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Neck Lift SF Bay Area
The neck can be one of the first areas of the body to show signs of aging. As we grow older, we can develop sagging jowls, a "turkey neck" with loose skin, or a "double chin." In younger patients, excess skin or fat in the neck may be genetic. A neck lift is a solution that removes excess skin while lifting and tightening the neck for a beautiful neckline.
At NorCal Plastic Surgery, serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Marin County, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Rankin specializes in creating natural-looking results that help you look as youthful as you feel.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a type of cosmetic surgery that contours and tightens the neck area. It can address sagging jowls, loose skin, excess fat, and the appearance of a "turkey neck" or "double chin."
Most non-surgical or minimally invasive methods of neck rejuvenation require more than one session to achieve results. With a neck lift, you can expect results to be immediate and enduring, lasting at least ten years.
Dr. Rankin performs a "Deep Necklift" focusing on contouring the deeper structures of the neck while leaving the more superficial, "youthful" fat unharmed. The neck is composed of different layers. As we age, we lose fat in the layer just under the skin, also known as subcutaneous fat.
A youthful neck is smooth and free of lines or veins. An older or "turkey neck" tends to have lines, veins, and bands. The difference between the two is the amount of subcutaneous fat. So while neck liposuction can temporarily improve the area for some patients, it can also accelerate the aging process.
A neck lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Learn More About Neck Lifts
A neck lift involves making incisions, typically hidden behind the ears and under the chin, to access the underlying muscles and tissues. Dr. Rankin uses advanced techniques to tighten the platysma muscle, remove excess fat, and redrape the skin for a smoother, more youthful contour.
The "Deep Necklift" technique focuses on the deeper structures of the neck, addressing the muscle bands and fat deposits that create an aged appearance while preserving the superficial fat layer that gives the neck its youthful appearance.
Many patients benefit from having complementing procedures such as a facelift, liposuction, or chin augmentation performed at the same time for optimal results.
Recovery can vary depending on whether you opt for just a neck lift or a combined face and neck lift procedure. Generally, recovery can take one to two weeks. After surgery, we use minimal post-operative dressings to create a more discrete recovery. We will give you detailed post-op care instructions to help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Many people are afraid of feeling a tightness in their neck after surgery. Over time, the natural elasticity of the neck helps any feeling of tightness to smooth and return to normal. There may be discomfort when healing from a neck lift, but typical pain scores are very low, around 1-2 on a 10 point scale.
There will also be some bruising and swelling associated with the procedure, which should resolve over the first two weeks. Some swelling may remain for up to a few months.
Candidates for neck lifts can be any age depending on whether there are concerns of fullness or aging. Candidates may also be individuals who have lost a dramatic amount of weight and are left with excess skin under the chin and on the neck.
Additionally, an ideal candidate should:
- Not smoke
- Not have any health conditions that may jeopardize the healing process
- Have realistic goals about what a neck lift can achieve
- Have excess skin or fat in the neck
Choosing the right surgeon for your neck lift has a profound impact on your final results. Dr. Timothy Rankin is widely known as one of the Bay Area's most skilled plastic surgeons, and the NorCal Plastic Surgery team will ensure a safe, positive experience. People choose Dr. Rankin for their neck lift because:
- Board-certified and trained in one of the world's most advanced plastic surgery programs
- An extensive history of superior results
- Conveniently located clinic and surgery center serving the San Francisco Bay Area
- Compassionate, person-centered care
Take the Next Step
Want to learn more about how a neck lift can help you gain more confidence in your appearance? Schedule your consultation with NorCal Plastic Surgery by calling our Marin County location at (415) 727-9666 or our East Bay location at (925) 966-3920.
You can also click the button below to book a consultation directly on our calendar.
Helping you achieve your cosmetic goals is an honor and a privilege at NorCal Plastic Surgery. We're proud to serve the greater San Francisco Bay Area with 2 locations, a North Bay/Marin County office in Tiburon, CA and an East Bay office in Walnut Creek, CA.
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