As we age, our skin loses tone and begins to sag. However, skin frequently has tremendous ability to retract into a more youthful position. Even some relatively young patients prematurely age in the neck because of a laxity of the neck muscle and accumulation of fat in this area.
Liposuction can often relieve the neck area of unwanted fat, but your doctor may combine liposuction with tightening of the neck muscle as well to give a longer lasting result. This outpatient procedure is called platysmaplasty (Necklift Surgery) and may be performed with either "twilight" or general anesthesia. These procedures either performed together or as staged events, can dramatically reduce the signs of aging.
Sometimes only fat removal with liposuction is necessary and sometimes muscle tightening and skin removal behind the ears is necessary. Usually when combined with facelifting the skin and muscle is tightened after the fatty tissue is thinned. Dr. Mentz can help you make these decisions and with computer imaging the answers become more clear. Recovery times depend on the number of procedures performed. Stitches are removed in about one week, and any bruising or swelling will usually diminish within a month.
Necklift Price Range: $8,500 - $13,000+
Prices include the surgeon’s fees, the anesthesiologist and facility fees.
