Neck Lift Cosmetic Surgery

Overview
Wobbly or loose skin around the neck? Sagging jowls or leftover skin following drastic weight loss? Individuals with loose skin around the neck or those experiencing normal aging processes may benefit from a neck lift, one of the first areas to start showing age. A neck lift may be performed in a variety of ways, each of them effective and resulting in a more toned, youthful appearance.

Types of Neck Lift Surgery
Depending on a person's ultimate goals and preferences, a neck lift may be achieved in a number of ways. Three common procedures are often performed:

• Cervicoplasty
• Liposuction
• Platysmaplasty

Cervicoplasty serves to address and remove excess amounts of skin on the neck area that is achieved by making several small incisions; under the chin and behind each of the ears (or only in one location depending on individual cases). Then the excess skin is trimmed away and then lift skin ends, suturing them into place near the incision point to create a firmer, more toned appearing chin and neck line.

The liposuction procedure utilizes a cannula, which is a narrow, hollow tube-like instrument that is inserted into small incisions made beneath the chin line. Excess fat is literally sucked up the tube, which also creates a less rounded appearance.

Platysmaplasty is a procedure that involves the insertion of an instrument into small incisions made into the lower chin area whereby small bits of muscles are either removed or resituated in order to create a more toned chin and neck line, as the middle, drooping sections of the muscle tissues are retightened. Muscles are sutured into place for a more toned appearance.

Who Benefits from a Neck Lift?
Anyone experiencing a drooping or sagging chin and neck line, whether it's caused by aging processes or genetics or weight loss, will benefit from neck lift procedures that offer a toned, youthful appearance. Self confidence and self esteem is enhanced when an individual can feel good about themselves and the way they look.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?
In the United States, a neck lift procedure is considered elective plastic surgery and is generally not covered under most health insurance policies. Individuals who choose to undergo a chin lift procedure in the U.S. should be prepared to spend between $3,000 and $15,000 depending on which technique or combination of techniques is chosen for optimal results. Medical travelers to destinations such as Mexico, South America, Europe or Asia may save thousands of dollars on the same procedure. Visitors to Columbia, South America pay approximately $5,650 and travelers to India may save between 30% and 60% on the same procedure. 

Choosing a Surgeon
Plastic and cosmetic surgeons should be board-certified and meet minimum standards and educational criteria for their country of origin. Surgeons offering neck lift procedures should be well-versed and experienced in all procedures and be able to prove such experience through training, certification, accreditation and membership to plastic or cosmetic surgical organizations, associations or board, as well as have at least two to five years of experience with chin lift techniques.