Category Neck Lift

Neck and facial aging often occur in tandem for most people. Facial aging includes sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and loose jowls. The neck also shows signs of aging. This includes horizontal lines, banding, and sagging skin. These signs of aging can be accelerated by excess phone usage, often referred to as “tech neck.” A face lift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face. A neck lift addresses the neck from the chin down. You may wonder, can you combine a neck lift with a facelift? Below you will find helpful information about both procedures and why they are right for you.

Can You Combine a Neck Lift with a Facelift?

Aging rarely affects the face or neck alone. In fact, they often develop at the same time. This is because the skin on the neck and face is often exposed to the sun. Patients often wonder if they can combine cosmetic procedures. Many patients pursue more than one procedure at a time. This is especially beneficial when you combine a face lift and a neck lift. Undergoing two treatments during a single surgery offers convenience, cost savings, and one unified recovery period.

Combining the two procedures offers comprehensive results. The neck and lower face share connected muscle and skin structures. Treating both areas together produces smoother, more natural-looking results. A face lift addresses sagging jowls and improves the jawline. A neck lift addresses loose skin, banding, and fullness beneath the chin. Combining both results blends the results seamlessly. Without both procedures, the results can often appear as a mismatch.

Why Choose to Combine Cosmetic Procedures

Choosing to combine procedures comes with several advantages. These are both practical and aesthetic. If you are interested in combining a face lift and neck lift at the leading plastic surgery center, consider the following benefits.

One Recovery Period

Undergoing two procedures separately means two rounds of downtime, swelling, and restricted activity. Combining a neck lift with a face lift condenses recovery into one single period. This is especially beneficial for those with busy lifestyles. The recovery process after the combined procedures is roughly two weeks. Each patient is uniquely different, so times can vary. Swelling and bruising subside within the first few weeks as well. Getting a neck lift and face lift at the same time cuts your recovery time in half.

Cost Advantages

Scheduling one combined surgery often reduces overall costs. Two separate procedures involve two facility fees, two anesthesia fees, and two surgical fees. When you combine two cosmetic procedures, it reduces the overall cost by a substantial amount. It also reduces the total amount of time you need to take off work for surgery and the recovery process. This is a meaningful consideration for patients balancing surgery with their career and family responsibilities. Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown before surgery.

Balanced Results

Blending both procedures into one surgical plan helps the neck and lower face heal along a similar timeline. This creates a more unified, natural transition between the lower face and neck. Patients report a boost in their self-confidence due to their results. Undergoing the surgeries separately often leaves the face and neck looking dramatically different. This defeats the purpose of the results, which is taking years off your look.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

The first step in moving forward with getting combined cosmetic surgery is scheduling a consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon. They can assess your neck and facial anatomy to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The surgeon will review your medical history and assess your current health. Any medical conditions must be well-managed before surgery. You must also be a non-smoker. If you do smoke, let your surgeon know right away. You will need to stop smoking before and after surgery.

Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, you can move forward with scheduling your consultation. The surgeon will provide you with pre-operative instructions. It is important to read these as soon as you get them. You should also follow those instructions exactly, so you are prepared on the day of your surgery. You may need to stop taking certain medications or supplements. If you have any questions before surgery, consult with your surgeon right away.

Leading Plastic Surgery Center

Combining procedures provides comprehensive results that leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated. If you are interested in cosmetic surgery, contact Dr. Brent and his team today to schedule your consultation! 

The neck is one of the first places the body shows its age. The skin there is thinner than almost anywhere else on the face and body. The neck is often in motion, which can cause fine lines, wrinkles, banding, and skin sagging. Compared to the face, the neck also tends to get far less attention when it comes to sun protection and skincare. Many people forget to moisturize and protect their necks. You may wonder, what causes skin sagging? Below you will find helpful information on the causes and treatment options for the signs of aging on the neck.

What Causes a Sagging Neck?

The signs of aging on the neck can make you look much older than you are. This is true even if your face looks much younger. It is a telltale area that gives away your age. This is because a thin, sheet-like muscle supports the neck. It is referred to as the platysma. This runs from the chest to the jawline. Directly above the platysma is a layer of fat.
On top of that is the skin itself. When these layers function properly, the neck appears smooth, firm, and youthful. However, changes to just one of them can impact your entire neck. Several factors can change the appearance of the neck. In many cases, a neck lift is the most effective way to address the issue.

Loss of Collagen and Elastin

Collagen and elastin are important proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful-looking. As early as your 20s, the production of both proteins begins to decline. This continues as you get older. Collagen provides structure and support to the skin. Elastin allows the skin to bounce back after being stretched. The loss of collagen and elastin impacts the neck, as the skin in the area is naturally thinner. It also has fewer oil glands than facial skin. As a result, the neck loses elasticity and moisture much more quickly. You may notice that the skin becomes loose, creased, or crepey as you get older.

Loosened Muscles

Over time, the platysma muscle weakens. This can begin to separate along the midline of the neck. When this happens, the muscle’s edges become visible. You may notice vertical bands down the front of the neck. These can become really noticeable when you smile or talk. These cannot be addressed with topical skincare products; they are a muscle issue. Cosmetic surgery is the most effective way to address the signs of aging.

Fat Accumulation

A double chin can weigh down the neck, leading to sagging. Fat can accumulate due to weight gain. However, it can also develop in people who are at a healthy weight. This is often due to genetics. No matter the cause, excess fat can affect the skin on the neck. Once present, it is often difficult to get rid of. Double chin fat is often resistant to diet and exercise. Cosmetic surgery is the most effective way to improve the neck area.

Sun Exposure and UV Damage

Sun damage is one of the most harmful things for your skin. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays accelerates skin aging. UV damage breaks down the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. This leads to premature skin laxity and uneven texture. Many people often forget to apply sunscreen to their neck, even if they apply it to their face. Over time, this can affect how the neck looks. Sagging skin on the neck is one of the most common problems caused by this.

Treatment for a Sagging Neck

The type of treatment that is right for you depends on how significant the neck changes are. Additionally, the cause can play a factor in which treatment option is best. Working with a skilled surgeon at the top plastic surgery center is a must. The first step in addressing your sagging neck is scheduling a consultation. Mild cases may benefit from neurotoxin injections, which relax the neck muscles. Energy-based treatments that stimulate collagen production can also be beneficial. However, moderate to severe skin sagging requires surgical intervention. A neck lift is the most effective treatment option for permanent results. A skilled surgeon can assess your neck and determine the best course of action.

Leading Plastic Surgery Center

Natural aging and poor lifestyle habits can impact the appearance of the neck. If you want to rejuvenate your look, contact Dr. Brent Moelleken and his team today to schedule your consultation!