What is the Best Age for Neck Lift Surgery?

Posted on January 3, 2024 in Neck

Facelifts and neck lifts are two of Dr. Ransom’s most popular procedures. As a double board-certified head and neck surgeon and facial and reconstructive surgeon, he has expert knowledge about various neck lift procedures and which techniques will work best for different patients. One of the main factors that influences his surgical decision is a patient’s age.

What is Neck Lift Surgery?

A neck lift is a plastic surgery procedure that addresses sagging neck skin, excess fat under the chin, wrinkling, and loose or prominent neck bands. Many of these factors are the result of natural aging and are bothersome to men and women who feel younger than their appearance. Depending on the severity of sagging skin and other factors, Dr. Ransom may include liposuction, excision of loose skin, flattening of thick or prominent platysmal bands, and/or tightening of the neck muscles.

When Should You Consider a Neck Lift?

Everyone ages differently, so there is no “perfect age” for a neck lift. Dr. Ransom performs neck lift surgery on younger patients who want to prevent worsening signs of aging as well as middle-aged or older patients who want to rejuvenate their appearance and restore a more youthful look.

Who is a Candidate for Neck Lift Surgery?

During the surgical consultation, Dr. Ransom will assess several factors that may impact a patient’s candidacy. Some of the most common factors to consider include:

Skin Elasticity

Skin elasticity (its ability to stretch and bounce back) decreases with age as collagen and elastin fibers break down and their production slows. The skin may become loose and develop a crepey texture with a transparent look. To prevent loose skin after surgery, Dr. Ransom will carefully remove enough excess skin to tightly pull back the remaining tissues while maintaining a natural look. Skin and excess tissues will be removed through tiny incisions made behind the earlobes and/or under the chin where the scars are easily concealed.

Degree of Volume Loss

Volume loss is also an inevitable part of aging, largely related to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Volume loss in the neck creates the look of sagging skin and wrinkling. These effects often start in patients’ late 20s-early 30s and worsen over time with natural aging. Depending on the degree of volume loss, Dr. Ransom may utilize a minimally invasive approach or more cutting-edge techniques like a corset platysmaplasty (tightening of the muscles under the chin).

Lifestyle

Smoking, heavy drinking, and a poor diet can contribute to early aging and should be considered in preparation for surgery. To prevent complications like heavy bleeding and poor wound healing, Dr. Ransom will advise patients to stop smoking for 4-6 weeks before and after their neck lift procedure. Patients should also refrain from drinking a few days before and after their surgery. Although special dietary changes are not necessary before or after surgery, it is important to consider that a healthy diet will help the body heal quickly.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Ransom is dedicated to exceptional patient care and strives to make cosmetic procedures accessible to anyone who wants to rejuvenate and enhance their appearance. To learn more about neck lift procedures with Dr. Ransom, schedule a consultation at our San Francisco or Mill Valley office today.