Is a Neck Lift Painful?

During a neck lift surgery, you are sedated with anesthesia, which will ensure that you are pain-free. Post-surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort and tightness in the neck area during the initial stages of recovery. Dr. Chopra can provide pain medication to manage any discomfort and help you have a smooth recovery process.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Dr. Chopra will have you return to the practice a week after surgery to remove any sutures and monitor recovery. He will then let you know when he wants to see you next.

How Long Until I See Results?

The major swelling will subside within the first few weeks; afterward, you will see a more defined and rejuvenated neck contour. Over the following months, as your tissues continue to heal and settle and more swelling resolves, you will be better able to see your neck contour. Patients are told to wait for the six-month mark to see final results.

Can I Combine a Neck Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, you can! Patients who come in for neck lifts in the Washington, D.C. area usually want to combine them with other cosmetic procedures to enhance overall facial rejuvenation. A facelift is a widely popular and frequently combined procedure. Patients are encouraged to share these ideas as soon as possible with Dr. Chopra so that he can determine their feasibility and include them in the surgical plan.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Neck Lift?

As with any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries some risks, including: Bleeding and bruising Changes in skin sensation Infection and poor wound healing Temporary hair loss along the incision sites Swelling (edema) and pain during recovery If you experience any of these side effects or anything else of concern related to your procedure, we encourage you to call us at Chopra Cosmetic Surgery immediately so that we may help.

Fairfax, VA | Washington, D.C.

Neck Lift

Introduction

Introduction to Neck Lifts

As we age or undergo significant weight changes, the skin and muscles in our necks can begin to sag, creating visible signs of aging. A neck lift, also known as platysmaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to restore a youthful, contoured appearance to the neck by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles. If you are interested in learning more about a neck lift in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas, schedule a consultation with award-winning plastic surgeon Dr. Vinod Chopra at Chopra Cosmetic Surgery in Fairfax, VA. Please read below for more information.

Before + After Gallery

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What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens sagging skin, removes excess fat, and tightens the platysma muscle in the neck to restore a youthful, contoured appearance. This procedure addresses common signs of aging, such as sagging skin, horizontal neck bands, and a loss of definition in the jawline, making it an effective solution for individuals seeking to rejuvenate their neck area.

A common question patients ask is the difference between a neck lift and a facelift. While both surgeries aim to restore youthful contours, a facelift primarily targets the upper portion of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, and temples. In contrast, a neck lift focuses specifically on the area below the chin and above the collarbone.

While a facelift can often include elements of a neck lift, the latter is a less invasive option that directly addresses concerns like neck bands, excess fat, and sagging skin, giving you a more defined neck and jawline.

A woman with dark, curly hair gazes thoughtfully at her reflection in a mirror. She wears a loose beige robe over a muted teal-green top, a delicate silver necklace with a small pendant, and a bracelet. Her makeup is subtle with shimmery gold eyeshadow and nude lipstick. She gently touches her cheek, framed by a warm light brown mirror frame in a softly lit indoor setting. - Necklift in Fairfax, VA

What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?

Our patients who have received neck lifts in Washington, D.C. have shared several benefits, including a more defined jawline. Some other benefits include:

Enhanced self-confidence
Firmer, smoother skin
Improved jawline definition
Long-lasting results
Reduced appearance of neckbands
Reducing sagging jowls
Reducing wrinkles
Streamlined profile

While the results are permanent, they do not prevent the aging process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skin care regimen is essential for prolonging the effects.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is typically suitable for individuals who are in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the results. If you’re primarily concerned with a double chin, other procedures like chin liposuction may be a better fit. You may be a good candidate for a neck lift in Washington, D.C., if you experience:

Excess fat in the neck area
Horizontal bands of skin (neck bands)
Loose, sagging skin from significant weight loss
Wrinkles or a “turkey neck” appearance
A desire to improve the definition of your jawline

What’s the First Step?

The first step in considering a neck lift in Washington, D.C. is to schedule a consultation with award-winning facial plastic surgeon Dr. Vinod Chopra. Dr. Chopra will discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, and expectations during this initial appointment. He will also examine your neck area to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Once you agree to move forward, Dr. Chopra will design a treatment plan for your needs. You can take this plan to our patient coordinator, who will guide you through the necessary pre-operative preparations and provide you with detailed instructions to ensure a smooth and successful experience.

