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The impact of age and genetics on the neck

As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and collagen production decreases, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Genetics also play a significant role in how our neck ages. Some people naturally develop excess skin or fat pockets, resulting in a heavier appearance. These factors can make the neck appear older and less defined, often not reflecting how vibrant and youthful we feel inside. A neck lift can address these changes to restore a more youthful, contoured appearance.

A woman with a slim neck after a neck lift in Atlanta.

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to lift and remove sagging skin on the neck, resulting in a more youthful and natural-looking appearance. The procedure involves making discreet incisions below the chin and near the earlobes to address fat, bulky muscles, and large glands. By redraping the neck skin, a neck lift in Atlanta contours the jawline and rejuvenates the neck’s overall appearance. This surgery is tailored to each patient’s needs, offering significant benefits such as improved skin tightness, enhanced jawline definition, and increased self-confidence.

You may be a candidate for a neck lift if:

  • You have a loss of a well-defined jawline
  • You have loose, minimal to moderate skin in the neck
  • You are a nonsmoker, or are willing to stop smoking before surgery
  • You are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results
  • You are bothered by the appearance of “turkey neck”
  • You have noticed a gradual increase in neck heaviness over time
  • You want to improve your profile and the contour of your neck
  • You are looking to enhance your overall facial harmony

Neck lift can treat the following:

  • Loose, sagging skin in the neck
  • Prominent neck muscles (“turkey neck”)
  • Excess fat pockets below the chin and jawline
  • Loss of a well-defined jawline
  • Bulky neck musculature
  • Large submandibular glands that affect the neck contour
  • Heaviness in the neck, which creates an unflattering appearance in photos and in person
A slender woman after a neck lift in Atlanta.

What happens during your neck lift procedure?

During your neck lift in Atlanta, general anesthesia will be administered, and Dr. Moak will make discreet incisions below your chin and near your earlobes. Through these incisions, she will remove excess fat, tighten underlying muscles, and redrape the skin to achieve a more youthful contour. The procedure is performed in an operating room, and you’ll be placed in dressings and a head wrap afterward. You’ll spend a short time in the recovery room before a friend or family member drives you home to rest and recover.

What is the recovery following a neck lift?

After your neck lift, you can expect some pain, swelling, and bruising in the first few days. Dr. Moak will provide pain medication and detailed post-operative instructions to ease discomfort. The incisions typically heal within 2-3 weeks, and you can usually return to work in 1-2 weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for six weeks. The sensation in the neck may be reduced temporarily. Final results of your neck lift in Atlanta will become apparent after six months to a year.

Neck lift FAQs

Will a neck lift address sagging skin in the lower face?

No, a neck lift specifically targets the neck area. For sagging skin in the lower face, combining a neck lift with a facelift may provide optimal results.

Will a neck lift restore lost volume in the face?

No, a neck lift alone does not restore lost volume. Fat grafting or fillers can be used in conjunction with a neck lift to enhance overall results.

How long do the results of a neck lift last?

While a neck lift can provide long-lasting results, it cannot stop the aging process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine can help prolong the effects.

Be beautiful, thoughtfully

Dr. Teri N. Moak is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty with a thoughtful, personalized approach. She combines her artistic eye with medical expertise to deliver natural-looking results, whether through a facelift, neck lift in Atlanta, or other procedures, boosting your confidence and reflecting your inner vitality. Dr. Moak believes in celebrating differences and empowering you to feel your best, both inside and out. Embrace your unique beauty and take the first step towards a rejuvenated appearance. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Moak and discover the thoughtful beauty you deserve.

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