Ask Dr. Man- Neck Lift

Dear Dr. Man, I’m mortified. I went to visit my daughter and her children in NY last week and my sweet grandchild was playing with the skin on my neck. She innocently said that my neck looks like a turkey. I know she wasn’t being malicious, but she’s right. It is so unsightly and I am most self-conscious about it. What can I do to fix this?

You are not alone! As we age, the muscles and skin of our neck and lower face begins to sag and lose its definition. Jowls may form as muscles loosen and as fat deposits along the jaw line. Fat is also deposited under the chin, causing the neck to become thick and wide. The neck muscles weaken and separate; and bands form, which further weaken the shape and structure of the neck. This causes a "turkey gobbler" effect.

The purpose of a neck lift is to remove loose soft tissue and fat from under the neck by removing fat, tightening muscles and re-draping skin. This helps to improve the neck, jaw line, and cord-like structures in the front of the neck. It even helps to correct a double chin.

Neck lifts are often performed in conjunction with a facelift, though they can be performed alone. Endoscopic techniques are often used to remove excess fat and tighten muscles of the neck. In some cases, endoscopic techniques may be all that is required to remove excess fat from the neck. A neck lift is performed under local I.V. or general anesthesia and usually takes two to three hours. In general, scars from the neck lift are usually short and hidden. Patients are usually back to work in 1-2 weeks. Even though there are no guarantees, patients are usually ecstatic with the results of the surgery.

Keep in mind that sometimes Smartlipo and liposuction are the only treatments you need for a fatty neck. In these cases, there will be no incisions or cuts, except very small cuts that are totally hidden.

Speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if a neck lift is right for you. Good luck!

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.