Recontouring the neck can create a dramatic improvement to a person’s profile and overall facial symmetry. A neck lift is among the many cosmetic procedures performed at Keller Plastic Surgery by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory S. Keller. This renowned clinic serves residents of Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills, although we have patients who come from all across California to seek treatment.
For patients who are interested in neck rejuvenation, Dr. Keller uses the most advanced techniques to ensure long-lasting results. If you would like more information on what is involved in a neck procedure, and how long these results will last, keep reading.
Expect Lasting Results with Neck Rejuvenation
Lifting the neck can create a symmetrical and youthful appearance that can last for many years. This is a procedure that will tighten sagging skin in the neck and remove jowls or a double chin. While the results will not be “permanent” since no one can stop the aging process, patients can expect their newly toned and youthful jawline to continue looking this way for anywhere from 10 to 15 years – perhaps even longer if genetics and a healthy lifestyle are on your side.
The neck is among the first parts of the body to show its age, and is particularly prone to creases and sagging. Some people begin to show signs of aging in their neck as early as their 30’s. If you are in the earliest stages of neck aging, you might only need a non-invasive treatment as opposed to surgery. While the effects will not be as dramatic or long-lasting, this can be a good option for younger patients.
How Long Do Non-Invasive Options Last?
Our practice offers several non-surgical rejuvenating options that can create a more youthful neckline. While these options can be very effective for those patients who do not require as dramatic a result, it is also true that the effects will not last as long. Depending on the treatment you are having done, results can last anywhere from one to five years. With little to no downtime, this can be an attractive option for many.
Extending Your Results
Whether opting for a surgical or non-surgical approach, you do have some power to extend the results. Taking meticulous care of your skin, using high-quality skin care products, engaging in healthy lifestyle habits, and avoiding drastic weight fluctuations can all help to preserve the more youthful appearance you gained during your treatment. Having occasional non-invasive “tweaks” can also help to preserve your results.
Taking a Closer Look at Neck Lift Options
A traditional surgical neck lift is a procedure that significantly tightens the neck and chin area, removes fatty deposits and sagging skin along the jaw line, and eliminates the “turkey neck” effect that many people experience as they age. This is the option that will guarantee the longest lasting results possible. While a longer recovery is required, many patients feel that this is a small price to pay to see significant, long-lasting results.
While a surgical lift can address all issues associated with neck aging on a semi-permanent basis, some patients prefer to start with less invasive techniques before resorting to surgery. Non-surgical options have really come a long way in recent years and can produce incredible results. Deciding to have surgery later can always remain an option, but you may be able to defer surgery by many years using other techniques.
Non-Invasive Treatments
For patients who only need a minimal improvement, injectables such as Botox and Kybella can do wonders. Botox can temporarily relax the neck to reduce the appearance of neck bands, while Kybella can be injected to dissolve the fat deposits that can detract from an attractive neckline.
Fat freezing (CoolSculpt) is another treatment that can help to reduce fatty pockets around the neck without surgery. Alternately, heat can also be used for the same purpose. Radiofrequency treatments (Tru-Sculpt) can heat and melt away neck fat. This amazing treatment also tightens the skin. It can be used with or without micro-needling, if additional skin tightening is desired.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
Going from non-invasive to minimally invasive is a small leap that can add longer-lasting results. FaceTite is a popular treatment that requires only local anesthesia. As the name suggests, it can lift and tighten the appearance of both the face and neck, with results that can last up to five years.
Our practice also offers Ellevate and Trampoline Platysmaplasty. These treatments are designed to lift and tighten the neck and jowls, using a scarless suture technique. This is a treatment that can be used in combination with other techniques, such as FaceTite, with results lasting five years or sometimes even longer.
When a Surgical Lift is Recommended
While a surgical neck lift does require a longer recovery, it can create a more dramatic improvement if that is what you’re looking for. A patient who has significant sagging, loose skin, and fat accumulation around the neck would likely be better served by a full surgical lift. Dr. Keller performs countless neck lifts each year with incredible results, so this is certainly not a procedure to be afraid of. With results that last longer than a decade, surgery can be worth it.
Combining Procedures
Some patients wish to combine their neck surgery with other procedures, which in most cases is fine. While you might require a slightly longer recovery period, this can be a very efficient way to address multiple issues with one surgery. Most typically, patients request either a full or partial face lift at the same as their neck procedure, but other procedures can be considered as well. Your options can be discussed during your initial consultation.
What Recovery Will Look Like
While less invasive treatments using a topical or local anesthetic should only require minimal (if any) downtime, if you have determined that surgery is your best option, you will have to allow approximately three weeks to complete the recovery process and to see final results.
Having someone to drive you home and stay with you for a couple of days after surgery is important. You will feel very tired as the effects of the general anesthesia wear off. Taking good care of yourself and closely following the doctor’s instructions after you get home will make a big difference in having a quick and successfully recovery.
How to Speed up Healing
Having a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluid, and avoiding smoking and alcohol will all help to make your recovery process as seamless as possible. Proper incision care is also important. At your follow-up appointments, the doctor will examine your incision points to make sure they are healing well. A topical ointment may be prescribed to speed healing.
Even if you are feeling more like yourself a few days after your procedure, it is still important to get plenty of rest and not push yourself. Going back to work too soon or trying to do too much around the house can cause a setback. Be sure to make plenty of time to put your feet up and relax.
When To Expect Final Results
While you can expect to feel much better by the second week of your recovery, it might take three or four weeks before you can see the final outcome of your procedure. This is completely normal. You will be closely monitored by the doctor during your follow-up visits to make sure you are on the right track and everything is healing nicely. Remember that everyone heals at a different rate — it is the end result that matters!
Once the recovery process is completely over, you will have a neck that is lifted, tightened, and toned, with a much more youthful and symmetrical profile. Since the neck is one of the parts of our body that shows our age the most, lifting this area can have a very dramatic anti-aging effect. With proper self-care, you can expect these results to last for at least ten years.
Are You Ready To Turn Back the Clock on Your Neckline?
Any healthy adult who is interested in reversing the signs of aging in their neck area could benefit from the treatment options available at our practice. To determine if a neck lift or other non-surgical option might be right for you, contact us today at Keller Plastic Surgery in Santa Barbara, CA. We can help you to look and feel your very best.
