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Neck Lift

in Houston, TX

Unlike the face, you can’t camouflage sagging neck skin with fillers or skin-firming creams. The only way to truly fix the signs of an aging neck or genetic fullness is with surgery.

A neck lift is one of the cornerstones of facial rejuvenation. Dr. Sean Delaney and Dr. Russell Kridel are well known for optimal neck lift outcomes that look natural, yet more youthful. Their level of training as facial plastic surgeons, depth of experience, attention to detail and quality patient care is unparalleled in Houston.

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What is a Neck Lift?

Often patients express concerns with sagginess in their neck or a double chin and a poorly defined jawline. While aging is one of the main reasons for looseness in the skin, it is not the only cause.  Some patients have genetic fullness in the neck or stubborn fat under the chin.

FPSA offers two Neck Lift surgical approaches, Deep Plane Neck Lift and Central Neck Lift, to address your facial rejuvenation goals. Each approach targets different aesthetic concerns.  At your consultation, Dr. Sean Delaney and Dr. Russell Kridel will provide the appropriate recommendation based on your individual needs.

Deep Plane Neck Lift

A Deep Plane Neck lift will address several issues including the removal of excess fat under the chin and in the neck area, tightening of the underlying muscles, and trimming of excess hanging skin.

Fat removal is often part of this surgery, so liposuction will be the first step.  An incision is made under the chin, and around the earlobes and extending behind the ear and into the hairline. The neck muscles (platysma) are released and redistributed for long-lasting and natural results. A temporary drain may be inserted to reduce bruising and prevent collection of fluid.

Central Neck Lift

A Central Neck Lift is a surgical procedure intended to improve the jawline for those with a prominent double chin. Dr. Sean Delaney is one of the few surgeons in Houston, TX, performing this specialized neck lift. This more focused procedure tightens the central section under your chin by removing the excess fat and tightening the underlying musculature to produce a smoother, natural neckline. Ideal candidates for a central neck lift are individuals in their 20s to 40s with a genetic predisposition for a double chin or a poorly defined jawline and good skin elasticity. The central neck lift is frequently combined with other procedures, such as chin augmentation and FaceTite skin tightening.

Dr. Sean & Dr. Russell

What makes having Neck Lift surgery with Dr. Delaney or Dr. Kridel different

from other plastic surgeons in Houston?

Dr. Sean Delaney and Dr. Russell Kridel are considered the Best of the Best facial plastic surgeons in Houston. As double-board and triple-board certified experts in facial rejuvenation, they provide the most comprehensive level of patient care, greatest attention to detail and most natural results for every patient. As rejuvenation experts, they utilize the most advanced Neck Lift surgical techniques with treatment plans tailored to your specific aesthetic goals. As we like to say, “Our Results Show And We Are Proud Of Them.”

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What is a Central Neck Lift?

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Choosing your Ideal Lift Procedure: Neck lift versus Facelift

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Deep-plane Neck Lift for Sharper Jawline in a woman in her early 60s

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What’s the big difference? Central Necklift vs Conventional Necklift

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Who is the ideal candidate for Deep Plane Neck Lift and Central Neck Lift surgery?

Neck Lift surgery can help restore the appearance of poorly defined jawline and neckline to a more pleasing and naturally youthful look.  But, a Neck Lift alone might not get you the results you want.  It is important to note that if you also have looseness in the midface area and/or jowling, a Neck Lift will not address this issue, rather you will need a Facelift.  A Facelift with Dr. Delaney or Dr. Kridel includes the area from below your eyes and your neckline.

Deep Plane Neck Lift

If your skin has lost its elasticity throughout your neck and you are beginning to lose your jawline definition or may have excess fat, but do not have jowling, you may be a good candidate for Deep Plane Neck Lift.  Ideal patients for this procedure are in their 40’s or 50’s before significant jowling appears.  Also, patients who have lost weight and maintained ideal weight, but loose skin, are good candidates.  A Deep Plane Neck Lift takes approximately 2 hours and is performed under IV Sedation anesthesia.

