Visible signs of aging in the neck can be a problem for many patients. Excess fat, loose skin, and muscle bands in the neck area can take attention away from other facial features such as beautiful eyes. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline. Dr. Stephen Weber is a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in Denver, CO who performs customized neck lift procedures to refresh and rejuvenate.
A neck lift procedure can be used to improve the appearance of the neck and restore a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance. A neck lift procedure with Dr. Weber is always customized to meet the aesthetic goals of the individual patient. The procedure is ideal for patients who feel they are not ready for a full facelift because their cheeks and lower face are still relatively youthful.
A Neck Lift Procedure with Dr. Weber
A neck lift procedure with Dr. Weber is performed on an outpatient basis in a Weber Facial Plastic Surgery in-office surgical suite or a local ambulatory surgery center. Oral sedation, intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia may be used. After the patient is comfortable and sedated or asleep, the procedure is performed using the following steps:
- Incisions. Small incisions are made behind each ear. Incisions are carefully placed along natural skin folds and hidden within the hairline to prevent the appearance of a noticeable scar after surgery. Depending on patients’ needs, a third incision may be made underneath the chin.
- Neck Lift. Excess fat is removed using a tiny liposuction device. Excess/sagging skin is carefully excised. Neck muscles and underlying tissues are repositioned and tightened.
Incisions are carefully closed using sutures that will be taken out five days following surgery. Dr. Weber uses special suturing techniques to make sure incisions heal properly and do not form a noticeable scar. Total procedure time is approximately 90 minutes.
Recovery from a Neck Lift procedure
Patients are brought to the postoperative anesthesia care unit (PACU) after their procedure. A team of anesthesia nurses monitor patients to ensure they are comfortable and not in any discomfort or pain. Once patients are awake and alert, they are cleared to be driven home by a family member or friend.
Dr. Weber provides patients with all the information they need to take care of themselves after their procedure. Patients can expect their neck to feel tight for a few weeks. Mild swelling and bruising may also present but can be easily managed by following Dr. Weber’s recovery instructions. Visible bruising typically goes away after the first week. Patients usually return to daily activities and work within one week after their procedure. Total recovery time depends on the healing processes of the patient and the extent of the surgery.
Neck Lift Results
Neck lift results can be seen as the swelling and bruising subside. Initial results will appear within the first week after surgery. Final results may take a bit longer. Patients can expect to see improvements in the following:
- Excess fat and lax skin in the lower face that creates jowls
- Excess fatty deposits under the chin
- Loose neck skin
- Muscle banding in the neck, creating abnormal contours
These improvements result in a rejuvenated and youthful appearance. Patients can expect their neck and face to blend harmoniously, creating a naturally attractive appearance. Patients who follow Dr. Weber’s postoperative instructions can expect to see their final results in a shorter time frame than those who do not.
Good Candidates for a Neck Lift Procedure
Patients who would like to improve the appearance of their neck may be candidates for a neck lift procedure with Dr. Weber. Generally, the procedure is only performed on patients who fall into the following categories:
- Individuals who do not smoke
- Individuals who have no medical conditions that impair healing
- Individuals who have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
A neck lift is a great procedure for patients who are not ready for a facelift. The definitive way for patients to find out if they are candidates is to attend an initial neck lift consultation with Dr. Weber.
I am very impressed with Dr. Weber and his staff. Every person I have met within his office is very nice, and they act as if you are the only patient they are concerned about at that moment.
I used realself a lot to help inform myself about rhinoplasty, particularly the recovery process and results. Ever since I was about 12 years old I have disliked my nose. I have the typical larger German nose and I have a "dorsal bump" that I refer to as my ski slope. One of my best friends is getting married this summer and since I am a bridesmaid, I really wanted to get rid of the bump before the wedding. I wanted to love looking at the pictures and not grimace every time I saw myself in one. I've chatted with friends and family about getting the surgery and most said that they didn't see anything wrong with my nose but said I should do what I want to. I graduated last December and have a good job, so with the financials in place I began to start researching surgeons and reading rhinoplasty blogs. I decided on a surgeon in Denver, Dr. Weber. After two consultations, we set a date for surgery. I went through mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety, but I was committed to the procedure the entire time. I am still healing, so I cannot say that it was worth it, but so far it has been a great decision for me. I get the splint off in two days and will be able to see the results more clearly. Here is my journey so far:
Day of Surgery:
I was very very nervous. I have never had surgery before, so I was kind of freaking out about electively putting myself through it. I was the most anxious about the anesthesia, which is very common. I did a lot of research about it before committing to the operation. After signing a pile of paperwork at the surgery center, I was taken back into pre-operative care. There was a desk of nurses to my right, a row of beds and curtains in front of me, and a small room to my left. I was taken into the small room where I got undressed and put on the very fashionable surgery robe and crawled onto the bed. A very sweet nurse came in who set up my IV and gave me a nice heated blanket. I was a little freaked out from all of the medical equipment and monitors that were hooked up to me. The anesthesiologist came in next and calmed my nerves. He explained how the anesthesia works, and the process they use during surgery. He was also very nice and reassuring. My surgeon came in next and we talked about the procedure and my expectations again. I think that all of the staff could tell I was so scared that I was shaking because they were all so incredibly kind and calming. Next, two more nurses came into my room and gave me something like valium. It called me nerves, a lot. So much to the point that as they were carting me to the OR, I asked if we could race the beds through the hallways. I don't remember much after this. I didn't see anything after they started pushing me, and the last thing I remember hearing is a nurse telling me to think of a family vacation and then I was waking up in recovery.
