The neck is often one of the first places where aging becomes noticeable. You might start seeing loose skin, deepening lines, or fullness under the chin that wasn’t there before. These changes can make you feel like your reflection doesn’t match how you feel inside. A neck lift tightens the skin and smooths muscle bands so you like what you see in the mirror again.
Dr. Ronald H. Schuster knows how these concerns can affect your confidence. As a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland, he has performed many facial procedures, including neck lifts.
What Does a Neck Lift Do?
A neck lift reshapes the lower face and neck by addressing loose skin, muscle laxity, and fat deposits. It’s often done as part of a facelift, but it can be performed on its own if the main concern is just the neck.
Different techniques are used depending on what needs to be corrected:
- Full Neck Lift  This is similar to a facelift but less in extent. Scars are usually just behind the ear, similar to but shorter than in a facelift. Skin is lifted, muscels tightened, fat removed and then excess skin is removed.
- Platysmaplasty repairs and tightens the platysma muscle. This helps smooth out vertical neck bands for better definition.
- Cervicoplasty reshapes the front of the neck. It can include removal of fat and tightening of the muscles in the neck (both the platysma and deeper muscles). The skin is generally lifted throughout the neck to allow it to redrape and smooth out. Very small amounts of skin can be removed but the skin is not directly tightened.
- Liposuction removes stubborn fat under the chin and jawline. If your skin elasticity is good, liposuction may be enough on its own to enhance your neck’s shape.
Dr. Schuster customizes each procedure based on your needs. Some people only need one of these techniques, while others will benefit from a combination.
Who Should Consider a Neck Lift?
A neck lift may be a good option if you have:
- Loose, sagging skin on your neck
- Vertical bands caused by muscle separation
- Excess fat under the chin that doesn’t go away with weight loss
- A lack of definition between the jawline and neck
Younger patients with good skin elasticity may see great results with liposuction alone. Those with more significant skin laxity often need skin tightening and muscle repair for the best outcome.
How the Neck Lift Procedure Works
Dr. Schuster will perform the neck lift under anesthesia, and the procedure usually takes two to three hours. He’ll start by making small incisions behind the ears and sometimes an additional incision under the chin. Here is how each type of procedure generally works:Â
- If muscle banding is present, he tightens the platysma muscle (platysmaplasty).
- If excess fat is the main issue, he’ll remove it through a small incision under the chin (cervicoplasty).
- If you have excess fat giving you a double chin or sagging jowls, he can use liposuction to slim the area.
Once he finishes making the necessary adjustments, Dr. Schuster will close the incisions and apply a supportive bandage.
Recovery and Results After a Neck Lift
Swelling and bruising are common for a few weeks after surgery. You’ll likely be ready to return to normal activities in about two weeks, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a bit longer.
The final results will start to take shape as swelling fades, and you’ll be left with a gorgeous neck. This transformation should typically last 10 to 15 years. While aging will continue, you can extend your results by maintaining a stable weight, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a good skincare routine.
Why Choose Ronald H. Schuster, MD?
Dr. Ronald H. Schuster is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon specializing in facial and neck procedures. He trained at Emory University and the University of Maryland before completing a five-year general surgery residency at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. He then trained in plastic surgery at Washington University’s Barnes Hospital, working with top experts. As the former Chief of the Plastic Surgery Division at Northwest Hospital Center, he refined techniques to improve facial balance.
Dr. Schuster approaches each neck lift with careful planning, considering your muscle structure, skin quality, and facial proportions. His goal is to create seamless results, and his research on facelift techniques and tissue healing continues to influence his approach. Dr. Schuster is a trusted name in facial rejuvenation in Baltimore.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Deserve to Feel Confident in Your Appearance
If you’re frustrated with loose skin, muscle bands, or fullness under your chin, a neck lift can make a real difference. Many patients say they feel more comfortable in photos, wearing open-neck clothing, or simply looking in the mirror. Dr. Ronald H. Schuster will walk you through your options and help you decide what’s right for you at his office in Baltimore. Call 410-593-0691 to schedule a consultation.
