Neck Lift

A neck lift is the ideal solution for fullness and sagging skin in the neck, helping you achieve a refined jawline contour. A deep plane face lift and neck lift expert, Dr. J. Kevin Duplechain is a top facial cosmetic surgeon, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, and leader in the field of cosmetic surgery. Learn about this procedure and his technique below.

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, refines the contours of your neck and jawline, addressing issues such as sagging skin, a double chin, fine lines and wrinkles, and platysma bands (vertical lines).

Neck lift technique

Dr. Duplechain’s neck lift technique is multifaceted, usually including some combination of cervicoplasty, platysmaplasty, and liposuction. This means that the procedure removes excess skin, tightens stretched muscles, and eliminates stubborn fat deposits all within the same procedure, providing comprehensive, customized results. 

Excess skin and muscle is removed with a direct excision technique, then the tissue is redraped for a natural appearance—not overly tight or stretched—and secured with permanent sutures. During the liposuction portion of the procedure, a cannula is used to remove fat with suction, putting the finishing touch on your neck’s new, sculpted appearance.

Who is an ideal candidate?

You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if you…

• Notice sagging skin, excess fat, or signs of aging in the chin and neck
• Have realistic expectations and have discussed these with a qualified cosmetic surgeon
• Are in good health overall and either do not smoke or are willing to quit prior to the surgery

The best way to know for sure if a neck lift is right for you is to speak with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in a consultation, where we discuss your goals, review your health history, and decide if a neck lift is your best path forward. As an expert in skin aging and the available procedures, a cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Duplechain can guide you through your options and explain the results that you could expect based on your anatomy.

Comprehensive rejuvenation to enhance skin elasticity

Sometimes, a neck lift is just one piece of the puzzle. While a neck lift involves removing excess fat and skin, crepe-like skin texture and facial volume loss are equally influential signs of aging that may be addressed during face and neck procedures.

Skin texture treatments

Skin elasticity refers to the skin’s ability to stretch and then return to its original shape. This property is crucial for maintaining the skin’s firmness and youthful appearance. Skin elasticity is primarily determined by the quality and quantity of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, the skin’s middle layer. Collagen provides structure and firmness, while elastin gives the skin its elastic quality.

As we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to a reduction in skin elasticity. This results in the skin becoming looser, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Factors such as sun exposure, smoking, poor nutrition, and environmental pollutants can also accelerate the loss of skin elasticity.

In cosmetic and dermatological treatments, improving skin elasticity is often a key goal. This can be achieved through various topical treatments such as:

• CO2 laser skin resurfacing
• Medical-grade skincare with ingredients like retinol and AHAs
• Microneedling

These skin rejuvenation methods stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, thereby improving the skin’s elasticity and overall appearance. They can be combined with facelifts, brow lifts, or even non-surgical treatments like Botox® and fillers. This holistic approach supports a harmonious, natural-looking rejuvenation—and is the secret behind many of Dr. Duplechain’s highly refined before and after results.

Volume restoration with fat transfer

Facial fat transfer is also one of Dr. Duplechain’s favorite tools for adding back lost volume from aging during a facelift procedure. After performing a facelift, fat is harvested from the abdomen, flanks, or thighs using liposuction. Then, the fat is purified and injected strategically to fill sunken areas and support a youthful facelift result. 

Preparing for surgery

Before surgery, prepare by making sure there are no substances in your body that will affect your anesthesia. Additionally, make arrangements for help during recovery:

• Quit smoking well in advance
• Avoid certain medications that can increase bleeding risks
• Arrange for post-surgery transportation and care
• Take care of any errands, fill prescription medications, and arrange care for any children or pets, as needed

After-care and recovery

Following post-operative instructions is crucial to seeing beautiful surgical results, including wound care, medication adherence, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.

Most patients can resume normal activities within two weeks, with full recovery taking about six weeks. Your recovery timeline will be unique to you, but you will be able to get personalized advice from Dr. Duplechain at your follow-up appointments.

