How to Fix Your Jowls and Double Chin with a Neck Lift

Whether or not surgery is right for you depends on a few things. If you're in the early stages of development a double chin or a turkey neck, surgery might not be on the table just yet. Non-surgical options, such as dermal fillers or Botox, can help to create a more defined-looking jawline. Injecting Botox into the muscles that help you chew can help to shape the jawline.

The trouble with non-surgical options is that their results don't last very long. Some non-surgical treatments, such as Botox, aren't specifically designed for use in the neck area, so you might not get the best results from them.

Plus, non-surgical options only really help people with mild signs of aging in the neck area. If you're reached the stage where you're regularly wearing turtlenecks to conceal a turkey neck, even in the Miami heat, you're going to want a treatment that provides more dramatic results. Dr. Baker, a neck surgeon in Miami, is happy to discuss your neck lift options with you and let you know what to expect from the surgery.

How to Get Ready for Your Neck Lift

The first step to fixing your jowls and double chin with a neck lift is scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, you'll get to know the surgeon, learn more about the surgery itself and review pictures of other people who have had the same surgery.

During the consultation, Dr. Baker will also take the time to get to know you. He'll ask you questions about your goals for the surgery and your overall health. He'll ask you about your medical history and any medications you currently take, including supplements and vitamins.

The consultation is also the time for you to learn more about what to expect from the surgery, in terms of recovery time. When you leave the consultation, you might feel ready to move forward with the neck lift or you might decide that it's not right for you just yet.

If you are going to move forward with the neck lift, there are a few things to do prepare for the day of the surgery:

• Request time off from work.
• Find someone to drive you to and from the surgical center.
• Stop taking certain vitamins, supplements or medications, as directed by Dr. Baker.
• Get any requested labs or other medical tests.
• Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery, if you smoke.
• Find someone to stay with you overnight the first night after your neck lift.
• Stock up on pillows for your bed, as you'll need to sleep with your head elevated.

What's Going to Happen During Your Neck Lift?

What happens during the neck lift itself depends on your specific concerns. Usually, the surgery is performed with local anesthesia and sedation, so you won't be completely asleep during the procedure.

If you're bothered by a double chin, Dr. Baker is likely to perform liposuction to remove excess fatty deposits from the chin area. At the start of liposuction, he'll make a small incision under the chin and use a cannula to remove the fat.

A turkey wattle usually develops when the skin and muscle of the neck become loose or weak. If you're bothered by a turkey neck, Dr. Baker will make small incisions behind your ears and under the chin. From there, he'll remove any sagging skin and will tighten the platysma muscle, creating a smoother and more youthful-looking neck. To minimize the look of jowls, he'll also remove excess, sagging skin from the jawline.

What to Do After a Neck Lift

You'll have some downtime after a neck lift. The chin and neck area needs time to heal from the surgery. To make sure your recovery is on track, Dr. Baker will examine the area within a week of your neck lift. He'll also give you detailed instructions to help you feel more comfortable and to improve your recovery experience.

Some things to expect in the first few weeks after your neck lift include swelling and bruising in the area, as well as a feeling of tightness. Although the swelling, bruising and tight feeling can be somewhat uncomfortable, they are all signs that the surgery has worked.

Once you've fully healed from your surgery, there are things you can do to keep your neck looking smooth and youthful for as long as possible. Wear sunscreen to protect the skin of the neck from damage caused by the sun's UV rays. Eat a healthy diet and start or continue an exercise routine once you get the all-clear to exercise from Dr. Baker.

Do You Need More Than a Neck Lift?

If you only have signs of aging in the neck and chin, a neck lift might be all you need to reach your goals. But if you have some sagging in the lower part of the face, you might consider combining a neck lift with a facelift. Dr. Baker often combines facelift with a neck lift, but doing so isn't always necessary or the right option. During your consultation, you can discuss all of your surgical options with Dr. Baker to see if a neck lift on its own or along with another surgery will work best for you.

Schedule a Neck Lift Consultation With Dr. Baker Today

If you're tired of hiding a turkey neck or feel embarrassed by a double chin, a neck lift might be right for you. To learn more about your surgical options, call (305) 381-8837 to set up an appointment with Dr. Baker. You can also contact his Miami Plastic Surgery practice online.