Neck Lift in New York at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC

There are countless ways to turn back the clock when it comes to facial rejuvenation.  But even if your face looks years younger, your neck may give your true age away.  Loose skin, excess fatty deposits, and deep muscle cording can hide the once graceful curves of a youthful neck line.  In addition to aesthetic changes caused by the natural aging process, skin laxity in the neck may develop in younger patients as a result of weight fluctuations and genetic factors.  Short of taking cover under turtlenecks and scarves, there is little you can do to camouflage aesthetic issues in the neck.  Whether you have just minor skin laxity, or more significant concerns, Dr. Levine can offer a range of neck lift (platysmaplasty) options to help restore a well-defined, elegant, and youthful-looking neck. 

At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, we believe that it’s important to view the neck as part of the overall facial profile, not just as an isolated problem-area.  For some patients, a neck lift procedure alone may be enough for satisfactory rejuvenation.  More often than not, patients will benefit from a combination of procedures to address changes in the mid-face, cheeks, jowls, chin, and neck.  For example, many patients with neck laxity also have a receded chin.  For these patients, chin augmentation combined with a neck lift can help strengthen the jaw line, while improving the overall facial profile and neck line.  For a significant number of patients, a neck lift combined with a facelift can provide maximum rejuvenation.  Whatever your individual needs, we can help.  From simple liposuction procedures for slimming and contouring the neck, to more advanced surgeries to address loose skin and underlying soft tissues in both the face and the neck, Dr. Levine can help you choose a procedure, or combination of procedures, that can produce outstanding, long-lasting results.*

WHAT CAN A NECK LIFT DO FOR ME?*

Reduce the signs of aging in the neck

Tighten lax skin in the neck

Remove excess fat in the neck

Improve the appearance of neck “bands” or cords

Create a sharper, more defined neck line

Improve jaw line definition

Who is a good candidate for neck lift surgery?

Neck lift surgery may be an excellent option for people who wish to reduce fat, tighten skin, improve the appearance of banded muscles, and minimize the signs of aging in the neck.  Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss whether you are a good candidate for neck lift surgery. 

NECK LIFT AT A GLANCE
Procedure*	Recovery*	Post-Op Care*
Performed in our accredited in-office surgical facility	Go home same day	Most sutures removed in 5 days; sutures in hairline removed in 7-10 days
Surgery time approximately 2-5 hours	Back to work in 3-4 days if having liposuction only; 1-2 weeks if liposuction with surgery
Local, twilight, or general anesthesia,depending on extent of procedure	Light cardio 1-2 weeks
	More strenuous exercise in 3 weeks

Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?

A neck lift is often combined with a facelift, neck liposuction, and chin augmentation for maximum rejuvenation.  A neck lift may also be combined with other procedures, such as eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), browlift, laser skin resurfacing, fat grafting, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. These cosmetic procedures can be performed before, during, or after your neck lift surgery. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedures or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs. 

How is neck lift surgery performed?

There are several approaches that may be taken for neck lift surgery, depending on the specific needs and anatomy of the patient.  In cases of mild excess fat, neck liposuction alone may be indicated.  Mild skin laxity can be addressed with a combination of skin redraping and liposuction.  When there is significant excess skin and laxity, as well as prominent muscle banding in the neck, a neck lift with platysmaplasty may be performed, with or without liposuction as needed.  During the neck lift procedure, fat may be removed, soft tissue and muscles may be tightened, and excess skin trimmed and then repositioned.  Dr. Levine takes meticulous care to ensure that incisions are well-concealed in inconspicuous places or within natural creases.   Dr. Levine will discuss with you which neck lift techniques will best suit your specific needs.   

How can I prepare for neck lift surgery?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your neck to determine fat distribution, skin quality, and muscle condition.  He will inspect overall facial and neck line contours, including jaw line definition and the role of the chin in the overall profile. He will help you determine the best procedure, or combination of procedures, to meet your specific needs. He will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery.  He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have. 

What type of anesthesia will be used?

We recommend local, twilight, or general anesthesia for neck lift surgery, depending on the extent of the procedure.  You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs. 

What should I expect during neck lift surgery?

Neck lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).  The length of your procedure will depend on many factors, but on average, the procedure usually takes about 2-5 hours.*  After your procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery.  While some patients may elect to go home the same day with a friend or family member, we offer a number of recovery options, depending on your specific wishes.  For example, we can arrange for private nursing care for your first night after surgery, whether you choose to recover at home, at one of the Upper East Side luxury hotels near our office, or here in our comfortable office suites.  We would be happy to assist in making whatever arrangements suit you best.  

What can I expect after neck lift surgery?

Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs.  In general, you may expect to have mild to moderate swelling and bruising for 1-2 weeks after your procedure.*  Most patients report only mild discomfort after the surgery.  At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home.  We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery.  Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being. 

Is there anything I can do before and after my procedure to maximize results?

One of the many wonderful qualities that sets us apart at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC is our ability to use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results.  With expertise in both plastic surgery and dermatology, Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine work together to help prepare, protect, and treat the skin before, during, and after your procedure.  As one of New York’s leading dermatologists, Dr. Jody Levine will customize a skincare regimen that includes pre-surgical measures to optimize your skin, as well as post-surgical skincare that can help prevent irritation, alleviate bruising and inflammation, and promote faster healing.   Unlike other practices, we include these unique pre- and post-surgery skincare packages as part of your surgical plan.  Our pre-surgery facials and microdermabrasion treatments help prepare your skin for surgery and ensure the best recuperation.  Post-operative packages include lymphatic massage with our skilled medical aesthetician in order to enhance circulation, support healing and improved immunity function, and leave the skin looking radiant and healthy.*  With our extensive array of lasers, we are able to provide post-surgical laser treatments to best accelerate your healing.  The Drs. Levine will be happy to discuss with you the best skincare approach for your specific needs. 

How can I find out more about neck lift surgery?

Dr. Elie Levine will be happy to meet with you to discuss neck lift surgery. Please call our office at 212-988-1800, or make an appointment online for a personal consultation in our New York City offices.