A neck lift offers dramatic rejuvenation by eliminating the unsightly appearance of jowls and “turkey neck.” While the procedure is a popular option for turning back the clock, many patients question whether the scars left behind are worth undergoing surgery. This blog provides an accurate picture of what you can expect from neck lift scars, including their size and location, as well as care tips for optimal healing.
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Where Are Neck Lift Incisions Usually Positioned?
Dr. David Butler typically performs neck lifts using small incisions behind the ear and under the chin, similar to those he uses for a facelift. Through these incisions, Dr. Butler removes excess skin and submental fat while tightening the platysmal muscles to create a smoother neck and jawline. He takes care not to overpull the skin, as this can create tension and affect how the scars heal.
In some cases, Dr. Butler performs liposuction during the neck lift to remove fat. The narrow cannula used in liposuction is inserted through the same incisions, eliminating additional scarring. Dr. Butler can also use these incisions to place chin or jaw implants, a common addition to a neck lift, to further enhance the silhouette.
Dr. Butler’s discreet placement of neck lift scars produces minimal visibility once they heal. He also provides instructions on incision care to ensure the best possible outcome.
How Long Do Neck Lift Scars Take to Heal?
Immediately following your surgery, the area around your incisions can be swollen and bruised. This appearance is usually mild and is temporary. It is the body’s natural inflammatory response kicking in, which will trigger the healing process.
During the next 10 days, swelling and soreness subside, and the incisions may transition from red to pink as blood flow increases in the area to support healing. Any bruising transitions lower down the neck by gravity and then disappears. As the color fades, the incision also fades into the skin’s surface, making it less noticeable.
Over time, the scar usually fades to a very faint, thin white line that is nearly unnoticeable to others. While this healing process is most often complete within 8 weeks, in some patients it can take 12 to 18 months before incisions fully mature. Patients can take steps during the healing process to care for their incisions and minimize visible scarring.
How Can I Care for My Neck Lift Scars?
Dr. Butler advises his patients to take a few simple steps to support the healing process and ensure the best possible outcome with their scars:
- Elevate your head for the first few days to reduce swelling
- Massage the scars gently to keep them soft and flat
- Use silicone gels to increase hydration to the scar during recovery
- Apply medical-grade skincare products as recommended by Dr. Butler
- Avoid UV exposure and apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 daily
While these steps can go far in reducing the appearance of your scar, factors like skin tone and genetics can also impact your outcome. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your scars after the healing process is complete, Dr. Butler also offers nonsurgical treatments to improve their look.
Is a Neck Lift Worth the Cost and Inconvenience?
Most patients find that the scarring is inconspicuous and that the procedure is more than worth the investment to achieve the youthful appearance they enjoy for many years after their procedure. A neck lift can:
- Minimize the appearance of wrinkles and banding around the neck
- Reduce sagging skin on the neck and around the jawline
- Create a more streamlined, contoured jawline
- Correct the thickened muscle-banding under the chin, which is a result of aging
- Eliminate the look of a double chin by removing submental fat
- Increase your confidence in your appearance
Neck lift benefits can extend for many years, although the natural aging process will eventually take its toll. Adhering to a skincare regimen, maintaining a good weight, and following a healthy lifestyle can extend your results.
Ready to Learn More About Neck Lifts in Santa Monica, CA?
Dr. David Butler is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience helping his patients look and feel like the best version of themselves. To learn more about your neck rejuvenation options, call his Santa Monica office at (310) 428-0033 or fill out our online contact form today.