Neck Lift in Dallas, TX

Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Thornwell Parker, performs neck lift surgery to address the appearance of an aging neck at Elevate Medical Spa and Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas, TX. In addition to surgery, there are several other options we offer at Elevate for neck rejuvenation, including treatments, like Kybella, CoolSculpting, fractional laser, liposuction, and SkinTyte. Of those options, neck lift surgery is the most powerful option to tighten the section under the chin and the entire neck to remove the "double chin" or "turkey neck" appearance. By taking away the excess skin and fat while incorporating a tightening method to produce a softer neckline, this lower facial surgery can provide significant enhancements to the lower half of a patient’s face.

Men and women contemplating neck lift surgery generally battle visibly loose skin along the neckline. Younger patients may be better candidates for nonsurgical or minimally invasive procedures offered at Elevate Medical Spa and Cosmetic Surgery. However, as we move “over the hill,” surgical options are often best. Neck skin that hangs is usually caused by numerous factors, including gravity, weight fluctuations, and aging, leading to loss of elastic fibers and thinning skin. Regardless of the reason, hanging neck skin causes an unbecoming look, which generally can only be addressed with skin removal and tightening. If your weight is stable, but you feel frustrated by loose skin and wrinkles on the neck, a neck lift surgery may be a great option. If loose skin is not your main issue, you may be better suited for neck liposuction or nonsurgical options, like Kybella or CoolSculpting.

During a neck lift procedure, either local anesthesia or IV sedation is used to keep you safe and comfortable. Most traditional neck lifts utilize an approach that is very similar to a facelift, but other less invasive techniques exist. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Traditional Necklift – An incision is placed around the ears, and another one may also be made underneath the chin. If pockets of fat exist, neck liposuction or direct removal would be completed. Next, the platysma sling may need correction. The platysma is the very thin muscle layer that covers your lower face and neck, helping to control the skin and enveloping facial volume and fat. Weakening and separation of the muscle can contribute to a sagging neck and banding. Following fat removal and platysma muscle tightening, sagging or hanging skin will be trimmed away and the remaining skin will be pulled tight. This tightening method is performed until the desired contour, shape, and smoothness has been attained. Although sutures are used to close the incision, scarring will be minimal since they are hidden under the chin and around the ears.

• Anterior Direct Necklift – Many patients, particularly men, will grab their waddle and say, “Doctor, can’t you just cut this out and stitch it up right here on the front of the neck?” The answer is yes. This technique cuts all the skin and fat from along the front of the neck without making any incisions around the ears. The advantage is a safer, quicker, and simpler procedure that can be easily performed under local anesthesia for less cost. Recovery is easy with patients returning to normal activity within one week. The downside of this procedure is that the scar is not just under the chin but extends further down the neck.

In addition to surgery, other nonsurgical alternatives can help the skin's surface, such as laser treatments or peels, to create a glowing, younger-looking appearance. 

After neck lift surgery, there will most likely be some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but these will go away after some healing time has passed. It's important to rest and eliminate high-impact movements and activities for several weeks to assist in the healing period. During this time, button tops or loose-fitting clothing is ideal. Men and women will see visible outcomes almost immediately. In fact, it has been stated that the neck lift treatment can make one of the most significant improvements to a person's profile, taking a decade off his or her appearance.

Say goodbye to your "turkey neck" appearance and attain the youthful and soft neck you dream about. If you feel embarrassed by hanging skin on your neck, we welcome you to contact our Dallas office to schedule your appointment. A surgical neck lift has changed the self-esteem of so many men and women. We look forward to sharing this amazing cosmetic treatment with you.