A Beautiful Contoured Neck

Despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, our necks can have disproportionate, stubborn, localized fat deposits. This problem is common for many men and women and exists for several reasons, genetics being the largest reason. When we are born, we are genetically predisposed to collecting more fat in some parts of our bodies than others. This is why we are all shaped differently.

Additionally, a non-prominent jawline or chin seemingly makes it so that fat can naturally accumulate since there is less area to cover. This can be frustrating for many individuals since it’s the first place we notice fat settling when even a small amount of weight is gained.

Neck contouring alone is best suited for people who have extra neck fat and either neck skin that is not loose or neck skin that is loose but not hanging. The procedure safely removes excess fat and provides some tightening of the neck skin.

A neck lift performed by Dr. Greg Chernoff, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon in Indianapolis, maybe the best way for patients to achieve long-lasting and natural-looking facial and neck improvements.

What Is Neck Contouring with Liposuction?

Surgical contouring or liposculpting slims and reshapes specific problem areas by removing excess fat deposits. Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery in Indianapolis offers the safest and most effective method for surgical liposculpting called Tumescent Ultrasound Laser Assisted Liposuction. Dr. Chernoff uses a combination of endoscopic and advanced surgical techniques to promote rapid healing and recovery.

Neck contouring alone (without a Neck Lift) can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Chernoff begins by injecting your neck with tumescent fluid, which is a combination of saline, local anesthetic (similar to Novocain), and epinephrine, which helps constrict blood vessels, reduce bleeding, and prevent bruising. Tumescent fluid is not injected until you are asleep so that you will not feel the injections.

What Is A Surgical Neck Lift?

If patients have extra neck fat and hanging skin, then Dr. Chernoff will perform a Neck Lift to remove the excess skin and provide a smooth, contoured look. A Neck Lift may or may not require muscle repair or tightening of the platysma muscle, which is the long structure that runs vertically against the front of the neck. During your consultation, Dr. Chernoff will examine your muscle and tissue structure and determine if a Neck Lift is best to achieve your facial goals.

Preparing for Surgery

Prior to any surgical procedure, Dr. Chernoff recommends that all our patients read our "Patient Guide for Plastic Surgery". The guide explains important points that all patients should think about as they are considering a surgical procedure.

What Is The Neck Lift Recovery Process?

When Dr. Chernoff’s neck lift patients wake up from surgery, they will have a compression garment around the neck and jaw area. This garment promotes optimal healing and recovery.

Since each person is unique and our bodies respond differently to surgery, recovery times vary. Typically, after the surgery, your neck and jaw area may feel puffy. There will be some bruising and swelling for a few days. Cold compresses can help minimize swelling and reduce pain. Pain is relatively minimal. Taking arnica prior to the procedure can help, and your preoperative nurse will explain Dr. Chernoff’s recommendations.

The first couple days after neck lift surgery you will need to take it easy doing small tasks for short periods of time. Most of our patients return to work in 1-5 days, depending more on bruising than on discomfort. After the plastic surgery procedure, you will wear the compression garment around your neck and head for several days, or longer based on the amount of fat removed. You will have a few tiny incisions that heal inconspicuously. It may be a couple of weeks before you can return to strenuous activities like running or lifting heavy weights.

Procedures Often Combined With A Neck Lift

While a Neck Lift can be performed alone, most of Dr. Chernoff’s patients decide to combine a Neck Lift with other procedures such as Mini Facelift, Deep Plane or Full Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, Endoscopic Eyebrow Lift, Liposuction, or Breast Augmentation. During your consultation, we encourage you to discuss all your improvement goals. Dr. Chernoff, one of our Nurses, or our Patient Coordinator will discuss all options and combinations of procedures to help you reach your goals.

What’s the Difference Between a Neck Lift & Facelift?

When considering facial rejuvenation, it's essential to understand the distinctions between facelifts and neck lifts.

Neck lifts: Neck lifts focus on addressing excess skin, muscle laxity, and fat deposits in the neck area, resulting in a smoother, more defined neckline.
Facelifts: Conversely, facelifts primarily target sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowls in the lower face and jawline, offering a comprehensive solution for a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Chernoff tailors each procedure to your specific needs, ensuring personalized and effective results that enhance your natural beauty.

Are There Non-Surgical or Minimally Invasive Neck Lift Procedures?

There are a variety of procedures that are available at Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery to address neck contouring issues. Dr. Chernoff will advise you during your consultation if you are a good candidate for a Surgical Neck Lift with Muscle Repair, Ellevate Neck Contouring, Neck Liposuction, CoolSculpting and/or Kybella Injections.