Micro Neck Lift
With age, the skin hangs and creates a “waddle” that may require a surgical procedure to correct and tighten the skin in the area. A micro neck lift is performed on people who have lost a significant amount of weight or endure decreased amounts of elasticity in the lower portion of their face and neckline.
What is a Micro Neck Lift?
When people get older, the skin hangs and creates a “waddle” or turkey neck that may require a surgical procedure to correct and tighten the skin in the area. A micro neck lift is performed on people who have lost a significant amount of weight or endure decreased amounts of elasticity in the lower portion of their face and neckline. Because it is much less invasive than a neck lift, it is often preferred and even performed in conjunction with other procedures to develop a more defined jaw and neckline as well as create a younger appearance.
Benefits
Micro neck lifts are chosen by those who want a more contoured neck and jawline but do not want to endure long recoveries. They also provide the following benefits:
- Less invasive than a traditional neck lift
- Shorter recovery
- Bruising, swelling, and scarring minimal and easily concealed
- Relatively shorter procedure
What To Expect After
After the procedure is done and you are allowed to leave, it is important that someone stay with you for the first 24 hours until the anesthesia has completely worn off. Although the pain and discomfort are much less than with a traditional neck lift, there may be some that is easily treated with pain medications. Bruising and swelling are also decreased but still require some downtime to allow them to diminish. You can expect to spend a week away from work and other daily activities as well as several weeks off from any strenuous activities or heaving lifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A MICRO NECK LIFT?
A: The ideal candidate for a micro neck lift has excess skin around the jawline especially where it meets the neck but does not need a full-blown neck lift procedure. While many opt for injectables such as Kybella® to treat this imperfection, others decide to have a micro neck lift to accomplish their desired look.
Q: HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A MICRO NECK LIFT?
A: Just as with any other plastic surgery procedure, preparing for a micro neck lift involves detailed pre-op instructions provided to you during your consultation. We typically ask you to undergo a pre-op checkup with your primary care physician to be sure you are healthy enough for your micro neck lift. On top of that, we suggest you stop smoking a few weeks before and after your surgery. Also, you should avoid medications and supplements that thin the blood and arrange for help during the first couple of days after surgery.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE APPOINTMENT?
A: Since your micro neck lift is considered to be less invasive and extensive than other plastic surgery procedures, it is often performed under a local anesthesia with sedation (twilight). The incisions are usually made behind the ears or under the chin. At that point, the skin is pulled tightly to smooth it out and create a more contoured neck and jawline. If necessary, the neck muscles may be altered as well. Once that is done the excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed. Dressings and bandages are applied to provide protection and support to the area during the initial healing.
Q: HOW LONG DOES A MICRO NECK LIFT PROCEDURE TAKE?
A: The time varies based on whether the procedure is done on its own or in combination with another procedure such as a mini facelift. It typically takes about two to three hours.
Q: WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?
A: The results are somewhat noticeable immediately following your micro neck lift. As the swelling continues to diminish and eventually goes away, the results are more noticeable.
Q: HOW LONG WILL MY MICRO NECK LIFT RESULTS LAST?
A: As long as you take care of your skin and follow a good skin care regimen that may involve dermal fillers and injectables, the results last a long time.
Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF A micro neck lift?
A: The cost of a micro neck lift varies based on the extent of the procedure and if it is done in conjunction with other procedures. During a consultation, we go over the cost along with payment options and financing through CareCredit®.
Q: WILL I HAVE SCARS AFTER?
A: The scars from a micro neck lift are minimal since the incisions are small and well hidden. They are barely visible, if at all, and can be camouflaged with makeup until they diminish over time.