Neck Lift

In Denver, Colorado
The Art of Compassion    The Science of Beauty

Neck Lift Before and After Photo Gallery

A necklift is really a kind of partial facelift which tightens the skin of the neck and pulls it up, removing the excess. Improvements are also made in the muscle bands than begin to show under the skin from aging. It doesn’t work on the cheeks, although it will tighten your jawline.

Necklifts are often sought by people who are aware of disproportionate aging of the neck, or who have had facelifts previously, and are noticing some recurrence of sagging neck skin.

  • The incisions are smaller than those for a full face lift
  • It’s a good procedure to correct the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and stress, which typically contribute to the aging of our faces
  • Most often, it’s done for people between the ages of 40 and 60, but can be done very successfully for people much older

It can also be done in conjunction with other procedures such as:

  • Liposuction underneath the chin, where a pad of fat tends to grow as we age
  • Chin implants, which give the lower face more bony definition and often improve the profile of the neck as well

The procedure

A necklift is an outpatient procedure and done with either local anesthetic and some IV sedation, or with general anesthesia. You can go home the same day, so make arrangements ahead of time for somebody to drive you home.

  • An incision is made inside the front of each ear. It runs below the ear and then behind it.  Another incision is usually needed just below the chin.
  • The skin is lifted up and back toward the ear, and anchored with sutures
  • The neck muscles are tightened
  • Then excess skin is removed, leaving the repositioned skin looking and feeling youthfully tight
  • Sometimes special stitches called suspension sutures are placed under the skin; they run up behind the ear and help keep the neck tissue lifted

Recovery

Dr. Fante will give you written instructions for your recovery period. He’ll also prescribe an antibiotic for a short period and a pain medication.

  • Your chin and neck will be wrapped in dressings or perhaps in an elastic neck sling.
  • Rest at home, but you don’t need to stay in bed all the time.
  • Keep your head elevated and straight. Use pillows to prevent your head from turning while you sleep.
  • You can shower and wash your hair two days after surgery.
  • Avoid physical activity such as bending, heavy lifting, and sexual activity, for at least 2 weeks.
  • Don’t have any dental procedures done for at least 6 weeks, unless you need some kind of emergency care.
  • Don’t use any of these things for 3 weeks:
    • Tobacco products (including nicotine gum and patches)
    • Alcohol
    • Aspirin
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
    • Vitamin E

Your final results

  • Swelling and bruising will subside in about two weeks and meanwhile can be concealed with special camouflage makeup
  • The final results may not be apparent for several weeks
  • There’ll be a discreet scar, easily hidden by your hair. Remember that we all scar in individual ways, and the exact appearance of the scar isn’t fully predictable
  • You may feel a bit tired at first, but you’ll get your energy back as you start to look and feel better

Read More About Necklifts
Necklift Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, cosmetic surgery, eyelid lift, facelift, eyelid tuck, necklift, puffy eyelid, brow lift, plastic surgery, blepharoplasty, or any other cosmetic surgery, in Denver or Boulder, Colorado, contact Dr. Fante for an initial consultation.