What to Expect on the Day of Neck Lift Surgery

On the day of your neck lift in Washington, D.C., Dr. Chopra and his staff will receive you at the practice and get you settled in the surgical suite. A member of the staff will review your plan in case of any outstanding questions. Once you are ready to proceed, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia for your comfort during the surgery. This may include general anesthesia, where the patient is asleep, or IV sedation for a lighter, more relaxed experience.

Once you are sedated, Dr. Chopra makes incisions near the ears and under the chin. In some cases, the incision may only be around the ear. Once he has access to the underlying tissues, Dr. Chopra removes excess fat, repositions tissue under the neck, and tightens the platysma muscle. Any excess skin is trimmed away to create a more youthful contour. Finally, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures or skin adhesive.

The procedure typically takes a few hours and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can return home the same day.

Neck Lift Recovery

Recovery after a neck lift can take several weeks, during which you may experience swelling, bruising, and some muscle tightness. Here’s what you can expect during recovery:

Swelling and Bruising: These are common right after surgery and typically subside within a few weeks.

Head Elevation: You may need to keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling.

Post-Surgery Care: Follow your surgeon’s instructions on incision care, avoiding alcohol and aspirin, and refraining from lifting heavy objects.

Avoiding Neck Movements: During recovery, you should avoid turning or bending your neck to allow the muscles to heal properly.

The results of a neck lift can last for many years, depending on factors like genetics, lifestyle choices, and sun exposure.

How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost in Washington, D.C.?

The cost of a Neck Lift in Washington, D.C., and Fairfax, VA, will vary based on the complexity of your case, Dr. Chopra’s fees, and the anesthetist’s fees, among other factors. Patients are recommended to schedule their consultation so that they can receive a surgical plan that can be priced out for them.

Why Choose Dr. Chopra?

Dr. Chopra is an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic procedures, including neck lifts, at Chopra Cosmetic Surgery in Fairfax, VA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality care and helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals.

At Chopra Cosmetic Surgery, our mission is to provide our patients with exceptional and comprehensive care from Dr. V and our expertly trained and caring staff, who will also be beside you for your journey. Our team will attempt to ensure that every aspect of your care is executed compassionately, thoughtfully, and thoroughly. Our goal is to restore and rejuvenate you through a holistic approach. Dr. V addresses your concerns while ensuring an artfully balanced result that builds confidence and peace of mind.

Our team comprises plastic surgery specialists, nurses, and coordinators with extensive cosmetic medicine experience and expertise.

Dr. V is one of only a few surgeons who has completed a cosmetic and aesthetic fellowship. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) endorses his prestigious fellowship.

Neck Lift FAQ’S

Yes, you can! Patients who come in for neck lifts in the Washington, D.C. area usually want to combine them with other cosmetic procedures to enhance overall facial rejuvenation. A facelift is a widely popular and frequently combined procedure. Patients are encouraged to share these ideas as soon as possible with Dr. Chopra so that he can determine their feasibility and include them in the surgical plan.
As with any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries some risks, including:
- Bleeding and bruising
- Changes in skin sensation
- Infection and poor wound healing
- Temporary hair loss along the incision sites
- Swelling (edema) and pain during recovery
If you experience any of these side effects or anything else of concern related to your procedure, we encourage you to call us at Chopra Cosmetic Surgery immediately so that we may help.

Patient Reviews

I moved to Philadelphia and drive back every few months just to see Dr. Chopra, I wouldn’t go anywhere else! They take such good care of me and make me feel so comfortable. The new office is beautiful- it’s a professional, clean, and comfortable environment. Carla is an angel, she is so helpful, supportive and so good to me and everyone. Highly recommend!

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Ali L.
This location is amazing! Dr.Chopra and his team take the time to listen to my concerns, walk me through solutions and still manage to make me feel good about myself but more importantly: they don’t try and UP sale me! They offer real solutions, they do not just throw all procedures at me and they don’t play off my insecurities to get more $$ out of me. If you want to look better AND feel better about your procedure – come here! You should feel just as confident, if not more confident when you leave👍

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Gina R.
The entire staff here is amazing and make the experience here incredibly comfortable and easy. Dr. Chopra’s ability to communicate and understand the issues I was having, while also providing his own honest medical opinions and recommendations was an amazing experience and helped me in this process a lot. His care and expertise in the procedures he completed left me feeling ecstatic about the results and I couldn’t be happier. Would definitely recommend this place to anybody thinking about a plastic surgery procedure.

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Rehaan W.

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