Neck Lift in Phoenix, Arizona
Is a Neck Lift Right for Me?
Sagging and excess skin in the neck area can leave you with what’s referred to as a “turkey neck.” A “turkey neck” can detract from what is otherwise a youthful appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry C. Leverett performs neck lifts on patients in or around the Greater Phoenix area, such as Ahwatukee, Chandler and Gilbert, who desire to define and contour their neck to help them look younger and more vibrant.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, also known as lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at improving visible signs of aging in the neck. This procedure can enhance the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin, tightening underlying muscles, and sometimes removing or altering neck fat. The goal is to create a more defined, youthful neck contour. We find it to be an extremely versatile procedure that can be performed with or without a facelift, depending on the degree of skin laxity.. After a neck lift, our patients notice a remarkable change in their appearance and often experience an improvement in their self-confidence.
What are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?
A neck lift doesn’t stop the aging process, but it can slow down the appearance of aging. Many people who undergo a neck lift report benefits including:
- Firmer and tighter skin in the neck area
- More youthful appearance
- Softer looking skin
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
Questions For Your Consult
Am I A Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
If you have noticeable signs of aging in the neck, such as muscle bands, a blunt angle, and/or fat deposits, you may be a good candidate for a neck lift. However, the best way to determine your candidacy for a neck lift is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leverett, where he will be able to evaluate your areas of concern and develop a personalized treatment plan to deliver your desired results.
What Happens During a Neck Lift Consultation?
During your consultation for a neck lift, you’ll meet with Dr. Leverett at Body By Leverett. During this consultation, Dr. Leverett will take the time to understand your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and conduct a physical examination to determine whether a neck lift will help you achieve your desired results. The consultation is an opportunity for Dr. Leverett to evaluate if the neck lift procedure is the best fit for you, and gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the neck lift or related treatments. If you are interested in a neck lift, Dr. Leverett will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your goals, and will then explain what you can expect from the treatment process.
How Much Does a Neck Lift Cost?
The cost for neck lift surgery will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of surgery needed to produce your desired results. In order to determine the cost of your neck lift, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leverett of Body By Leverett. After developing your personalized treatment plan, he’ll be able to explain the exact costs associated with your treatment. To help make neck lifts more affordable and accessible to our patients, we offer financing through CareCredit®, Patient Fi and Prosper Healthcare Lending. Our office also accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, cash and cashier’s checks.
How Do I Prepare for My Neck Lift Consultation?
What Should I Do Before My Neck Lift Consultation?
Preparing for your consultation involves several key steps to ensure that you and Dr. Leverett have a productive meeting:
- Research: Before your consultation, take some time to learn about the neck lift surgery. Understanding the basics of the procedure, the different techniques available, and realistic outcomes will help you have a meaningful discussion with Dr. Leverett.
- Set Your Goals: Reflect on your reasons for seeking a neck lift and what you hope to achieve with the surgery. Having a clear set of goals will enable Dr. Leverett to tailor the consultation and proposed treatment plan to your specific desires.
- Gather Medical Information: Assemble detailed information about your medical history, including any previous surgeries, current and past medications, allergies, and any significant health issues. This comprehensive overview of your health is vital for assessing your suitability for a neck lift and planning a safe procedure.
What Should I Bring to My Neck Lift Consultation?
Arriving well-prepared for your consultation with Dr. Leverett will facilitate a thorough and efficient discussion about your neck lift procedure:
- Medical Records: Bring along any medical documents that provide insight into your health background. These records can help Dr. Leverett understand any potential risks or considerations for your neck lift procedure.
- List of Medications: Compile a list of all medications you're taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. This information is crucial for avoiding any complications during and after the surgery.
- Photos: If you have specific goals or examples of the body shape you're aiming for, bring photos to help communicate your expectations. These visual aids can be incredibly helpful in ensuring you and Dr. Leverett are aligned in your goals.
- Questions: It's normal to have many questions and concerns. Write them down so you don't forget to address them during your consultation. This list will ensure that all your questions are answered, helping you make an informed decision.
What Should I Wear for My Neck Lift Consultation?
