3 to 4 days after surgery. Sutures come out around 1 week post-op. Once the sutures are removed, we start you on some scar cream to help with the healing process. At 2 weeks post-op, you can typically increase your activities. Driving usually commences around 1 week’s time.
Total Facial Rejuvenation
A neck lift can also be combined with other surgical procedures such as a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for total facial rejuvenation. I talk about some of the procedures we often include with a facelift in this related blog post.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?
A surgical procedure requires a greater commitment, in time and money, than a nonsurgical treatment. However, the outcome and longevity of a surgical neck lift are unmatched for healthy individuals with moderate to pronounced aging symptoms.
Your safety and well-being are always our primary concerns. I have assembled an incredible team at UT Southwestern, and together, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate your care and recovery. Surgical neck lifts are a much more common request in my practice compared to traditional facelifts. In selected patients, they provide exceptional improvement without a considerable recovery window.
Who Can Perform Neck Lift Surgery?
Remember, board-certified plastic surgeons with a focus in cosmetic surgery are best trained to care for your needs. If you have questions about whether a doctor is board-certified in plastic surgery you can check credentials on the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s website.
Get Started Rejuvenating Your Neck
Ready to see more amazing neck lift transformations? Browse our neck lift photo gallery. If you would like to learn more about your best rejuvenation options from an experienced plastic surgeon in Dallas, TX, please contact us online or call (214) 645-3112 to request a consultation.
Updated July 2022 and July 2024
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