KayaKalp
75 Herrick Street
Parkhurst Building, Suite 105
Beverly, Massachusetts, 01915
Ph. 978.927.6556
Fx. 978.927.9467
| Procedure: | Improvement in the appearance of the sagging neck. Can be used with liposuction to improve the fullness of the neck under the chin area. |
| Length: | 4-6 hours |
| Anesthesia: | IV sedation or general anesthesia |
| In/Outpatient: | Inpatient/Outpatient procedure. Performed in the Hospital operating room |
| Side Effects: | Temporary bruising, Numbness of the neck and lower face, swelling, discomfort, numbness, Hyperpigmentation of surgical , lumpiness, |
| Risks: | Anesthesia risks, Correctable hair loss at the incisions, Facial nerve injury with weakness, Facial asymmetry, Skin loss, Numbness or other changes in skin sensation, Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis), Fluid accumulation, Pain, which may persist, Skin contour irregularities, Skin discoloration, sensitivity or swelling, Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal, Unsatisfactory results may include asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location, unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions (It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results), Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, Possibility of revision surgery. |
| Recovery: | Back to work: 1-3 weeks. Strenuous activities: 4 weeks. |
| Duration of Results: | Does not stop the natural process of aging. |
If you are bothered by the signs of aging in your face, a neck lift may be right for you. A neck lift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck, such as:
Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a neck lift are face lift, brow lift, to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow, and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes.
What it won’t do: As a restorative surgery, a neck lift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process.
A neck lift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a neck lift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery.
Is it right for me?
A neck lift is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Neck lift surgery is a good option for you if:
Before your Neck Lift
The success and safety of your neck lift depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.
Be prepared to discuss:
Your surgeon may also:
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
Special instructions you receive will cover:
Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. A neck lift may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Both Dr. M. Patel and Dr. J. Patel prefer to perform their neck lifts in a hospital operating room with Board certified Anesthesiologists to maximize patient safety and comfort.
You’ll need help
If your neck lift is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
What happens during neck lift surgery?
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you in consultation with an Anesthesiologist.
A variety of other procedures can further enhance the outcome of a neck lift They include:
Step 2 – The incision
Depending on the degree of change you’d like to see, your neck lift choices include a traditional facelift, limited incision neck lift or an extensive neck lift.
A traditional neck lift incision often begins in front of the ear near the upper third of the ear, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck, and underlying tissue is repositioned, commonly the deeper layers of the lower face and the muscles are also lifted.
Skin is re-draped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A traditional neck lift will pull the neck skin up and back thereby re-draping it in two different vectors to achieve the desired effect. A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.
Traditional Facelift Incision


An alternative to a traditional face lift uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear and possibly within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip.
Extensive Neck Lift Incision


Sagging jowls, loose neck skin and fat accumulation under the chin may be corrected with an extensive neck lift. The extensive neck lift incision often begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp.
Limited Neck Lift Incision


Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Once healed, the incision lines from a limited neck lift are well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear.
Step 4 – See the results
The visible improvements of a neck lift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel
Safety and risks of neck lift surgery
The decision to have a neck lift is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.
Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.
The risks include:
Be sure to ask questions: It’s very important to ask Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel questions about your neck lift procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel.
A special note about the use of fibrin sealants (tissue glue)
Fibrin sealants (made from heat-treated human blood components to inactivate virus transmission) are used to hold tissue layers together at surgery and to diminish post-operative bruising following surgery.
This product has been carefully produced from screened donor blood plasma for hepatitis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These products have been used safely for many years as sealants in cardiovascular and general surgery. This product is thought to be of help in diminishing surgical bleeding and by adhering layers of tissue together.
When you go home
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary.
Be careful
Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Avoid wearing any clothing that must go over your head. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
Your Recovery
When your procedure is completed, a bandage or specialized neck garment could gently be placed around your neck and face to minimize swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.
You will be given specific instructions that may include: how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health, and when to follow up with Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel.
Be sure to ask Dr. M. Patel or Dr. J. Patel specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
Your New Look
It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to 6 months for incision lines to mature. Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing photo-aging or sun damage. In addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.
Cost of a Neck Lift?
Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for facelifts can vary widely. A surgeon’s cost for neck lift surgery may vary based on his or her experience as well as geographic office location.
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask. Cost may include:
Your satisfaction involves more than a fee
When choosing a plastic surgeon for neck lift surgery, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
**Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications.
Glossary of terms