Introduction
The neck is one of the regions of the body that is hardest hit by the effects of aging. A neck lift can help you enjoy a more youthful look, but it won’t stop the clock. Your neck will continue to age with time, which means you may need another procedure in the future. However, after the first procedure, you will always look better at any point in the future than if you’d never had a neck lift. In Athens, GA, Dr. Lugo works with patients throughout the region to help them look and feel younger by restoring their bodies. If you want to learn more about neck lifts, keep reading.
Neck Lift
Short Scar Neck Lift
Neck Lift
A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure that firms and smoothes the skin on the neck and jawline, removing excess fat and tissue to create a more youthful appearance.
Different types of neck lifts are traditional neck lift, short scar neck lift, and direct neck lift.
Incisions are made behind the ears and/or under the chin. The deep structures of the neck are then accessed through the incision under the chin, and excess deep fat, muscle, and sometimes salivary glands are removed. The neck muscle is then tightened, and the excess skin is excised. The remaining skin is redraped, and the incisions are sealed with sutures.
A neck lift and a deep structural neck lift are surgical procedures that remove excess fat and reposition tissues, but they differ in the extent of the correction and the methods used.
A deep neck lift is a more progressive and comprehensive surgery that involves debulking and manipulating the underlying neck structures to achieve a more dramatic neck contour and definition. This method allows Dr. Lugo to trim and reshape deep muscle layers, glands, and fat, resulting in a sculpted and rejuvenated profile.
A deep structural neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the neck by targeting deeper structures, including muscles, glands, and fat. Unlike traditional neck lifts, which primarily focus on the superficial muscle layer and skin tightening, this technique targets the underlying support system of the neck, providing more comprehensive and longer-lasting results. By debulking, repositioning, and tightening these deep structures, a deep structural neck lift can effectively redefine the jawline and reduce sagging, creating a more youthful neck.
During a deep structural neck lift, Dr. Lugo manipulates structures under the superficial neck muscle (platysma muscle). This more intricate approach requires greater expertise and yields a more natural result.
A contoured neck is an attractive and desirable feature, often attributed to young men and women. However, due to genetics or as we age, some of us may experience a certain fullness under the chin, leading to a double chin or “turkey neck,” which can make us look older than we are. Unfortunately, this cannot be reversed by a healthy lifestyle, thereby prompting the need for surgical intervention such as the short scar neck lift. Unlike a traditional neck lift, this procedure strategically utilises a smaller, hidden incision beneath the chin. It involves modifying deep neck layer structures to improve neck contour without removing any skin. Modifying the deep neck allows the excess skin to redistribute itself over the increased surface area, thereby improving the neck contour.
This procedure is a good option for younger patients with good skin elasticity. The difference between a short scar neck lift and neck liposuction is that a short scar neck lift targets the deep layer structures of the neck and preserves the superficial layer fat. The superficial layer of fat is a key component of a youthful neck.
Sagging neck skin, also known as a “turkey waddle,” is a common issue for many men and women as they age. For some patients, this is their main area of aesthetic concern. As the name implies, a direct neck lift involves directly removing excess skin and fat from the neck through an incision under the chin, extending vertically to remove all the excess skin. This procedure also allows for direct tightening of the underlying muscle, reducing banding in the central neck. Men are better at concealing the direct neck lift scar than women due to the quality of their hair-bearing skin.
Procedure time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, but on average, a neck lift takes 2 to 4 hours. It can be performed while awake under local anesthesia.
Aside from the face, necks show some of the most prominent signs of aging. Getting a neck lift means eliminating those tell-tale signs by removing excess skin and fat to create a tight, smooth contour. Doing this also removes wrinkles and concerns like “turkey neck”. Neck lifts can also be easily paired with a facelift to create a more dramatic transformation and further reverse the effects of aging. Neck lift results can last 10 to 15 years or more with optimal care, and many patients find the procedure to be well worth the results.
You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if you are struggling with excess skin or fat in the neck area, jowls, or a “turkey neck” appearance. Good candidates are patients who don’t smoke, are in relatively good health, and have positive yet realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcome.
A neck lift can improve your appearance. It will make you look younger and fresher, but it won’t make you look like a different person. If you have neck lift surgery with good results, those around you will notice that you look better, but they don’t necessarily know why. Ideal candidates for this procedure are healthy, non-smokers, usually in their 40s to 60s, who have developed signs of aging in their neck. Neck Lifts can also be done successfully on patients in their 70s and 80s. However, the loss of skin elasticity can limit the outcomes of surgery. Potential neck lift patients should be in good mental health and have reasonable expectations for improvement rather than perfection.
