Get rid of the “turkey neck”

As we age, our platysma muscle in the neck weakens and starts to sag. This causes the characteristic neck bands and loose neck skin that contribute to a “turkey neck.” A neck lift, or platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin and tightens the neck muscles to create a more youthful, defined jawline. While the neck lift procedure is typically combined with a facelift, patients with only small amounts of neck laxity may benefit from a neck lift alone.

In younger patients who have naturally full necks, or a “double chin”,” a neck lift can help give them neck contour that they never had. In these patients, excess fat and sometimes salivary glands are removed and the neck muscles are tightened. Typically, no excess skin needs to be removed in these patients and the neck lift cosmetic surgery is not combined with a facelift.

Who is a neck lift candidate?

You are a candidate for neck lift if you are bothered by your neck! If you have sagging skin on your face and neck, crepey neck skin, vertical banding of the neck, or excess neck fullness, you can likely be helped with a neck lift.

You should be overall healthy and a non-smoker. It is also important to have realistic expectations and a positive attitude to help you navigate your recovery!

What are the benefits of a neck lift?

A neck lift will help restore the contour of your neck affected by the aging process to a more youthful appearance. Neck surgery will tighten the neck muscles to decrease neck sagging and banding. Removal of excess neck fat during a neck lift will reduce neck fullness to help get rid of double chins.

In Dr. Misch’s Denver, CO practice, most neck lifts are combined with deep plane facelifts for maximum rejuvenation. Together, they create a harmonious more youthful appearance. Results are long-lasting, with most patients waiting 10+ years for additional touch ups, if they ever undergo them at all!

What is a neck lift recovery like?

Dr. Misch will see you the day after surgery in her Denver, CO facial plastic surgery clinic to remove dressings. All stitches will be gradually removed over the course of the next 7-10 days. You will want to rest and keep your activity relatively light for the first 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, bruising is nearly fully resolved and swelling has gone down significantly. At this point, you will feel comfortable running errands and shopping in public. By 4 weeks, you will see substantial improvements in your healing and swelling. You will feel comfortable going to parties with friends and family.

Your healing will continue, with full results seen around 6 months after surgery. Dr. Misch will be with you every step of the way!

Why choose Dr. Misch for your neck lift?

Learn more about Dr. Misch Schedule your consultation today

Dr. Misch has extensive training and experience in neck lift surgery.

She will provide caring, compassionate treatment, both before and after your surgery. She is available to answer your questions throughout your recovery. You will truly have someone supporting you every step of the way!

Dr. Misch’s neck lift will have your neck looking better than it has in years! You, improved.

Look and feel better, younger, refreshed. Improved.

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When we feel confident, the people around us notice. Through an individualized, tailor-made treatment plan, Dr. Misch can help you feel more self-assured.

Neck Lift FAQs

Do I need a neck lift or will a less invasive procedure work for me?

To start, no one NEEDS a neck lift! It simply depends on what your goals are. For younger patients with minimal neck laxity, less invasive procedures like neck liposuction or radiofrequency devices may provide good results, though likely less dramatic as what would be achieved with a neck lift. In older patients, less invasive procedures may bring mild improvements but are unlikely to result in meaningful results.

Where are the incisions in a neck lift?

The incision in an isolated neck lift is a small ~1 inch incision hidden below the chin. In some instances, incisions are also placed behind the ear and when combined with a deep plane facelift, there are also incisions placed within the curves of the ear and along the hairline. In all variations, neck lift incisions are well hidden and heal nearly imperceptibly.

What medications should I take before and after neck lift surgery?

Most herbal supplements should be stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery. Any blood thinner or aspirin will also need to be stopped. You should avoid taking NSAIDs for 7 days prior to surgery. Supplements like arnica, bromelain, vitamin C, and zinc may be taken prior to surgery, as these can help reduce bruising and swelling. You will be prescribed pain medication after neck lift surgery. Dr. Misch will personally review your medication list prior to surgery and discuss what to and not to take with you directly.

Will I have drains placed during neck lift surgery?

In most instances, Dr. Misch places 2 drains, one on each side of the neck, after neck lift surgery. These are removed anywhere from 1-5 days after surgery. Drains are not painful and they significantly help reduce swelling and bruising after neck lift surgery.