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A neck lift can trim excess skin, draw the platysmal bands taut, and reduce stubborn submental fat. In the hands of a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Farbod Esmailian of Orange County, California, a neck lift can enhance your self-image, restoring a sense of security and self-confidence.

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address signs of aging in the neck area. By removing excess skin, tightening the platysma muscle through platysmaplasty, and reshaping the contours of the neck, this procedure can rejuvenate your appearance and restore a youthful profile. Neck lift surgery is especially effective for reducing the appearance of loose skin, "turkey neck," double chin, and vertical neck bands. While a full facelift addresses aging in the face and neck, a neck lift focuses specifically on improving the neck area and jawline, making it ideal for patients whose aging concerns are isolated to this region.1

Benefits of a Neck Lift

Neck lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance both appearance and confidence. These include:

  • Reduction of Sagging Skin: Removes loose, excess neck skin for a smoother and more refined neckline.
  • Tightened Neck Muscles: Addresses laxity in the platysma muscle to improve firmness and contour.
  • Improved Jawline Definition: Reduces the appearance of jowls and enhances the transition between the neck and jawline.
  • Reduction of Neck Bands and Wrinkles: Smooths vertical banding and horizontal lines for a more youthful look.
  • Submental Fat Reduction: Combines well with liposuction to eliminate a double chin and sculpt the neck area.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Provides enduring improvements in skin laxity and contour.
  • Natural-Looking Results: Achieves a rejuvenated appearance without looking overdone.
  • Boosted Self-Confidence: Enhances satisfaction with one's image by restoring a youthful, defined neck contour.
  • Complementary with Other Procedures: Pairs well with facelift surgery or liposuction for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

A neck lift is a transformative procedure designed to harmonize the neck and jawline for a balanced, youthful appearance.

Why Choose Dr. Esmailian?

Dr. Esmailian in Orange County is a board-certified surgeon and authority in the field of cosmetic surgery, consistently delivering superior results that are both natural-looking and personalized. When performing a neck lift, Dr. Esmailian ensures that his changes are seamlessly integrated with the rest of the features and the face. His greatest wish is for patients to look just like themselves, only refreshed, revitalized, and reinvented.

Dr. Esmailian received his Medical Degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine before going on to complete a General Surgery Residency at the world-renowned University of Southern California. He then continued to hone and refine his skills with a Plastic Surgery Residency at the Indiana University Hospital.

He is an active member of the Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Who is a Candidate for a Neck Lift?

A good candidate for neck lift surgery is a healthy adult who is concerned about sagging skin, neck bands, or excess fat in the neck and jawline. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:

  • Good General Health: You are a nonsmoker or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery.
  • Specific Concerns: You want to address loose neck skin, a double chin, or jowls that affect your neck contour and jawline definition.
  • Adequate Skin Elasticity: Your skin retains enough elasticity to achieve natural-looking results after tightening.
  • Realistic Expectations: You understand the procedure's goals and have a clear vision of the potential outcomes.
  • Desire for Rejuvenation: You wish to achieve a youthful, more refined appearance in the neck and lower face.2

The best way to determine if you're a candidate is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Farbod Esmailian, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Orange County. During your visit, Dr. Esmailian will evaluate your unique needs and help create a personalized treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic goals.

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Preparing for Your Neck Lift

Preparing for neck lift surgery is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery. Your journey begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Farbod Esmailian, a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this appointment, Dr. Esmailian will assess your neck area, skin elasticity, and overall health, while discussing your goals and expectations. This is also the time to share your medical history, current medications, and any history of smoking or nicotine use.

Before the procedure, you may need to complete medical clearance, including blood tests, to confirm you are in good health for surgery. It's essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and certain medications like aspirin or blood thinners in the weeks leading up to your neck lift. These precautions minimize the risk of complications and promote optimal healing.

Dr. Esmailian will provide a detailed list of pre-operative instructions, including guidance on preparing your home for recovery. Be sure to arrange transportation to and from the procedure and secure help with post-operative care, such as meal preparation or errands, during the initial recovery period. Following these steps ensures you're fully prepared for your neck lift surgery and sets the stage for a safe, successful outcome.

