Neck Lift in Baltimore, MD

Dr. Woodyard is an experienced neck lift surgeon offering Baltimore patients the opportunity to have a tighter, smoother neck. During a neck lift, excess fat may be removed using liposuction performed through small incisions behind the earlobes and under the chin. If the skin is loose and sagging, then skin is lifted, muscles are tightened, and the excess skin is removed through incisions placed behind  the ears. In some procedures an incision is also required beneath the chin.

A neck lift will address several issues including the removal of excess fat, the trimming of hanging skin and the tightening of loose neck muscles. An incision may be made under the chin, and in some cases, behind or in front of the ears. If fat removal is part of this surgery, liposuction will be the first step. Next, the neck muscles (platysma) are tightened and the overlying skin is re-draped with the excess being removed from behind, and in some cases, also from in front of the ears to achieve the desired definition. A drain is usually left in place overnight and removed the next day.

A neck lift is considered an outpatient procedure and may be performed under I.V. sedation or under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. This surgery typically takes 2 hours to complete, but that will vary by surgical case. After surgery, there will be some bruising and swelling. Patients will feel tightness and a pulling sensation as the neck adjusts to its new position. Most patients are able to return to work within 7-10 days or sooner. It can take several weeks-months for the optimal results to appear and for the neck to look and feel natural.

Loose skin within the neck is a distinct problem that can only be removed through surgery. Unfortunately, this is the only true way to redefine a person’s neck and add the necessary definition needed to improve the contour and profile.

A neck lift frequently requires an incision under the chin as well as around and behind the earlobes.  The incision usually extends along or into the posterior hairline. However, these are placed inconspicuously (within the hairline, behind the ears and under the chin) so looking straight ahead you will not see them. We make every effort during surgery to minimize visible scarring as much as possible.

Neck lifts are performed at a wide variety of ages.  Patients in their 50s, 60s and 70s often undergo a neck lift to cosmetically treat the visible signs of aging.  Younger patients may need the same procedure after considerable weight loss. Those at even younger ages  who wish to improve contour may simply require liposuction or liposuction and  limited muscle tightening through small incisions for optimal neck enhancement.

Some patients will have issues with their neck, but these problems may actually be compounded by a “weak chin.” Without the proper support of the chin bone, the neck isn’t able to have a defined contour. A chin implant procedure (genioplasty) may be recommended to reshape the chin and make it wider or more prominent. This can have a great impact on the neck for many patients. This surgery requires the skill of an experienced surgeon. A neck lift may still be needed once the chin deficiency has been corrected and can be performed at the same time.