Neck lift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure. This surgery aims to tighten and lift the skin around the neck to reduce the visible signs of aging.
This is a popular procedure as the neck is often not affected by diet or exercise.
A neck lift can only be performed surgically, but as a reconstructive surgery it does not change the basic appearance and cannot stop the aging process. The procedure is most often performed under general anesthesia, but it can also be done with local anesthesia.
Some people feel they are not ready for a full facelift because the upper part of their face does not yet have visible signs of aging. There are several methods that can be used, depending on your anatomy, the flexibility of your skin, and your goals. In an anterior neck lift, the surgeon makes a small incision under the chin that allows the tissues that shape the neck to be seen. An extended neck lift is combined with a facelift. The procedure involves an incision under the chin and one in front of the ear and along the hairline. These incisions allow the surgeon to work on the deep structural tissues of the neck and lower face. For people with a large amount of excess skin, a procedure called a Z-plasty is appropriate. This method usually works well in older adults.
Recovery time after a neck lift can vary depending on a person's body and the extent of the surgery. Usually, people return to their daily activities and work within 2 weeks after surgery.