- jaereis , Lone Tree, CO
An Initial Neck Lift Consultation with Dr. Weber
A neck lift is a highly customized procedure. No patients present with exactly the same signs of aging. One of the most important components of a neck lift procedure with Dr. Weber is the initial consultation. The following steps occur during the consultation:
- A thorough medical history review
- A physical examination in which pictures are taken for comparison purposes
- A discussion regarding goals and expectations
Dr. Weber creates treatment plans based on the goals of his patients. Treatment plans are always designed to provide patients with natural-looking results that perfectly match their facial contour. A question and answer session is always held before patients make their treatment decision. Dr. Weber listens to patients as they ask questions and/or state concerns. Each question and/or concern is properly answered or addressed to ensure patients feel completely comfortable with their decision. Dr. Weber’s patients go into their procedures feeling excited and ready to see their new and improved look.
Frequently Asked Questions about Neck Lift
Are there risks associated with a neck lift?
There are risks associated with all surgical procedures. The risks specific to a neck lift will be explained to patients at their initial consultation. Once informed, the overwhelming majority of patients find that the potential benefits of a neck lift greatly outweigh the minimal risks associated with the procedure.
Can I combine my neck lift with other facial plastic surgery procedures?
A neck lift may be combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures, such as:
- A facelift
- A browlift
- Eyelid surgery
- Chin and/or cheek implants
- Rhinoplasty
Patients who undergo combined procedures usually do so to completely rejuvenate their face. Dr. Weber works with patients to create combined procedure treatment plans that meet aesthetic goals. Interested patients are advised to ask Dr. Weber about a combined procedure during their initial consultation.
How do I know if a neck lift is the right treatment option for my condition?
Patients who are not happy with visible signs of aging on their neck are encouraged to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Weber. These signs include excess fat, loose skin, and muscle bands. During initial consultations, Dr. Weber thoroughly evaluates patients and listens to their concerns and desires. He recommends neck lift procedures when he feels they are the ideal treatment option to give patients the results they want. In some cases, Dr. Weber will offer patients alternative treatment options.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to a neck lift?
Nonsurgical treatment options may be the right treatment option for some patients. Common nonsurgical treatment options include Kybella and Ultherapy. If patients can benefit from these treatment options, Dr. Weber will provide them with all the information they need to make a decision at their initial consultation.
Will I have a noticeable scar after my procedure?
All surgical incisions leave scars. The incisions used to perform a neck lift are carefully placed in natural skin folds and hidden beneath the chin and/ or behind the ear. After incisions fully heal, scars should not be noticeable.
Is it important that I have my neck lift performed by a Facial Plastic Surgeon?
Facial Plastic Surgeons are the most qualified plastic surgeons to perform neck lifts. Patients who have their neck lift performed by a board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon can expect very good results.
Is Dr. Weber board-certified?
Dr. Weber is a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. His training, skills, and experience allow him to provide patients with neck lift results that meet their aesthetic goals.
Are there ways to maximize my neck lift results?
Results can be maximized by wearing sunscreen, regularly exercising, eating healthy foods, not smoking, and following all of Dr. Weber’s recovery instructions.
Can I see before-and-after photos of patients who have undergone a neck lift with Dr. Weber?
Before-and-after photos are a great resource for patients to use when making their treatment decision. At initial consultations, Dr. Weber shows patients before-and-after photos to give them an idea of exactly what type of results they can expect. Dr. Weber’s large collection of before-and-after photos allows him to carefully select photos that closely resemble the patient being treated.
How can I be fully prepared for my initial consultation?
Patients are asked to bring a list of the medications and herbal supplements they are currently taking to their initial consultation. They are also encouraged to think about their aesthetic goals and expectations. Patients who get the best results are those that go into their initial consultation with a positive outlook and realistic expectations.
How do I schedule my initial consultation?
When you are ready for their initial neck lift consultation with Dr. Weber, you may contact Dr. Weber’s office in Denver, CO, at 303-792-2224 or info@weberfacialplasticsurgery.com.
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.