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Neck Lift

  • Standard Recovery Time:
    3+ Weeks
  • Average Cost:
    $6,000-$10,000
  • Anesthesia Required:
    Yes
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1. What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the neck in order to smooth and slim the area and reduce wrinkles and creases caused by aging.

2. Why is a neck lift done?

The effects of aging can often be more localized in the neck area. In this situation, the neck muscles can stretch out, obscuring the visually attractive chin-neck angle. They can also form distinct bands. Furthermore, fat deposits, drooping skin, and facial tissues can have a major impact on the neck’s appearance. The excess skin and fat around your jawline are removed during a neck lift, giving your neck a more defined and youthful appearance.

3. Am I a good candidate for a neck lift?

You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if you:

  • Have sagging/excess skin and fat under the chin and around the neck 
  • Are bothered by the appearance of your neck 
  • Are in overall good health  
  • Don’t have any medical issues that would prevent you from healing
  • Have realistic expectations 
  • Are a non-smoker  

4. How is a neck lift performed?

Step One – Anesthesia  

Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be given during this procedure to keep you comfortable.  

Step Two – The Incision 

Your neck lift options include a traditional neck lift incision or a limited incision neck lift, depending on the degree of improvement you’d like to see. 

A traditional neck lift incision: This method usually starts in the hairline at the level of the sideburn, progresses down and around the ear, and finishes in the posterior hair.

Fat in the jowls and neck can be sculpted or redistributed. The platysma muscle is strengthened and the tissue beneath the neck skin is relocated. Excess skin is cut away and skin is re-draped over the uplifted features.

Liposuction and muscle restoration in this area often require a separate incision beneath the chin. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions. 

A limited incision neck lift: This technique may involve incisions only around the ear. Therefore, while the incisions are shorter, the results may be more limited. 

Step Three – Closing the Incisions  

Sutures and possibly skin glue are used to close the incision lines. After a few days, sutures may dissolve or need to be removed. The incision lines following a neck lift are usually effectively hidden inside the hairline and in the natural curves of the ear.

Step Four – See the Results  

As swelling and bruising fade, the full effects of a neck lift become apparent.

5. How long does a neck lift take to complete?

Depending on the complexity of the procedure, it can take 3-6 hours to complete a neck lift.

6. What is recovery like after surgery?

When the surgery is finished, a bandage will be gently applied across your face and neck to reduce swelling and bruising. There may be a thin tube in place to drain any excess blood or fluid that has accumulated beneath the skin. It is vital to keep your head elevated above your heart to minimize swelling – there should be no excessive neck twisting or bending.

7. How long do the results last?

When you undergo surgery to tighten and tone your neck, you can expect semi-permanent, long-lasting results. Unfortunately, while this procedure dramatically improves the appearance of the neck, it cannot stop the aging process entirely.

8. How much does a neck lift cost in Canada?

Because no two patients are identical, the average cost of a neck lift in Canada can vary depending on the complexity of your surgery. A neck lift in Canada can range between $6,000-$10,000.

9. What are the risks of a neck lift?

As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk of complications. Neck lift risks, while rare, include: 

  • Hematoma (bleeding under the skin) 
  • Reaction to anesthetic 
  • Scarring 
  • Blood clots 
  • Infection 
  • Nerve injury/damage 
  • Poor wound healing  
  • Skin loss, puckering, or discoloration 

10. Is a neck lift worth it?

604/650 people who have undergone a neck lift procedure have rated the procedure “Worth It” (93%)
– Source: realself.com