While many of us diligently apply sunscreen and skincare products to the face, we often neglect the neck. Even with the best care, this delicate area is susceptible to signs of aging. Dr. Karen Leong performs neck lifts in order to restore a firm, youthful neckline.
What is a Neck Lift?
Loose skin and fat around the neck can begin to develop at almost any age, especially if you are genetically inclined to it. A neck lift is a procedure that removes excess fat and tightens loose skin. Almost anyone with a double chin or “turkey neck” can benefit, and both men and women regularly seek Dr. Leong’s expertise in this procedure. While a neck lift has dramatic results alone, it combines well with other procedures and treatments for complete rejuvenation.
Am I a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
People considering neck lift surgery should be in overall good health and have reasonable expectations. Good candidates for a neck lift want to address laxity and fullness under the chin and around the neck. Neck lift surgery is recommended for individuals with enough excess fat or skin that non-surgical methods are not sufficient. Dr. Leong works with each candidate to develop a clear understanding of their goals and expectations.
What Happens During Neck Lift Surgery?
A neck lift is performed under IV sedation on an outpatient basis. Dr. Leong begins neck lift surgery with incisions hidden around the ears and sometimes one in a crease under the chin. She may use liposuction to remove excess fat before lifting and tightening the skin. She will also tighten the muscles to enhance the angle of the neck and chin. The incisions will be nearly impossible to notice when healed.
What is Recovery Like After a Neck Lift?
Most people find that neck lift recovery goes smoothly and involves only minor discomfort. You may have some swelling and bruising that lasts for a few days to a few weeks. Depending on the extent of your procedure, Dr. Leong will advise you on when you can resume normal activities. Residual swelling can last up to a few months, and you will see your final shape and definition emerge as it fades.
What Other Treatments Can I Have With a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a definitive treatment for significant amounts of loose skin in the neck area. Dr. Leong may recommend combining your neck lift with other treatments to address other concerns. Treatments that combine well with a neck lift include:
Renuvion®
Renuvion® works under the skin to trigger the contraction of collagen fibers. Using a combination of radiofrequency (RF) energy and cold helium plasma provides immediate and long-lasting improvements in skin laxity and neck contouring.
Liposuction
A neck lift alone works well for loose skin, but those with neck or submental (under the chin) fat can often benefit from liposuction. Dr. Leong can perform liposuction with a neck lift to give you slimmer, more sculpted results.
Other Procedures
If you have signs of aging in the neck area, you may also notice them on your face. A neck lift combines well with many other procedures including a facelift to address the mid-face and jaw, an eyelid lift to brighten and rejuvenate the eye area, and a chin implant to improve your lower facial contours.
Non-Surgical Options
Laser resurfacing and chemical peels can address a wide range of skin concerns including hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dullness. When used on the neck, it can make skin look smoother, clearer, and more even-toned.
Hyper-dilute Radiesse is a bio-stimulatory filler that can treat mild sagging and laxity of the neck. It is Dr. Leong’s treatment of choice for horizontal necklines (tech neck). This in-office procedure has no downtime and minimal bruising. You may need more than one treatment to achieve your desired results but these results will last up to 2 years.
Had a consultation with Dr. Leong for a couple of concerns I had. Dr. Leong spent at least an hour in the room with me addressing my concerns, explaining the procedures, discussing what needed to be completed, reviewing the different steps and phases for the surgeries, and answered all my questions. She gave additional options that would work well for my specific needs. I will definitely be having the procedures done by Dr. Leong later in the year and I’d highly recommend her! By far the best Plastic Surgeon in the area and best consultation I’ve ever had with a doctor.
-L.B.
Take the Next Step
To make an appointment with Dr. Karen Leong, call us at (949) 844-8999 or fill out the consultation form below.