Neck Lift Surgery: Cost, Candidates, Procedure, Results and Risks

Neck lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excessive skin and fat deposits from the neck. Sagging of skin, folds, and wrinkles under the neck makes a person look older and unattractive. Age, genetics or fluctuations in the weight can cause sagging of the neck. Neck lift surgery corrects the sagging of the neck by repositioning the neck muscles, thereby, restoring the elasticity of skin. A Neck lift surgery is also known as Lower Rhytidectomy. There are several international celebrities that have undergone neck lift surgery to look more attractive and appealing. Forrest Gump fame Sally Field, famous Hollywood anchor Ellen DeGeneres, 50 first dates leading actress Drew Barrymore and many other Hollywood actors have also undergone neck lift surgery. 

Neck lift surgery cost 

On an average, a patient may have to spend Rs. 70000-1,60000 on a neck lift treatment in India. However, the cost of neck lift treatment varies as per the size of the area being treated. The cost of neck lift procedure generally includes anaesthesia fees, cosmetic surgeon’s fee, hospital charges, medical tests, and prescription for medicine. The cost is subject to increase if neck lift surgery is performed in combination with a blepharoplasty, face lift or other form of cosmetic surgery.

Neck lift candidates 

Ideal candidates for a neck lift surgery are: 

Between 40 to 80 years of age

With loose or sagged neck skin

Excess fat around neck

Neck skin damaged due to sun or wind

Nonsmokers, as smoking slows down the healing process

Healthy individuals with realistic expectations

Preparing for Neck lift surgery 

Patients undergoing a neck lift surgery are asked to:

Get a lab test done

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Avoid taking aspirin and other inflammatory drugs

Only take prescribed medicines

Neck lift Procedure

A neck lift procedure generally lasts for 2 to 3 hours. As per the cosmetic surgeon’s preference, a patient is given general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation to subside the pain during the surgery. The type of incisions to be made by a cosmetic surgeon depends on the patient’s aesthetic goals. There are generally two types of incision techniques used in a neck lift procedure: A limited incision neck lift or traditional incision neck lift. 

The limited incision technique is used to remove a small amount of excessive skin and traditional incision technique is used when larger area of the neck is to be covered. Underlying tissues of the neck are repositioned and platysma muscle is tightened. Liposuction technique may be used to extract excessive skin. The incisions are then closed using sutures or surgical tape. 

Neck lift Results 

The results of a neck lift surgery are visible immediately after the procedure. The potential results are visible after the swelling subsides and incision line fades. As long as there is no fluctuation in weight, a patient can expect the results to last many years. The smoother, tighter contours are visible immediately after the procedure. For better results carefully follow the cosmetic surgeon’s instructions. A patient should avoid physical activities subjected to excessive force, swelling, or pain during the time of healing. However, in some cases more than one surgery has to be performed to get desired results.

Neck lift risks 

The potential complications from neck lift surgery are very rare. However, all surgical procedures have some sort of risks. Some risks associated with neck lift surgery are: 

Accumulation of fluid

Infection

Clotting of blood

Anaesthesia risks

Scarring

Persistent pain

Numbness

Unsatisfactory results

Skin discoloration

Facial asymmetry