For a neck lift consultation, comfort and accessibility should be your main considerations in choosing what to wear. Since the consultation may include a physical examination of your neck and possibly your lower face, wearing clothing that can be easily removed or adjusted without discomfort is advisable. Since you might need to remove necklaces or earrings for a closer examination of the neck area, it's also a good idea to wear minimal jewelry to your consultation.
Lastly, if you have long hair, consider pulling back or tying up your hair so that Dr. Leverett has unobstructed access to the neck.
What Happens After My Neck Lift Consultation?
After your consultation, you'll be on your way to making an informed decision about your neck lift procedure. You’ll have all of your questions answered, a potential treatment plan outlined by Dr. Leverett, and all of the other information you need to decide if you want to move forward with a neck lift. If you’re ready to book your neck lift procedure, our team can help you do that immediately following your consultation. After scheduling your procedure, we can help assist you with planning for surgery and beginning pre-operative preparations.
What Should I Know Before Booking Neck Lift Surgery?
Why Choose Dr. Leverett for Neck Lift Surgery?
Choosing Dr. Leverett for a neck lift in Phoenix, AZ, means entrusting your care to a board-certified plastic surgeon with a rich background in aesthetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. His affiliations with prestigious organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery underscore his commitment to excellence and ongoing education. Dr. Leverett's patient-centered approach, combined with his specialized expertise and artistry, ensures personalized and gratifying results. He prioritizes patient education and safety, making him an ideal choice for those seeking a transformative and tailored neck lift experience.
Can I Finance the Cost of Neck Lift Surgery?
At Body By Leverett, we recognize that the financial aspect of cosmetic surgery can be a significant consideration for our patients considering a neck lift. To ensure that our patients in Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas have the opportunity to pursue their aesthetic goals, we are pleased to offer a variety of financing options designed to make the process more accessible. Our practice offers financing through CareCredit®, Patient Fi and Prosper Healthcare Lending, leading providers of medical financing, to offer flexible payment plans that can accommodate any budget. Additionally, we accept all major credit cards, as well as cash and cashier’s checks. Understanding the financial investment in your cosmetic journey is important, and we're here to provide comprehensive information and support. During your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Leverett, we'll not only explore a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs but also discuss in detail the costs involved and the financing options available to you.
Where is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?
When undergoing eyelid surgery at Body By Leverett, your surgery is performed in our state-of-the-art surgical facility located in Phoenix, AZ. Our facility is designed to prioritize your safety and comfort throughout your blepharoplasty procedure. We are dedicated to incorporating the latest advancements in medical equipment and surgical technology to ensure the highest standards of care. Our operating rooms undergo regular inspections to meet and exceed the most stringent medical guidelines and regulations. Furthermore, our compassionate and skilled team of healthcare professionals is here to support you from your initial consultation through to your recovery.
Where is the Neck Lift Procedure Performed?
When undergoing neck lift surgery at Body By Leverett, your surgery is performed in our state-of-the-art surgical facility located in Phoenix, AZ. Our facility is designed to prioritize your safety and comfort throughout your neck lift procedure. We are dedicated to incorporating the latest advancements in medical equipment and surgical technology to ensure the highest standards of care. Our operating rooms undergo regular inspections to meet and exceed the most stringent medical guidelines and regulations. Furthermore, our compassionate and skilled team of healthcare professionals is here to support you from your initial consultation through to your recovery.
What Happens During Neck Lift Surgery?
Neck lift surgery starts with the administration of anesthesia, typically either general anesthesia or local IV sedation, to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. Then, Dr. Leverett will make incisions to begin the surgery, starting with small incisions for the liposuction cannula behind your ears. An incision is made under the chin for access to repair the muscle bands. Through these incisions, Dr. Leverett tightens or repositions underlying muscles and tissues, and removes excess fat to refine the neck's contour. Liposuction may also be used to remove fat from the neck. Finally, incisions will be closed with sutures.
What Should I Know After Booking My Neck Lift Surgery?
What Forms Do I Need to Fill Out for a Neck Lift?
In our new EMR, patients are sent a link to their patient portal to complete their forms online prior to their visit, or by arriving 15 minutes early to complete in-office on the iPad.
