Neck Lift

Robert M. Schwarcz, MD

Cosmetic Surgery located in Upper East Side, New York & Scarsdale, NY

If you’ve noticed that your neck is aging faster than you’d like, a neck lift can be a great way to refresh and rejuvenate. Often, patients combine neck and facelift surgeries for a beautiful, youthful update. 

WHAT IS A NECKLIFT

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that can correct the following issues:

  • Vertical bands around your neck
  • Creases in your neck
  • Neck wrinkles
  • Jowls
  • Loose skin in your neck

During a neck lift, Dr. Schwarcz tightens both your skin and the underlying muscles to give you a smoother and more youthful-looking neck.

IS A NECKLIFT PART OF A FACELIFT

Necklift and facelift are two separate procedures. However, many patients opt for both necklift and facelift to achieve an overall youthful look. Dr. Schwarcz can perform both procedures at the same time, which means you only need to undergo anesthesia once.

HOW DOES A NECKLIFT WORK

Neck lifts are usually done while you’re asleep under general anesthesia. Dr. Schwarcz makes incisions under your chin or below your ears first. Next, he sews the underlying muscle fibers together more tightly and then trims extra skin and fat.

Dr. Schwarcz optimally repositions the skin and then secures it with small unobtrusive sutures. Finally, Dr. Schwarcz places bandages on the surgical site.

IS LIPOSUCTION A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO A NECKLIFT

It depends on what your neck concerns are. If you simply have extra fat in your neck and you still have good skin elasticity, liposuction may work for you.

However, problems like wrinkles, cords around your neck, and sagging require neck lift surgery because it actually removes extra skin and repositions the remaining skin.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE

You are required to have an overnight nurse for the first night after the procedure. The overnight nursing company we utilize is Elite Private Recovery RN. Your nurse will stay with you overnight in your home or hotel accommodations and ensure that the first night of your recovery is as smooth as possible. Your nurse will educate you on how to properly take care of yourself for the remainder of your recovery period. The option is available to book the nurse for multiple nights if you desire.

You can expect surgical drains to be in place for the first 24 hours after surgery. The day after the procedure, you will come to the office to have your drains removed.  If you or are staying in a hotel in the Upper East Side, Dr. Schwarcz will likely come to you to remove the drains.  

Your sutures will be removed 7-10 days after the procedure.  After that, Dr. schwarcz will do periodic follow ups for 12 months to ensure your safety and satisfaction with the procedure.

It is important that you follow your post-procedure instructions thoughtfully. If at any point you have any questions or need any guidance regarding the post-procedure instructions, please reach out to the office.

Many patients return to work about two weeks after undergoing a facelift. Complete healing can take 3-6 months. Facial rejuvenation results can last 5-10 years or longer, depending on your genetics, skin type, and environmental exposures.