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- What is a Neck Lift?
- Neck Lift Benefits
- Good Candidates for Neck Lift Surgery
- How is a Neck Lift Performed?
- Preparing for a Neck Lift
- Neck Lift Recovery
- Results of Neck Lift Surgery
- Alternatives/Combination Procedures
- What to Expect from a Neck Lift Consultation
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- Meet Dr. Coan
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- Additional Treatments to Consider
Aging, genetics and environmental factors can cause loose skin, muscle banding and excess fat beneath the chin and jawline. These changes may result in a “turkey neck,” double chin or a poorly defined jawline. At CARE Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, NC, neck lift surgery can help you achieve a smoother, firmer and more youthful neckline. Led by double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian S. Coan, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and natural-looking results for patients seeking refined contours and renewed self-confidence.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of aging in the neck. It targets sagging skin, excess fat, and weakened or lax muscles that contribute to jowls, banding, or loss of definition along the jawline. The goal of a neck lift is to restore a smoother, firmer, and more youthful contour to the lower face and neck. This procedure can be performed as a standalone treatment or combined with other facial surgeries, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery, for a more balanced and harmonious overall result.
Neck Lift Benefits
A neck lift can create a more youthful, defined appearance by addressing visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck.
Key benefits include:
- Firmer, smoother skin along the neck
- Sharper definition of the jawline and chin
- Reduction or removal of vertical neck bands (platysmal bands)
- Balanced, youthful contours that enhance overall facial harmony
Good Candidates for Neck Lift Surgery
Neck lift surgery is best suited for healthy adults who are concerned about visible signs of neck aging, such as loose skin, excess fat, or weakened muscles. While many patients may opt for this procedure in their 50s or beyond, it can be tailored to each individual’s needs and age.
Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smokers with realistic expectations who wish to achieve a more youthful, lifted, and contoured neck appearance. During your consultation at CARE Plastic Surgery in Cary, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Coan will carefully examine your neck and face, review your medical history, and discuss your treatment goals to ensure that a neck lift can safely and effectively meet your cosmetic goals.
How is a Neck Lift Performed?
A neck lift is typically performed under MAC (Monitored Anesthesia Care) anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. During the procedure, Dr. Brian Coan carefully places incisions in discreet areas, such as behind the ears or beneath the chin, to minimize visible scarring. The platysma muscles may be tightened or repositioned to smooth vertical neck bands, while excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is gently redraped for a firmer, lifted neckline. If stubborn fat deposits are present, liposuction may also be performed to further refine the contour. The exact surgical technique—including incision placement and the extent of correction—is customized to your unique anatomy and desired outcome, ensuring natural-looking, balanced results.
Preparing for a Neck Lift
Dr. Coan and the CARE Plastic Surgery team will provide detailed instructions to help you prepare for your neck lift, ensuring your safety and a smooth recovery. Preparation may include stopping certain medications and supplements, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. A good skincare regimen and limiting sun exposure are also recommended to support healing and optimal results.
Patients should make arrangements for transportation to and from surgery, as well as post-surgical assistance during the first few days of recovery. Following these guidelines helps set the stage for optimal results and a more comfortable healing process.
Neck Lift Recovery
After a neck lift surgery, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and tenderness, especially in the first few days. These symptoms improve significantly after the first week, though mild swelling may continue for several months as your results gradually become more defined. To help minimize swelling and discomfort, patients are prescribed pain medication and provided with a compression garment or chin strap, to be worn at all times except when showering. Most patients are able to return to work and light activities within 1–2 weeks, while more strenuous activities such as exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Coan.
Following your after-care plan will help ensure the smoothest recovery and the best long-term results. Your final results are evaluated 3 months after surgery.
Results of Neck Lift Surgery
Neck lift surgery provides long-lasting improvements to the contours of the neck and jawline. Patients can expect firmer skin, less sagging and crepiness, and a more refined profile. With a stable weight, healthy lifestyle, and protection from sun damage, these rejuvenated results can last for 10 years or more. While aging will continue, patients typically age more gracefully after surgery and maintain a naturally youthful look—appearing years younger than their actual age.
Alternatives/Combination Procedures
Some patients may benefit from combining other cosmetic procedures with their neck lift for more comprehensive face and neck rejuvenation. Alternative, non-surgical procedures can also be considered.
Facelift
A facelift focuses on volume loss, sagging skin, and deep wrinkles or facial folds in the mid-face and lower face. Dr. Coan offers several facelift surgical techniques, depending on the degree of visible aging and each patient’s desired results.
Brow Lift
A brow lift elevates the eyebrows, softens forehead lines, and lifts the upper third of the face for a more youthful and refreshed look. A facelift, neck lift, and brow lift can all be performed together, if desired.
Morpheus8
Patients with minimal to mild skin laxity can benefit from non-surgical skin tightening procedures, like Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling (RF microneedling). This minimally invasive treatment stimulates collagen production in the deep layers of the skin to tighten and firm the skin, creating a smoother neck contour.
DEKA Fusion CO2 Laser
The DEKA Fusion CO2 laser provides advanced skin resurfacing to improve texture, pigmentation, fine lines, and sun damage. When paired with a neck lift, it enhances overall skin quality, creating smoother, more radiant results that complement surgical improvements.
What to Expect from a Neck Lift Consultation
During your consultation with Dr. Coan, he will take the time to understand your personal goals, review your medical history, and perform a thorough evaluation of your facial and neck anatomy. Based on this assessment, he will design a customized treatment plan that aligns with your needs and desired outcome. You’ll have the opportunity to view Before-and-After photos of past patients and ask any questions you may have so you feel confident, comfortable, and informed at every step of the process. To begin your personalized neck lift journey in Cary, NC, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Coan and the expert team at CARE Plastic Surgery.
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Dr. Brian S. Coan is an award-winning, nationally renowned, double board-certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of the distinguished Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). With over a decade of experience, his commitment to excellence has transformed countless lives.