As we age, certain changes start to take place that can either make us look older than we are or give away our age. Most individuals use lotions and anti-aging creams on their faces but neglect their necks, so signs of aging such as creases, wrinkles, saggy or crepey skin, or pockets of excess fat, can begin to develop. Some individuals have a genetic disposition for sagging skin on the neck (also known as “turkey neck”) that can develop even at a younger age. A neck lift can effectively correct these issues. Today we are going to talk about the different types of cosmetic neck issues, neck lift techniques, the cost of neck lifts, and where you can go to get the perfect neck lift in Atlanta.
What Is The Average Price Of A Neck Lift?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the typical price of a neck lift in the United States in 2022 will be around $6,878. This is only a base figure and does not include variables such as:
- The technique used and how complicated the neck lift surgery is to perform;
- Costs associated with anesthesia or the medical expert who will administer it during the procedure;
- Costs associated with any specialized tools that may be used during the procedure;
- The geographic location where the surgery will take place;
- Variables related to the expertise of the surgeon;
- The cost of special garments or dressings that need to be worn after the surgery;
- Cost of prescription medications.
The cost of a neck lift or any problems that may arise from it is usually not covered by health insurance. Although many cosmetic doctors do offer payment plans, it is still important to verify.
The cost of a neck lift is not covered by medical insurance because it is considered cosmetic surgery, although it may be possible to use a flexible healthcare spending account to help alleviate some of the costs.
Most cosmetic surgeons offer financing to their patients to help spread the cost of a neck lift out into several smaller payments.
Where Can I Get A Neck Lift In Atlanta?
If you are unhappy with how your neck looks, you have options. At SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics, we understand wanting to look your best at any age. We offer cosmetic surgery as well as non-surgical treatments that can enhance the look of your neck and give you the look of restored youth.
Contact us today and set up a consultation to find out how Dr. Angelina Posteov, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, can transform a neck plagued with crepey, droopy, loose skin, excess fat, and even the dreaded turkey gobbler into a refined, smooth, perfectly contoured, more youthful-looking neck with a pleasingly defined jawline.
Set up your consultation today and let us help you attain your aesthetic goals.
Why Would Someone Want A Neck Lift?
Aging, significant weight loss, or simple genetics can whittle away at the youthful contours of the jaw and neckline, causing the formation of saggy skin, folds, a double chin, or the dreaded “turkey neck” of loose skin that sags directly under the chin.
A neck lift serves to restore a more defined jawline and eliminate excess skin that is hanging down or causing the skin to bunch up in folds on the neck or under the chin.
Am I A Good Candidate For A Neck Lift?
To be considered a candidate for a neck lift, you should be:
- In good health and free from medical issues that might impair your ability to heal properly;
- A patient with realistic expectations of what the surgery can accomplish;
- An individual who does not drink heavily or smoke.
If you have excess skin hanging on your neck or under your chin area that is embarrassing and unattractive, or if your jawline is poorly defined, you have a double chin, or creases, wrinkles, or folds, a neck lift could correct these issues and restore a more youthful-looking profile.
What Are The Different Types Of Neck Lifts?
A neck lift is a cosmetic surgery treatment performed on the neck to make it appear smoother, more refined, and firmer. This procedure can be executed in a variety of ways, which are detailed below.
- Traditional Neck Lift
- Both the face and the neck are known to show signs of aging at the same pace. A great number of patients who have wrinkles or sagging in the lower part of the face also have obvious signs of aging in their neck region. If this describes you, you are not alone; many seek out cosmetic surgery as a solution to address these issues. Facelift surgery and neck lift surgery are sometimes done together to give the face a completely refreshed look.
When a patient’s issues are confined to the neck alone and do not warrant a full facelift, a traditional neck lift is a great choice to provide natural-looking rejuvenation of the neck and jawline. When properly performed, a neck lift tightens not only the skin but also the underlying muscular layers of the neck.
A traditional neck lift can take several hours and is done using incisions behind the ears and a small one under the chin. The muscles are lifted, excess skin and fat are removed, the remainder of the skin is pulled to be tighter, and then the incisions are closed and pressure dressings are applied around the head and under the chin.
- A Direct Neck Lift
- A direct neck lift (also called a submental neck lift) can be done if the problem areas lie only beneath the chin. A turkey neck, which is a flap of loose skin that hangs directly under the chin, tends to affect more men than women but can be corrected without having to perform the full traditional neck lift.
The surgeon makes an incision under the chin that is shaped like a zigzag, an hourglass, or another configuration that will best address the loose skin. The excess skin and fat are removed, and the remainder is stitched together to provide a much more defined chin and jawline.
The direct neck lift takes less time to perform and also offers a shorter recovery period than a traditional neck lift.
Scarring is usually camouflaged fairly well on men due to their unique anatomy but tends to be more noticeable on women. Usually, after about a year, the scar will fade and be less noticeable, and even if some light scarring can be seen, most people will not associate a scar in this location with cosmetic surgery, so your secret will be safe!
- Platysmaplasty Neck Lift
- Sometimes the platysma (a thin, flat muscle that runs from the face to the neck) separates and will show up as protruding bands down the neck and under the chin. These muscles can be stitched back together to smooth and flatten them out so these bands are no longer noticeable. A platysmaplasty is typically done in conjunction with a facelift or a direct neck lift but can be done on its own if there is not an abundance of loose skin. Fixing these muscles will correct the exterior cosmetic issue.
After A Neck Lift
Depending on the technique used to perform the neck lift, recovery can take from four to eight weeks. You may have drains that require specific care, so make sure to follow all the aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon.
Patients must wear a special supportive chin strap and/or neck wrap for a period of time to help keep down swelling and bruising and to combat gravity while the chin and neck are healing from surgery. Patients are instructed to keep their heads elevated for a few days after their surgery and to avoid bending or twisting their necks for a few weeks while they recover.
It is important that you get plenty of rest and concentrate on giving your body what it needs to properly heal (healthy nutrition, hydration, sleep, etc.).
