What Is the Recovery Time for a Neck Lift?

Are you concerned about how your neck looks every year you grow older? Many people say the eyes are the first feature to show the signs of age. However, the neck area is usually not far behind when it comes to the natural aging process. As the skin on our necks loses laxity and underlying muscles weaken, saggy skin and an accumulation of submental fat cells, or the dreaded "double chin," can begin to creep in. A neck lift is a popular body contouring procedure that can restore a more youthful profile and rejuvenate your appearance.

Read on to learn more about neck lift surgery , also known as a lower rhytidectomy and the recovery time you can expect from the board-certified plastic surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

The "turkey neck" issue

The dreaded "turkey neck" is a term used to describe how an individual's neck may look like the wattle on a turkey. It is a common issue with age, especially for women as they enter their 40s and 50s. The neck area comprises a band of muscles called platysma muscles, which lose elasticity and become less taut. As those muscles in the front and back of the neck begin to be less tight, saggy skin can start to appear. Other lifestyle factors that cause changes are excessive sun exposure or extreme weight loss, which can alter the skin on the neck area.

What is a neck lift?

Even though women are more prone to this cosmetic issue, men in Jacksonville, FL, can also struggle with sagging skin in their neckline or excess fatty tissue under the chin area. A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that can provide dramatic results. Healthy, nonsmoking adults concerned about how their neck area looks due to age, weight loss, or other factors can turn to this cosmetic surgery to achieve a more rejuvenated, smoother profile. In some cases, a neck lift procedure may require liposuction to remove excess fat and further contour the neck area for optimal results. After an initial consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, we will devise a surgical plan for your neck lift procedure.

Neck lift recovery (time), and what can I expect?

It can take several weeks for the swelling to subside entirely and to see your full results from a lower rhytidectomy. Generally, you will need to take about two weeks off to rest and recover at home and are required to wear a chin strap continuously except when eating, showering, and cleaning the incisions. The strap helps fight the natural forces of gravity and helps improve any swelling. You can expect your neck to feel tight for a few weeks, along with slight bruising around the surgical area. If you have a strenuous or physically demanding job, you will need to be cleared to return before going back full-time. You may have to modify your work schedule to avoid heavy lifting and excessive twisting or bending of the neck.

Are you considering a neck lift in Jacksonville, FL?

The appearance of saggy skin in the neck area can make anyone feel self-conscious about their profile, and no amount of diet and exercise can change it. A neck lift is an excellent stand-alone procedure or can be done in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments, like a facelift, eyelid surgery, or chin augmentation, to give patients an overall restored look. If you are unsure if a neck lift is the best treatment for sagging neck or jowls or simply feel self-conscious about your profile, contact  our Jacksonville, FL office. At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons can determine the suitable cosmetic options to fit your needs so you feel more confident and excited about how you look again!