One of the most common places to shows early signs of aging is the neck. The skin in this region is thin and when it loses elasticity, deep wrinkles and folds unfortunately develop. While this is an issue that everyone tries to prevent, it may be unavoidable due to genetics or drastic weight loss. Other aesthetic concerns may develop because of skin laxity, such as an obscured jawline or the appearance of a “double chin”.

Through a neck lift, Dr. Ashruf has the ability to tighten the skin and create a defined contour. Our patients who have undergone this procedure have been extremely satisfied with their results. For more information about this age-defying procedure, please contact our office in Hanover, Maryland today and schedule a consultation.

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure that corrects the inevitable signs of aging on the neck and jawline. Loose skin develops from different effects such as age and sun exposure. Also, patients who have undergone drastic weight loss may experience neck skin laxity. The skin, after weight loss, is often unable to tighten to the body’s new contour.

The loss of elasticity causes the skin to sag, leading to folds and wrinkles. Lax skin throughout this area can also create the look of a “double chin” and an indistinct jawline. These cosmetic concerns can add years to a person’s appearance and have a large affect on self-confidence. Patients who undergo a neck lift can combine the procedure with liposuction to remove any fat deposits. A facelift is another common additional procedure that provides comprehensive results.

Benefits of a Neck Lift

  • Defined jawline
  • Removal of lines and wrinkles caused by lax skin
  • Removal of the appearance of a double chin
  • Minimal and discreet scarring
  • Elimination of stubborn fat, when including liposuction
  • More youthful appearance
  • Heightened self-confidence
  • Easily combined with other procedures to provide comprehensive results

One of the best benefits a neck lift can provide is the number of years that are removed from a person’s appearance while still maintaining a very natural appearance. To find out more about neck lifts and how they can benefit you, please contact our office today and schedule a consultation with neck lift expert Dr. Salman Ashruf.

Neck Lift Vs. SmartSkin CO2 Laser

To treat cosmetic concerns on the neck, the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Center of Maryland offers both nonsurgical and surgical options. Depending on the amount and severity of the lax skin, wrinkles, and lines, Dr. Ashruf may recommend one treatment over the other; however, both procedures are very effective at treating skin on the neck that has lost elasticity.

A neck lift is the surgical option. This surgical procedure corrects severe skin laxity on the jawline and neck.

This surgery is best for patients who have a lot of excess skin and skin redundancy that need to be surgically removed. Although this procedure required incisions, they are camouflaged under the chin, along the bottom of the ears, or on the hairline.

For patients that do not need such corrective measures or would like to avoid a surgical procedure entirely, Dr. Ashruf offers the SmartSkin CO2 laser. This is an innovative laser technology that is designed to rejuvenate and tighten skin. This treatment will not only resurface damaged and aging skin, but it stimulates new collagen production to help improve skin quality even after the laser treatment is complete. This is done by using laser energy to heat the skin, therefore inducing collagen growth. However, this treatment is not ideal for patients that have a large amount of lax skin throughout the neck. It is best for men and women who are looking to fight the initial signs of aging or for patients who have undergone a neck lift want to maintain their results.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for a neck lift are men and women who are seeking treatment for lax, aging skin on the neck that has led to the development of unwanted lines, folds, and wrinkles. This treatment may also be beneficial for patients that have undergone drastic weight loss and are left with excess skin as a result. Patients who are considering this procedure should be in good health and have realistic expectations for the outcomes of the procedure. It is important that patients do not have any underlying health conditions that can negatively affect their healing process and final results. Patients will be required to obtain medical clearance from their primary doctor prior to their surgery.

Depending on the patient’s particular case, Dr. Ashruf may recommend additional or alternative procedures to ensure that they obtain their desired results. Patients that have excess fat on their neck may find it very beneficial to pair this procedure with liposuction or Kybella injections. Patients should be aware that a neck lift does not treat excess fat; it only addresses loose skin. To find out if you are a good candidate, please contact our office and schedule a consultation.

Consultation

During the initial consultation, Dr. Ashruf will ask the patient about their aesthetic concerns and what they would like to achieve through this procedure. Next, he will review the patient’s medical history, particularly reviewing any pre-existing conditions, routine medications, and prior surgeries. Dr. Ashruf will then perform a physical examination to identify the patient’s particular concerns and, if they are a good candidate, he will work with the patient to build a customized treatment plan that is tailored to their exact needs.

Before leaving the office, patients are given the option to schedule their procedure date, if they desire to do so.

Preparation

Once the neck lift procedure has been scheduled, the patient will be given a list of preparatory instructions to follow. Some of the instructions provided are:

  • Smokers must quit 3 weeks prior to their surgery
  • Refrain from taking any anti-inflammatory medication 2 weeks before the neck lift
  • Make arrangements for a ride home the day of surgery
  • The patient should prepare their home for their recovery stage to help provide convenience and comfort during healing

Any additional instructions that are based on the patient’s individual case will be provided by Dr. Ashruf after the initial consultation.

The Neck Lift Procedure

The neck lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. After the procedure, patients will be able to begin their recovery process in the comfort of their own home. Once asleep, Dr. Ashruf will make a subtle incision under the chin, along the ear, or on the hairline. Because the incision is made inside natural creases and borders, they are very unnoticeable. Through the incisions, he will reposition or remove tissue in the neck to create a better contour. The doctor will then remove the excess skin and pull the remaining skin taut. The incisions will be closed with sutures and the neck will be wrapped in a compression garment.

Recovery

Once the procedure is complete, the patient will be taken to the recovery area for a few hours before being released home. During this time, the patient will be given recovery instructions to follow in order to ensure optimal healing. The compression garment should be worn at all times during the recovery stage unless stated otherwise by Dr. Ashruf. This will help reduce swelling and bruising that can arise during recovery. Patients will be instructed to walk a minimal amount the night of their procedure to promote better circulation throughout the body and reduce any potential risk of blood clotting.

Patients should refrain from daily activities for several days following their procedure. Patients should be able to resume their everyday routines completely after about 2 weeks. For more strenuous activities, patients should wait about one month, unless stated otherwise by the doctor.

Once fully healed, neck lift patients will notice a very natural-looking improvement to the appearance of their neck.

They will see a large reduction in the amount of lines and wrinkles throughout the area, regaining a more youthful contour. Patients who have undergone this procedure in the past have been very happy with their final results. This procedure does not prevent further signs of aging from arising; however, patients can maintain their age-defying results by receiving recurrent skin rejuvenating treatments, such as SmartSkin CO2 laser treatments. Any additional options to maintain results can be discussed further during the initial consultation with Dr. Ashruf.

Pricing

The price of a neck lift will vary depending on the severity of the case and if any additional procedures will be combined with the neck lift to achieve the patient’s desired outcome. During the consultation, Dr. Ashruf will work with the patient to create a treatment plan based on their individual needs. Through this, he will be able to provide the patient with a custom neck lift quote. For patients who are looking to obtain a quote for this procedure, please contact Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Center of Maryland and request a consultation with Dr. Ashruf today!