Introduction to Necklift

We’ve all heard the term “Turkey Neck”, and unfortunately it’s never used in a flattering way. The cause of this appearance is often due to the neck muscles becoming weak and your skin losing elasticity. While age and excessive sun exposure are the main culprits, other factors such as extreme weight loss can create lax skin. At the Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, Dr. Nicholas Nikolov offers his patients Necklift surgery as a way to get rid of this appearance and have a more rejuvenated look.

Hand on Chin | Neck Lift| Dr. Nikolov

What is Necklift?

Modified neck lift with Platysmal Plication, also called submental lipectomy or submental platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing the localized fat deposits under the chin. It also tightens the platysma muscle further defining the neckline. Fat found deep in the platysma muscle may also require removal as well as weakening some of the deeper muscles (the anterior belly of the digastric muscle).

Submental platysmaplasty is performed through a small incision under the chin. The procedure significantly improves the neck and jawline by making them look tighter.

What are the Benefits of Necklift?

Our Beverly Hills Necklift patients have enjoyed the following benefits from their surgery:

  • Accomplishes what diet and exercise cannot
  • Improves confidence and self-esteem
  • Less excess skin
  • Minimal scarring
  • Rejuvenates your appearance
  • Short recovery period
  • Smoothens skin
Hand on Neck | Neck Lift | Dr. Nikolov

What’s the First Step?

If you are interested in getting a Necklift in Beverly Hills with Dr. Nikolov, the first step is to schedule a consultation. When you come in for this appointment, you will be able to express your desires for the outcome of your procedure, ask any questions, and receive a neck examination. After Dr. Nikolov takes all of this information into consideration, he may recommend surgery, which involves making cuts under your chin or behind your ears, or both to access a neck muscle called the platysma. Sometimes, that may even mean removing some muscle.

Dr. Nikolov will discuss what type of anesthesia will be used prior to surgery. If you and Dr. Nikolov decide to go through with the neck lift procedure, our Patient Coordinator will help you pick a surgical date and then provide you with a list of instructions you will need to follow before your surgery. Following these directions will help prevent potential risks during your procedure and recovery.

What to Expect on the Day of Necklift

First, anesthesia will be administered. Submental platysmaplasty can be done either under IV sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your preference or Dr. Nikolov’s recommendation. For minor submental chin reduction, regional anesthesia may be sufficient.

Next, a submental incision will be made to tighten the platysma muscles. Depending on the technique and the degree of lifting required, additional incisions may be made during the procedure.

The platysma muscles lose their support as you age. Using sutures, these muscles are sewn back together and tightened. Small pieces of the muscle might be removed or a laser-assisted tightening device might be used on the skin to improve the overall outcome of the procedure. Excess skin will be trimmed away to match the new muscle structure.

Finally, incisions will be closed using dissolving sutures. A drain might be placed before bandaging the wounds.

Newer procedures may let Dr. Nikolov make smaller cuts and use an endoscope (a small camera attached to a thin tube) to complete your surgery. Make sure you ask Dr. Nikolov for all your options during your consultation.

Who are the Best Candidates for Necklift?

The best candidates for a Necklift are patients with an age range of 20 to 55 years and whose angle from the chin to the neck is blunted due to excessive amount of fat or the positioning of some of the underlying vessels. There may be also bands in the neck which are a result of the shortening of the platysma muscle under the skin due to aging.

*The Modified Necklift (Submental Lipectomy with Platysmal Plication) should significantly improve the above-mentioned problems. A chin implant may also be helpful to enhance the esthetic outcome when a receding chin is encountered.

Woman in Towel | Neck Lift | Dr. Nikolov
Necklace | Neck Lift | Dr. Nikolov

Necklift Recovery

You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days. Lipectomy recovery time usually takes around five to seven days.

Dr. Nikolov will provide you with instructions about post-operative care. He’ll discuss proper hygiene, diet, and any prohibitions to your activities after surgery. There will be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities during your neck lift recovery time. Again, these instructions will vary, especially if another procedure was performed along with your surgery.

During the recovery period, it’s normal to experience some temporary difficulty when moving your head back and forth. Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck.

Swelling is sometimes significant immediately following surgery, usually peaking for 24 to 48 hours. Although most of the significant swelling will subside after several days.

As you’re healing, your activities and diet will be restricted. You will need to take great care in following the diet restrictions. This will make a big difference in how quickly you heal and how to keep bruising and swelling to a minimum. You should be aware that your ability to move your neck will be restricted since you will be wearing a compression bandage. The bandage will help keep the swelling down and ensure that you have a fantastic outcome. Dr. Nikolov will instruct you on the use of this bandage.

Remember, with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better in a short period of time. However, it may not be advisable to participate in certain activities — especially activities that may result in the face being jarred or bumped — for several weeks.

How Much Does Necklift Cost in Beverly Hills?

The cost of a Necklift in Beverly Hills is determined by several factors, including the technique being used, which anesthesia is needed, and any additional customizable options. After having a consultation with Dr. Nikolov and he develops your surgical plan, our Patient Coordinator will be able to provide you with an accurate breakdown so you’ll have a better understanding of the price for your surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Nikolov?

Widely considered to be an authority in the field of plastic surgery for more than 20 years, Dr. Nicholas Nikolov has been a consultant for numerous publications and television programs. Having published many articles himself and lectured extensively in his field, he often hosts other doctors to help them learn about his techniques and procedures. Dr. Nikolov is a diplomat of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Whether he’s performing plastic surgery or an in-office aesthetic procedure, he uses his skills to help every patient enhance their natural beauty.

Get in Touch

If you are in the Beverly Hills area and are interested in finding out if a Necklift is right for you, request an appointment online and one of our team members will get in touch with you, or you can call us at (310) 247-1932. A slimmer, more youthful neck is more achievable than you may know. We look forward to helping you explore all aesthetic options!

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