Necklift (Platysmaplasty)

Necklift Surgery Can Reduce the Appearance of Sagging Skin on the Neck and Jawline
Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Dulin pride themselves in their proficiency in performing neck lifts. This family of treatments is designed to reduce the appearance of sagging skin in the neck area and under the jawline, as well as reduce excess fat and address issues with weak muscles of the neck. When combined with facelift and/or brow lift surgeries, a neck lift can often provide a total facial rejuvenation.

Each person will have different issues and concerns in terms of their goals for improving the appearance of their neck; therefore, different options and techniques are available to custom tailor neck lift surgery to address those goals. Whether it is just excess fat, weakened or loose neck muscles, or simply excess skin, Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Dulin will evaluate each case and design a surgical plan to correct the specific problem areas for each patient.

The Surgery
Neck lift surgery is actually a set of procedures used to enhance the appearance of the neck. Liposuction is employed when excess fat is the issue. For many patients, once the fat is removed, surgical skin tightening will be necessary, especially in patients over the age of 40.

For a skin tightening procedure (cervicoplasty), Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin will mark the face prior to surgery. They will then perform small incisions just behind each ear and one under the chin. The excess skin will then be trimmed and the edges lifted into place and stitched together.

For some patients, the complaint is a “turkey waddle” neck or "banding." This appearance is due to weak or lax muscles of the neck. To correct this, Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin may recommend a platysmaplasty. Like the cervicoplasty procedure, small incisions will be placed behind the ears and under the chin to facilitate manipulation of the neck muscles. In some cases, removal of some of the neck muscle may be necessary to achieve the desired affect.

Neck lift procedures typically take two to three hours to perform. However, this time can vary depending upon which of the neck lift procedures are needed and if other facial surgeries are performed during the same setting. Recovery time can also vary, but generally patients can return to work in 10 to 14 days.

The Risks
Patients will experience bruising and swelling following neck lift surgery; this can last for several days. Patients may also feel tightness or tingling as well as different sensations including burning, pulling or numbness. This is entirely normal. Other potential risks can include asymmetry, general dissatisfaction, lumpiness in the skin, excess scar tissue. Should they occur, the issues will be discussed with you and a plan of corrective action employed.

The wide variety of options for neck lift (as well as facelift and browlift) procedures will be discussed thoroughly in your personalized consultation with Dr. Wilcox or Dr. Dulin.