Advantages and Disadvantages of a Necklift

A necklift is a surgical procedure used to tighten skin around the neck and chin, including the skin that droops to form "jowls" or "turkey wattles." A necklift, especially when combined with other facial lifts, can restore a youthful appearance to the face. But it is still surgery, and so the decision to undergo a necklift should only be made with careful considerations of the benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages of a Necklift

The intention and main advantage of a necklift is that it can take both years and pounds off your appearance. If you have already lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin, a necklift can remove this skin and tighten what remains to match your new frame. The results of this surgery are long lasting, usually beginning to fade after two to three years.

A necklift produces no "tightness" like that associated with a facelift. Its results are subtle but noticeable, so it may be a good option if you are looking for a little touching up as opposed to a full makeover.

A necklift can be combined with other surgical lifts, such as face and brow lifts, and liposuction to achieve the desired contours. The doctor may also use Botox to counteract any horizontal lines or 'bands' in the neck.

The scars from a necklift are generally small and hidden behind the ears and beneath the chin, where they are easily concealed or not otherwise noticeable.

Disadvantages of a Necklift

As with any surgery, there are inherent risks with a necklift. Alert your doctor if you have a known allergy to anesthetics. Bruising and swelling are common during the healing process. Infection can develop at the incision site; it is important to monitor your temperature for any signs of fever.

A necklift is considered a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by medical insurance. The out-of-pocket cost varies across facilities but may prove prohibitive.

You will need to take at least 10 days off work and cannot exercise for three weeks after surgery. This can be stressful and inconvenient for those with a busy routine.