Some of us just have necks that age faster than the rest of our faces.
If you have sagging, crepey neck skin, a neck lift at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery may be the solution. By tightening the skin and muscles, our facial plastic surgery experts restore your sleek, youthful neck—and the confidence that goes with it.
Request A ConsultationWho Is a GoodNeck Lift Candidate?
A neck lift is typically reserved for patients with lax skin and sagging in the neck but who aren’t affected by jowling or significant facial aging. This procedure is most commonly combined with a facelift but can be performed on its own in certain circumstances. Candidates should be healthy non-smokers with loose skin limited to the neck area.
One of our board-certified plastic surgeons will evaluate your unique case during your consultation and determine which procedure is right for you.
Types of Neck Lifts
St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery offers 3 specialized neck lift options to meet your needs, whether you seek comprehensive rejuvenation or a subtle lift. Your surgeon will assess your skin’s quality, elasticity, and thickness to determine the most suitable facelift technique for your needs.
Lateral Platysmaplasty
This technique is standard for all neck lift procedures and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The incision is hidden in the natural contours and shadows in front of the ear and wraps around behind the earlobe before disappearing into the hairline at the base of the scalp. The surgeon tightens the neck muscles laterally and trims away excess skin.
Corset Platysmaplasty
In this procedure, the surgeon tightens the central part of the platysma muscles to create a better contour. It requires an additional incision below the chin.
Deep Plane Neck Lift
Both lateral and corset platysmaplasty surgeries can be ‘upgraded’ to a deep plane neck lift if there is significant skin and muscle laxity. In this more intensive approach, the neck muscle is released from the ligaments holding it in place. The platysma and its underlying tissues are then elevated and tightened for a more sculpted, youthful appearance.
Neck Lift Benefits
Patients choose neck lift surgery because it:
- Addresses aging in the neck
- Creates a sleeker contour
- Eliminates excess skin
- Tightens neck muscles
What Is Neck Lift Recovery Like?
Neck lift surgery typically requires drains to prevent fluid build-up (seroma). The drains and surgical dressings are typically removed the next day, and a lower profile jaw strap will be put in place. You will need to wear this for up to 2 weeks to manage swelling and support the healing process. We will generally remove the sutures after a week.
Swelling and bruising are common after surgery and should begin to improve after 3 to 4 days. Most patients need 1 to 2 weeks of recovery before they are ready to return to work or be seen in public. We will advise you on when you can safely resume all activities.
Neck Lift FAQs
Who performs the deep plane neck lift?
Dr. Deniz Sarhaddi is our resident expert on deep plane neck lifts for patients with severe skin laxity and visible aging in the neck.
How is a neck lift different from a facelift?
A neck lift targets sagging skin, fat deposits, and muscle banding in the neck, while a facelift focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and nasolabial folds. These procedures are commonly combined for a more comprehensive transformation.
Trust Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons for Your Neck Lift
A neck lift on its own or combined with a facelift can restore a more youthful appearance. If you would like to learn more about your neck lift options, request a consultation online with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons or call us at (636) 530-6161 to get started.
Request A Consultation