At your initial consultation with Dr. Lugo in Athens, the goal is to determine whether you’re a suitable surgical candidate. This first meeting typically begins with a detailed review of your medical history, paying special attention to any chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, that could influence the safety or outcome of your procedure.
It’s essential to be open about any medications, supplements, or substances you use, including tobacco, as these can significantly affect both the surgery and your recovery. Dr. Lugo will then examine your neck to identify the specific changes contributing to signs of aging. Photos will be taken as part of the assessment—these images help with surgical planning and tracking your results.
After the evaluation, Dr. Lugo will discuss the most suitable approach for your needs. She’ll explain alternative options, potential risks, and the limitations of each technique. Clear communication is key—having realistic expectations and a strong understanding of the procedure can greatly improve satisfaction with the results. She will also explain details such as the type of anesthesia that will be used and the surgical setting.
If you’re ready, you can schedule the procedure at the end of this visit. However, if you need more time or have further questions, a follow-up consultation is always an option and encouraged when needed.
Dr. Lugo believes every patient deserves the highest quality of care, which is why Lugo Plastic Surgery is accredited by QUAD A. This nonprofit, physician-founded and physician-led organization has partnered with thousands of healthcare facilities to raise and standardize the quality of care. Through its accreditation programs, QUAD A helps practices like ours demonstrate a strong commitment to patient safety while ensuring consistent, exceptional standards.
QUAD A officially recognizes facilities that have met 100% of its high standards. Accreditation assures the public that patient safety is the top priority. An accredited facility is re-evaluated through a yearly self-survey and an onsite survey every three years. Facilities must continuously comply with all QUAD A accreditation standards between surveys.
Our accreditation certificate signifies that Lugo Plastic Surgery, as an office-based surgery center, has consistently demonstrated the highest level of care and safety in meeting or exceeding all applicable state and federal guidelines.
Most plastic surgeons perform this surgery with general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia. Dr. Lugo can perform a neck lift under local anesthesia, and in fact, it is her preferred method. Almost all neck lifts performed today are safe, more so when performed by a qualified surgeon. An awake neck lift is even safer. It eliminates the need for general anesthesia and reduces post-operative risks. Many of our patients with either a fear of anesthesia or high risk due to other health problems elect to undergo an awake neck lift when they would have avoided a procedure otherwise. Since they are not sedated or placed asleep, they are able to breathe on their own (no need for a breathing tube or anesthesia machine). Additionally, remaining awake during a neck lift enables the body to remain physiologically stable, thereby maintaining normal blood pressure throughout the procedure. This decreases the risk of acute blood accumulation under the skin (hematoma formation) during and immediately after the procedure. While it seems odd to be on the operating table, fully awake as the surgeon is making incisions in front of you, it is one of the safest alternatives to general anesthesia. This type of procedure is nothing new. The science behind it has existed for many years. Some patients fall asleep during their procedure, while others choose to get to know Dr. Lugo better.
Recovery from a neck lift takes several weeks, with the most noticeable healing occurring within the first 2-3 weeks. Swelling and bruising are common during the initial phase, accompanied by a feeling of tightness around the neck. In some cases, small drainage tubes may be placed to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling. While rest is essential for healing, Dr. Lugo will provide aftercare instructions for additional guidance. This can include:
While most swelling subsides within a few weeks, residual swelling may take several months to resolve fully. Final results typically become more apparent around 3 to 6 months post-surgery.
The cost of a neck lift in Oconee County and Athens depends on the severity of the treated area, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon’s experience in performing it. At Lugo Plastic Surgery, we offer personalized consultations to determine an accurate estimate of the cost. A neck lift done under local anesthesia can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. If you’re concerned about costs or want to determine the exact cost for your procedure, scheduling a consultation is the best first step. We’ll go over financing, pricing, and other options to ensure full transparency.
Dr. Liana M. Lugo, founder and medical director of Lugo Plastic Surgery, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Athens, GA, who has helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Dr. Lugo brings a woman’s perspective and qualities to help her patients achieve excellent outcomes.
Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Lugo in Athens is the best way to learn more about the procedure, explore your options, and receive a personalized price quote with available financing options. Dr. Lugo works with patients both in her office and virtually! You can contact us by phone at (706) 707-5854 or complete the online form to get started.
