Neck lifts and neck liposuction are both surgical procedures that improve the aesthetic of the neck. However, they target different concerns and have distinct recovery times. This blog will discuss each procedure, what they treat, and who may be a candidate for each.
What Is a Neck Lift?
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished your neck looked smoother and younger, neck lift surgery might be the answer. This procedure can help remove loose skin and tighten muscles in your neck area, giving you a more youthful appearance.
Some technical names for neck lifts that cosmetic surgeons may use are cervicoplasty (removing extra skin) or platysmaplasty (tightening loose neck muscles).
During a neck lift, you’ll be put under general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or local anesthesia. The surgeon will then make small incisions behind your ears and under your chin. Through these tiny openings, they’ll remove excess skin and fat, tighten muscles, and reposition tissue. The result? A smoother, firmer neck that looks years younger.
After the surgery, you’ll need some time to heal. Usually about one to two weeks later, most people can return to their daily activities, including work. Your neck might feel tight for a while, and you might see some bruising and swelling, which will go away with time.
What Does a Neck Lift Address?
A neck lift can help with several issues:
- Sagging skin (turkey neck)
- Excess fat beneath the chin
- Muscle banding in the neck
- Wrinkles on the neck
- Jowls along the jawline
This procedure is best for those with significant skin laxity and visible signs of aging in the neck area. It is not uncommon for neck liposuction to be included if there is excess fat in the area.
You can also combine a neck lift with a facelift for the ultimate neck tightening and facial rejuvenation.
What Is Neck Liposuction?
If you’ve been struggling with a “double chin” even though you’re at a healthy weight, neck liposuction can help. This procedure targets extra fat under your chin and around your neck, creating a more defined jawline and smoother neck contour.
Neck liposuction works best for younger people, usually between their 20s and early 40s. Younger skin is more elastic, meaning it can bounce back and smooth out after the fat is removed.
The surgery itself is safe and relatively straightforward. Typically, local anesthesia is used — that means you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain. The surgeon will make one or two tiny incisions under your chin or behind your ears. Then, they’ll use a small tool to gently suction out excess fat and shape the neck, chin, and jawline.
After the surgery, you might need to wear a special chin strap for a few days to ensure proper healing. Most people can return to work within a week and resume their regular activities after about two weeks. You might see some swelling and bruising, but this is normal and should go away within 10 to 14 days.
What Does Neck Liposuction Address?
Neck liposuction primarily targets:
- Excess fat under the chin (double chin)
- Fat deposits along the jawline
- Fullness in the neck area
This procedure works best for individuals with good skin elasticity and unwanted localized fat deposits in the neck region.
Differences Between Each Procedure
The main difference between a neck lift and neck liposuction is the end goal. A neck lift aims to lift and tighten, removing excess skin and addressing underlying muscles. Neck liposuction is more specific, aiming to remove excess fat to allow for more definition.
Other differences include:
- Invasiveness: A neck lift is more invasive, involving skin and muscle tightening, while neck liposuction only removes fat.
- Recovery time: Neck lifts typically require two to three weeks of recovery, whereas neck liposuction patients can often return to work within a week.
- Results: Neck lifts address skin laxity, while liposuction only targets fat removal.
Interested in a Neck Lift in Denver, CO?
If you are considering a neck rejuvenation procedure, consult with a qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Edmon Khoury is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation procedures. To schedule a consultation, contact us today at (720) 475-8400 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.