The Neck Lift Procedure

Neck lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Dr. Farbod Esmailian, a board-certified plastic surgeon, will begin by reviewing your treatment plan to ensure the procedure aligns with your aesthetic goals.

The surgery involves making precise incisions, which are typically placed behind the ears, along the hairline and small incision under the chin to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, Dr. Esmailian will address the deeper structures of the neck, including tightening the platysma muscle to improve firmness and contour. Excess fat deposits, such as those contributing to a double chin or jowls, may be carefully removed using liposuction. Loose or sagging skin is then trimmed and repositioned for a smooth, youthful neckline.

The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures, and a compression garment is applied to support the neck area during the initial healing process. The procedure generally takes a few hours to complete, and patients will need to arrange for someone to drive them home and assist during the early stages of recovery.

Dr. Esmailian tailors each neck lift to the unique needs of his patients, ensuring natural-looking results that complement your facial features and restore confidence in your appearance.

Neck Lift Recovery

After neck lift surgery, you'll need to enlist the assistance of a friend, family member, or paid helper. This person will drive you home and care for you during the first 24 hours.

Once home, you'll need to rest with your head elevated for several days. Swelling, bruising, and soreness may be present, but Dr. Esmailian will make sure you are as comfortable as possible with prescription pain medications, antibiotics, and a thorough aftercare plan customized to your needs. Most patients find they can return to work and other normal activities within around 2 weeks, provided their job is not physically taxing. Rigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 weeks and will need to be cleared by Dr. Esmailian first.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you're ready to rejuvenate your neck and restore a youthful appearance, Dr. Farbod Esmailian is here to help. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Orange County, Dr. Esmailian specializes in customized neck lift surgery and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Whether you're addressing loose skin, neck bands, or excess fat, he will create a personalized treatment plan to meet your aesthetic goals.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and take the first step toward enhanced confidence and natural-looking results.

FAQs About Neck Lift Surgery

What is the recovery time for neck lift surgery?

Are there risks or complications associated with neck lift surgery?

Will there be visible scarring after neck lift surgery?

How long do the results of neck lift surgery last?

What is the cost of neck lift surgery near me?

Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a neck lift?

What is the recovery time for neck lift surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing factors. Most patients can return to work and normal activities after 2 weeks of downtime, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks to ensure optimal healing.

Are there risks or complications associated with neck lift surgery?

Like all surgical procedures, neck lift surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and scarring.3 Working with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and following post-operative care instructions can minimize these risks. Dr. Esmailian will review all potential risks and benefits with you during your consultation.

Will there be visible scarring after neck lift surgery?

While scarring is a natural part of the healing process, neck lift incisions are typically placed in discreet locations, such as behind the ears or under the chin. Over time, scars fade and become less noticeable, and additional treatments like laser therapy can further reduce their visibility.

How long do the results of neck lift surgery last?

The results of a neck lift are long-lasting, often maintaining their effects for 10-15 years. However, the natural aging process will continue, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prolong your results.

What is the cost of neck lift surgery near me?

The cost of neck lift surgery in Orange County, CA depends on the extent of the procedure and whether it's combined with other treatments. For personalized pricing, schedule a consultation with Dr. Esmailian. Financing options are available to help you achieve your goals while staying within your budget.

Can a neck lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients combine a neck lift with procedures like a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Non-surgical treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers can also enhance results. Dr. Esmailian can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a neck lift?

Non-surgical options like BOTOX®, dermal fillers, and laser treatments can address mild signs of aging, such as fine lines and skin laxity. However, these options provide temporary results and cannot achieve the comprehensive improvements of a neck lift.

1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Neck Lift. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/neck-lift/recovery. Accessed November 25, 2024.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for a neck lift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/neck-lift/candidates. Accessed November 25, 2024.
3 Mayo Clinic. Neck Lift. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/neck-lift/about/pac-20384583. Accessed November 25, 2024.

Page updated: December 17, 2024

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