What is a neck lift?

One of the tell-tale signs of aging is changes in the neck. Sometimes jowls form, or skin loses laxity and begins to sag, causing the dreaded 'turkey neck.' Other times neck banding, both vertical and horizontal, can occur. Or you develop a large collection of fat under the chin. Thankfully, these can be corrected with a cervicoplasty, or a neck lift. Dr. Miller eliminates jowls, fat, banding and loose skin during a neck lift and then contours the neckline into an elegant silhouette. A neck lift differs from a facelift, which rejuvenates the middle and lower face. A neck lift corrects only from the chin down.

What happens during a neck lift? 

Double-board certified Dr. Miller has been performing neck lifts for over two decades. Because of his extensive experience, he knows no two neck lifts are the same because no two people are the same. For some patients, liposuction of the area and the removal of excess skin is all that is needed. For others, correction of 'neck banding,' which is caused when the platysma muscle weakens with age, is vital for them to achieve a younger look. Dr. Miller carefully listens to each patient's goals and reviews their medical history before determining the best approach for their specific needs.

The neck lift procedure

A neck lift in New Orleans is a surgical procedure that takes about 2-3 hours to perform. The patient is put under sedation, and local anesthesia is applied; the patient is kept completely comfortable during the operation, and most have no memory of it once the sedation wears off. The next step is the placement of incisions. There are many different places incisions can be made, and this is determined by Dr. Miller based on the client's needs.

Typically, neck lift incisions are hidden in the hairline of the lower scalp; for some, incisions are placed behind the ears. Each part of a neck lift is unique and specific to the patient. Sometimes a neck lift is done in conjunction with a platysmaplasty (to reduce neck banding) or a facelift, which refreshes the midface and compliments a neck lift nicely.

Recovery from a neck lift

Recovery from a neck lift is similar to that of a facelift. You should plan to take 1-2 weeks off of work and your social calendar to focus on healing. Immediately following the surgery, you will stay under observation for one hour. Afterward, a relative, friend, or medical aide should escort you home. 

You will be given a special bandage and may have a tube attached for fluid drainage. It is essential to take it easy for the next few days and sleep with your head and torso elevated. Bruising and swelling are to be expected, and should subside in about a week or two. Some people experience numbing and tingling, but this is normal and will eventually stop.

It is important to avoid vigorous exercise, but light walks are okay. Dr. Miller will create a specific care plan for you that will include a personalized timeline for healing. A series of follow-up visits will be scheduled so Dr. Miller can ensure the healing process is going well.  

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Before & After

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Natural results 

In about 5-7 days, results will start to appear, though it takes 4-6 weeks for the neck to heal fully. Patients will look younger and have a more defined jawline. The changes will look natural and seamlessly blend in with the rest of your appearance.

There is no need to fear an unnatural or pulled look.  As Dr. Miller reminds patients, good plastic surgery is undetectable. To maintain long-term results, it is vital that patients take good care of their health and specifically their skin. Sun protection should always be used, and the patient should stay hydrated.

Should I get a neck lift?

There is no right age to pursue a neck lift, because people show signs of aging in their necks at different points. Some don't have any chin sagging well into their 50s, and others start showing signs in their late 20s. Genetics and skin care rather than age dictate the appropriate time for a neck lift. If you find yourself experiencing any of the below, consider talking to Dr. Miller about a neck lift in New Orleans.

  • Double or triple chin
  • Weak jawline, or absence of one altogether
  • A 'hanging' look to the face
  • Neck banding, horizontal or vertical
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Achieve aesthetic confidence with Dr. Miller 

Dr. Miller and his welcoming and lovely staff are here to help you achieve an ageless, empowered look. Dr. Miller is one of the most prominent facial plastic surgeons in the nation, and has spent almost three decades specializing in cosmetic procedures for the face and neck. He is meticulous, experienced, and consistently produces great results. Contact Dr. Miller's office today to schedule your free consultation.

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