Central Neck Lift

If you have a pronounced double chin that you were born with, simple liposuction alone may not give you the neckline definition that you desire. Ideal candidates for a central neck lift are individuals in their 20s to 40s with a genetic predisposition for a double chin or a poorly defined jawline and good skin elasticity. A Central Neck Lift can be performed with Local Anesthesia and PO meds if performed alone, however, many patients prefer the additional comfort of IV Sedation Anesthesia for this procedure. The surgery takes approximately 1.5 hrs.

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What can I expect from a Neck Lift consultation at FPSA?

Dr. Sean Delaney and Dr. Russell Kridel care deeply about their patients and “listen” to your concerns throughout your comprehensive consultation.  You can expect to be with us for 1 to 1.5 hours.  During the consultation your surgeon will perform a thorough examination to identify what corrections you desire and what approaches will best achieve your aesthetic goals.  Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel are happy to answer any questions you may have during your visit.

An FPSA Team member will take your photos and we will morph the photos using computer imaging software so that you can visualize the post-operative result you can expect based on your discussion with your surgeon.  Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel take those photos into surgery with them as a guide and reflection of the surgical goal, something very few surgeons do.

Our patient care concierge will be your guide throughout your consultation and will review before and after photos of other patients, answer questions, discuss any relevant medical clearances needed, provide next steps, and review the estimate for your tailored treatment plan.  Patients also like to take this opportunity to lock in their desired surgical date.  We understand that having facial rejuvenation surgery is a big commitment both emotionally and financially and it can feel overwhelming. At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates we pride ourselves in treating every patient like our own beloved family member and will advocate the highest quality of care for you every step of the way.

Post-Operative

What can I expect after Neck Lift surgery (post-operative)?

No other plastic surgery practice in Houston provides the level of pre-operative, operative, post-operative care that we do.

Immediately after Deep Plane Neck Lift or Central Neck Lift surgery in our AAAHC accredited operating room, you will relax in our recovery area where you will be monitored and prepared for release by the surgeon and the clinical team.  You will need to have an adult driver to drop you off in the morning and pick you up after surgery.

After any Neck Lift surgery, you will have a compression wrap around your head to protect the surgical incisions that will remain in place until your appointment early the next morning.  The next day after the procedure, you will be switched to a facial sling, which you will wear all day for 1 week and in the evening for another week.

You will be seen by a physician every few days during the first two weeks after surgery to monitor your healing process. It is also important that you follow the post-operative care plan that we outline for you.

It is important to swivel at the waist rather than the neck so that sutures are not disturbed or strained. For the first two weeks you will need to sleep on your back elevated so that your head is above your heart. Your neck should remain flat so you can use a flat pillow or no pillow at all to avoid flexing the neck forward. We also recommend that you don’t drive for the first week after surgery to avoid turning your neck

Make-up can be worn as early as a few days following surgery, avoiding all incisions. You are able to take a shower after your first post-operative visit. You should also avoid heavy lifting or activities that increase their heart rate for approximately 2-3 weeks after surgery.

While duration of Neck Lift results depends on lifestyle, genetics, and ongoing skin care and sun protection, Neck Lift results can last about 5-10 years before touch-ups or a full Facelift may be needed if desired. Your aesthetic journey will be a rewarding experience when you go hand in hand with the best of hands, Dr. Delaney or Dr. Kridel and the entire FPSA team.

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Recovery Time

How long is the recovery time?

Recovery time for Neck Lift surgery can vary depending on the type of Neck Lift surgery you have and whether or not you had additional procedures completed at the same time.

Most Deep Plane Neck Lift patients find that pain, swelling, and bruising go down within two weeks. Full recovery can take 4–6 weeks, but some patients may experience residual tightness in the neck for several months.