Risks and complications

While neck lift surgery is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of possible complications, including bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. Dr. Duplechain will discuss these with you during the consultation so you can make a fully informed decision. Be sure to disclose all medications, including non-prescription supplements, to avoid any dangerous reactions with medications or anesthesia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Lift Surgeries

Can I combine surgeries?

Yes, combining a neck lift with other procedures can yield comprehensive results, and it is most common to combine neck lift surgery with a lower facelift. We’ll help determine the best combination for your needs during the consultation. Dr. Duplechain is also an expert in providing facial cosmetic surgery procedures like rhinoplasty, eyelid lift, chin and cheek augmentation, and brow lift.

How long do neck lift results last?

A neck lift offers long-lasting results. With a healthy lifestyle and proper skincare, you can maintain your youthful appearance for years. Still, the natural aging process will continue. Most people say that a face and/or neck lift “turns back the clock” about ten years.

What kind of pain management will I have?

If you decide to undergo a neck lift with general anesthesia, you will be unconscious and won’t feel pain or remember the surgery. Patients who choose local anesthesia with sedation should not be in pain, but may feel some tugging sensations during the procedure. Post-surgery, expect some discomfort; we provide a comprehensive pain management plan, so follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.

What’s the difference between a neck lift and a lower facelift?

While both target aging signs, a neck lift focuses solely on the neck and submental area (below the chin), while a lower facelift targets the lower third of the face. Often, when we refer to a “facelift,” we are referring to a combination of these procedures since most patients require this approach for a balanced, natural-looking outcome.

Where are scars placed for a neck lift?

Your incisions and scars will be carefully hidden in the natural creases of your ears, beneath the chin, and/or within the hairline. 

Initially, the incisions may look pink and elevated, but with appropriate care, they should slowly blend to a shade almost identical to your natural skin tone in about a year. Strategic placement of the incisions helps in reducing visible scars. Further, adhering strictly to your surgeon’s guidelines for activity limitations and caring for the wound is crucial for optimal healing and minimal scar visibility. 

Should you observe any unusual changes in your incisions, it’s important to promptly reach out to your surgeon, as a smooth healing process is vital for achieving minimal scarring.

References »

Choi J, Hwang K. Modified Medial and Lateral Platysmaplasty. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2020. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006515.

Robenpour M, Fuchs Orenbach S, Hadash-Bengad R, Robenpour O, Heller L. The Wide Suture Suspension Platysmaplasty, a revised technique for neck rejuvenation: A retrospective cohort study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14001.

Rohrich RJ, Novak M. Male Face-Lift Finesse. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2023. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009839.
Quatela V, Montague A, Manning JP, Antunes M. Extended Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Flap Rhytidectomy. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2020.03.007.

Giampapa VC, Mesa JM. Neck rejuvenation with suture suspension platysmaplasty technique: a minimally invasive neck lift technique that addresses all patients’ anatomic needs. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2013.09.005.

Gerecci D, Floyd EM, Perkins SW. Incorporating Midline Platysmaplasty with Lateral Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System Facelifting. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2020.03.003.

Gonzalez R. Composite platysmaplasty and closed percutaneous platysma myotomy: a simple way to treat deformities of the neck caused by aging. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2009. doi: 10.1016/j.asj.2009.04.007. 

Fedok FG. Another Look at Platysmaplasty in Facelifting. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2020. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1714062.

Wu RT, Timberlake AT, Bruckman KC, Steinbacher D. Concurrent Platysmaplasty and Genioplasty Using a Novel Intraoral Approach. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2020. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006392. 

Meet face and neck lift expert, Dr. Kevin Duplechain 

If you’re ready to explore your neck rejuvenation options, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Duplechain in Lafayette. He is a renowned expert in deep plane facelift and neck lift techniques for more durable, natural-looking rejuvenation that raises tissues on a deeper level. Read more about the deep plane face and neck lift technique here »

We also accommodate out of town patients! Together, we’ll determine if you’re a good candidate and craft a personalized plan to achieve your aesthetic goals. Call (337) 456-3282 or contact us online today to get started!

Areas Served:

• Lafayette
• Baton Rouge
• Alexandria
• Lake Charles

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