While facelifts and eyelid surgery continue to be popular anti aging cosmetic procedures, some people don’t need such extensive surgery to give their looks a lift. Neck reshaping procedures such as neck lifts and Thermage skin tightening treatments can help tighten and tone the neck area to create a youthful and toned look. 

Neck reshaping alone can make a drastic difference to the appearance, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, creating an even skintone and even removing excess fat. Some facial plastic surgeons use liposuction as part of the procedure to create a slimmer and more pronounced neckline. If you’ve been searching for a cosmetic solution that will enhance your appearance, here’s a close look at the benefits of neck reshaping:

Neck Reshaping Procedures

The neck lift is the most common procedure used in neck reshaping, a light surgery that involves minimal incisions and the steady pulling of the skin so that wrinkles disappear. Neck lift procedures are well-suited for both thick and thin skin, and can help reduce creping, fine lines and any patches of sagging skin. After extra skin is removed, the surgery is optimized by pulling the skin up and securing the tissues in place. The most common procedures that make up a neck reshaping treatment include:

Platysmaplasty – a procedure that manipulates and repositions neck muscles

Cervicoplasty – a procedure that removes excess skin Liposuction procedures are often part of the neck lift to get rid of excess fatty tissue or skin and create a slimmer and sculpted look. 

Liposuction for the face has become more accurate and safe in recent years, and turning to an experienced plastic surgeon can lower potential health risks involved with this delicate procedure.

How Neck Reshaping Works

Neck lift procedures are typically performed under local or general anesthesia, and most people can look forward to a rapid recovery rate. This cosmetic surgery is ideal for those with loose neck muscles that are causing ‘bands’ around the neck, or anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight and has excess skin and fat under the jawline. Neck reshaping is can be combined with other procedures such as the forehead lift, eyelid surgery and the conventional facelift. A less-invasive version of the neck lift is becoming an increasingly popular trend, and involves an endoscope to manipulate the muscles and skin tissues.

What to Expect After Neck Reshaping

While the recovery period after neck reshaping is slim, some at-home care can help speed up the recovery process. Ice packs, antibacterial ointment and gauze can be administered to promote healing and reduce the chances of infection at the incision site. Most people can recover completely within two weeks and can resume vigorous athletic activities or workouts within three weeks.

Results from surgery can be enhanced and maintained with skin tightening treatments such as Thermage. Thermage is a non-invasive skin tightening proedure that helps tighten and tone skin tissues, and can be a valuable way to maintain healthy skin for the long-term.

Learn more about necklifts and facelift surgery in our information guide, or consult with a facial plastic surgeon in your area to get started on your treatment plan.