With Central Neck Lift, patients who have Local Anesthesia can return to work after a few days.  Immediately after surgery, patients can begin to see a more defined jawline with double chins reduced.  It takes about a week for the bruising and swelling to dissipate and it can take several weeks for the final results to appear.

Can I have more than one procedure done at the same time?

It is very common for Dr. Delaney and Dr Kridel to combine Deep Plane Neck Lift or Central Neck Lift surgery with other surgical procedures. This can be quite beneficial to patients to avoid multiple recovery periods and multiple usage of anesthesia.

Some patients will have issues with their neck, but these problems may actually be the result of a “weak chin.” Without the proper support of the chin bone, the neck isn’t able to have a defined contour. A Chin Implant (Chin Augmentation) may be recommended to reshape the chin and make it wider or more prominent. This can have a great impact on the neck for many patients. The Neck Lift may still be needed once the chin has been augmented.

With Central Neck Lift, patients often have FaceTite procedure at the same time to help further refine and tighten the lower face and jawline that shows mild laxity that doesn’t warrant a Facelift yet. FaceTite is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio frequency energy to melt fat and stimulate collagen production.

If you have laxity in your mid-face or jowls, a neck lift alone will not address these concerns, rather a Facelift procedure would be more appropriate.  With a Facelift procedure, you will address the entire area from just below your eye and through your neck.

Fortunately, with our in-office fully accredited AAAHC in-office operating suite, you can have multiple procedures done on the same day.  Most of our patients prefer this approach because it allows you to take advantage of having just one recovery period.

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What are the risks of Neck Lift surgery?

Risks associated with Neck Lift surgery include infection, swelling, bruising, and bleeding. However, as with any procedure, you can minimize your risks by choosing an expert facial plastic surgery provider like Dr. Delaney or Dr. Kridel.

When is my pre-operative appointment?

Your pre-op appointment will take place two to three weeks before your surgery. We strive to make this appointment as stress free as possible.

At this appointment, you will receive instructions for before and after your procedure, sign consents, take pre-operative photos, and make final payment.  You will also receive the list of your prescriptions. Most of our patients find that using the Capsule Pharmacy service in advance of the pre-op is quite convenient because all prescriptions will be delivered to our office and ready for you at the pre-op appointment.

Patients can also take this opportunity to select skin care products appropriate for pre-operative and post-operative skin health and optimal healing.

What do I need to do before surgery?

With any surgical procedure, it is necessary to avoid any medications or supplements that may thin the blood two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery. Our clinical staff will review instructions relating to medications and supplements at your pre-operative appointment.

Because significant weight gain or weight loss can impact results, Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel recommend that you reach your ideal weight prior to scheduling Neck Lift surgery., Before having Neck Lift surgery Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel recommend that you Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel do not operate on patients who smoke, chew tobacco, vape or take illicit drugs prior to or at the time of surgery, as these activities have a detrimental effect to the healing process.

We recommend that patients avoid alcohol for two weeks prior to and after your surgery. You should maintain a healthy diet and avoid salt, fatty foods and processed sugar.  Some patients eat pineapple for its naturally occurring bromelain. We recommend taking Arnica, Bromelain, and Vitamin C supplements 5 days before the surgery and 1 week following surgery.   It is also very important to avoid significant sun exposure.

On the day of surgery and for the following two weeks, you should wear loose fitting or button-up tops and dresses to avoid placing unnecessary pressure or stress on the neck area.

Fully Accredited

On-Site Surgical Facility

Dr, Sean Delaney, Dr. Russell Kridel and Team FPSA provide patients with an exceptional surgical experience at our AAAHC accredited on-site operating facility. Our patients enjoy the comfort, ease and convenience of having surgical and medical aesthetic procedures in our beautiful practice environment. Facial Plastic Surgery Associates’ operating room has been certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation by this highly regarded, independent organization ensures that our in-office operating room meets the highest quality of standards and safety. This accreditation is similar to the process completed for out-patient surgical facilities associated with hospital systems.

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