Neck skin ages more quickly than the skin in other areas of our body. It’s common to develop excess drooping skin, fat, and muscle tissue beneath the chin, and this is often called turkey wattle neck.

This drooping appearance comes about as a result of a number of factors. Our skin produces less collagen and elastin protein over time, causing a loss in elasticity. Gravity’s slow pull exacerbates the issue. It can also be a result of significant weight loss or simple genetics.

Developing a turkey wattle is a very frustrating experience, because it’s hard to get rid of it through exercising or dieting. Fortunately, a neck-lift surgery can help get rid of that stubborn turkey wattle.

What Is a Neck-Lift Surgery?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging that appear in the jawline and neck. It is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat around your jawline and tightens drooping muscle tissue. This creates a more defined and youthful-looking neck.

The neck lift is often performed in combination with a facelift, but it can also be a stand-alone procedure. If you stay at your current weight after surgery, the results of the procedure can be long-lasting.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

People who suffer from sagging and wrinkling of the neck or a loss of definition in the area between the neck and the chin can benefit from a neck-lift procedure.

Ideal candidates for a neck lift are people who are non-smokers. Those with a healthy lifestyle, a positive outlook, and realistic expectations are good choices for the procedure.

What Are the Pre-Procedure Preparations?

Before your neck-lift procedure, Dr. Hustak and Dr. Wentworth will give you various directions to follow:

• Certain types of medication must be avoided to reduce any risk of excessive bleeding.
• If you are a smoker, you will need to quit for at least four weeks before the surgery and four weeks after.
• Keeping your body physically healthy is necessary to help your body heal after the procedure.
• It will be necessary to request a week off from work to recover and heal.

The Procedure

The neck-lift procedure is a straightforward surgery that usually lasts for two to three hours. First, anesthesia is administered. Many patients require only local anesthesia in combination with a sedative.

The steps involved in the procedure vary according to the aesthetic needs of the individual. Incisions are typically made discreetly behind the ears and under your chin. Excess fat is removed, slack muscles are tightened and rejoined with internal sutures, and excess skin is trimmed.

After the adjustments have been made to the underlying tissues, the skin will be redraped and the incisions will be stitched closed and dressed.

After Your Neck Lift

It may take several weeks or months after the procedure for the swelling and bruising to fully disappear. Your skin must be protected from the sun and excessive abrasion while you are healing, and strenuous physical activities should be avoided.

Find Out More During a Consultation

Want to deal with that turkey wattle neck once and for all? Contact the office of Dr. Hustak or Dr. Wentworth to schedule your neck-lift consultation.