If you are a new patient to our clinic or returning after being gone for over 12 months, you may save time by completing the following patient forms prior to your appointment:
- Patient Online Registration and Medical History Form
- Cosmetic Interest Questionnaire
- HIPAA
- Skincare Assessment Form
We also offer the same patient forms in Spanish if needed.
How Should I Prepare for Neck Lift Surgery?
While most of the preparation for your neck lift surgery is completed during the consultation process, there are still a few things you can do to prepare for the day of your surgery. For starters, it’s essential to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption for 4-6 weeks before surgery, as they can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. You may also need to adjust your medications as recommended by Dr. Leverett, as some supplements and medications can increase the risk of bleeding. Finally, we recommend adopting a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water in the weeks leading up to your surgery. This will ensure that your body is well-equipped for a speedy recovery!
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Prepare for Neck Lift Recovery?
Almost as important as preparing for the day of your surgery is preparing for your neck lift recovery process. You should take the following considerations when preparing for your neck lift recovery, so that you can focus on resting and healing after completing your surgery:
- Recovery Space: Arrange a comfortable area in your home where you can relax and recuperate. Equip it with plenty of pillows to support keeping your head elevated and blankets for warmth. Ensure you have easy access to entertainment options such as books, magazines, a tablet, or a television to keep you occupied during recovery.
- Medications: Have all your prescribed medications filled before your surgery. This includes medications for pain relief, antibiotics to prevent infection, and any other medications specifically recommended by Dr. Leverett.
- Comfortable Clothing: Stock up on loose, comfortable clothing that zips or buttons up at the front. Such garments will make it easier to dress and undress without disturbing the surgical site on your neck.
- Assistance: Ensure you have someone reliable to drive you home after the procedure and assist you with daily activities during the initial recovery days. This assistance is invaluable as your mobility and energy levels will be temporarily reduced.
- Work and Responsibilities: Schedule adequate time away from work and other daily responsibilities. The amount of time needed will depend on the nature of your job and how you feel, but most people take at least one to two weeks off to ensure they have a stress-free recovery period.
Additionally, you may want to refer to our post-op recommendations, where we have outlined a list of products that we recommend for your post-operative care. Dr. Leverett may provide specific product recommendations from this list to you.
What is Recovery Like Following a Neck Lift?
Upon waking from anesthesia, patients might experience grogginess and discomfort. Swelling and bruising are common, and will peak within the first 48 hours before they begin to subside. We’ll apply a neck garment that will be worn in the days following surgery to facilitate the healing process. Pain is usually manageable with prescribed medications. Sutures will be removed within a week of surgery. After the first week, many patients begin resuming light activities, but exercise, heavy lifting and other strenuous activities must be avoided for four to six weeks. Most side effects will have subsided in one to three months, with the final results becoming increasingly visible. It can take up to six months for the final results of your neck lift to fully develop.
How Long is Recovery from a Neck Lift?
Most patients feel back to normal within three to six months of their neck lift, with the final results almost entirely visible during this time frame. However, subtle changes and improvements can continue for up to a year after surgery. Most of the recovery process occurs during the first two weeks, when swelling, bruising, and discomfort are at their worst. Most patients achieve significant improvements in bruising and swelling within three to four weeks, although it is important that patients continue to rest and take things easy until four to six weeks after surgery. You will have follow-up visits with Dr. Leverett so he can evaluate your recovery progress and give you more specific guidelines about returning to normalcy.
How Long to Wear Chin Strap After a Neck Lift?
The duration for wearing a chin strap or compression garment after a neck lift varies based on the specifics of your neck lift procedure. Typically, it is worn continuously (except when showering) for the first 1-2 weeks post-surgery to minimize swelling and support the new contours of the neck. After this initial period, Dr. Leverett may advise wearing the garment at night for a few more weeks.
How Long Does a Neck Lift Last?
The results of a neck lift are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying the benefits for 10 to 15 years or more. The longevity of the results can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and how well you care for your skin post-surgery. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, using sun protection, and maintaining a stable weight can help prolong the results. Aging will continue, but you will likely always enjoy a more youthful neck contour than if you had not had the surgery.
No one wants to walk around with a “turkey neck” or loose and sagging skin under his or her chin. If you live in Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert or the surrounding Phoenix area and want a tightened, more defined neck, consider a neck lift at Body By Leverett. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.