Neck Lift
Neck Lift in Boston, MA, with Dr. Arthur Shektman
Neck lift surgery is a highly effective solution for an aging neck and can restore a smooth, taut appearance to the entire neck region.
For many of us, the neck is an area of particular concern as we start to age. Whether we like it or not, aging is inevitable – but what isn’t inevitable is how we deal with aging. When performed by an experienced, skilled, and board-certified plastic surgeon, neck lift surgery can fix many of these problems.
Dr. Arthur Shektman, a leading plastic surgeon in Wellesley, MA, applies his decades of experience with modern medical techniques to provide natural, long-lasting results. Read on to learn more about how Dr. Shektman, one of the best neck lift surgeons in Wellesley, performs his neck lift procedures, or arrange a consultation by calling (781) 239-0680 or filling out this online form.
How Does Aging Occur in the Neck?
Our skin changes as we age due to a loss of collagen and elastin. These structural proteins give skin its elastic nature, which keeps it smooth and wrinkle-free in our youth. As these proteins decline with age, the skin becomes less elastic, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and less support for the muscles in the area. For some people, this is particularly prevalent in the neck, exacerbated by habits such as smoking or one’s genetics. This can lead to neck folds. A neck lift can address these issues and provide a more youthful looking neckline.
How Does a Neck Lift Work?
Doing so pulls the skin tighter, creating a smooth, wrinkle-free, supportive layer of skin that appears more youthful and helps hold the musculature of the neck and chin in a more vibrant, defined setting.
Dr. Shektman achieves this by creating incisions behind each ear and occasionally underneath the chin. These incision placements not only hide the incisions, so there’s no visible scarring, but also provide the best opportunity to stretch the skin anatomically neutrally, delivering natural results.
For some patients who desire a tighter, smoother neck but don’t wish to undergo surgery, Dr. Shektman can also achieve similar results using a combination of non-surgical treatments, such as dermal fillers, Botox® , and laser skin resurfacing.
How Will I Benefit from a Neck Lift in Boston, MA?
The neck is a focal part of the physique, connecting the upper torso and head. As such, a smooth, wrinkle-free neck signifies fitness, vitality, and health. Everybody eventually experiences wrinkles on their neck, but people with genetic predispositions, smokers, and people who spend extensive amounts of time in the sun, are more susceptible to experiencing more noticeable wrinkles at a younger age. This is because smoking speeds up the degradation of skin proteins and inhibits the production of healthy, new ones.
The sun’s UV rays deform elastic and collagen, leading to premature wrinkling. A neck lift can reverse these effects and helps candidates achieve a naturally smooth, youthful neck even once the aging process has started.
Care and Compassion
Dr. Arthur Shektman is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and is recognized as an expert in the field of cosmetic surgery. With over 20+ years of experience and nearly 3,500+ happy patients.
At Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery, our mission has always been to improve our patients’ lives through the use of cutting-edge, innovative plastic surgery techniques in a safe and secure environment.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for a Neck Lift in Wellesley, Massachusetts?
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your neck, then you’re a suitable candidate for a Wellesley neck lift surgery. Ideally, patients should be at or close to healthy body weight to get the best results and should also consider quitting smoking to prolong and optimize results. Candidates also require several weeks of reduced activity following their surgery to ensure proper recovery, so arranging your schedule is necessary to provide a stress-free, uneventful downtime.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Neck Lift Surgery?
Patients from neck lift surgery generally experience swelling and bruising around the neck, jaw, and ears for nine to fifteen days. Most patients then require another one to two weeks to fully recover, let their incisions seal and close, and for the results to set permanently.
Patients use prescription medication to manage any pain and swelling during this time. Dr. Shektman advises patients to rest completely for the first week to ten days following the procedure, with little to no physical exercise. After the first week, patients should start walking to get the blood flowing, but nothing that elevates the heart rate too significantly.
Depending on patient preference, people can return to desk jobs after the first week, but many prefer to wait until they’ve completely healed before returning to work and social interaction.
Interested in A Neck Lift in Wellesley, MA? Contact Us Today to Get Started!
Dr. Shektman prides himself on his close connection with his patients, ensuring their every need is seen to before, during, and after their neck lift procedure. Call (781) 239-0680 or fill out this online form now to begin your journey towards a happier, more confident you.
Boston Neck Lift FAQs
Neck lift costs depend on the work required and whether or not any supplementary work needs doing, such as liposuction. We will provide you with an estimate after you have been evaluated by Dr. Shektman.
As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks associated with a neck lift. These include bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Patients will also likely experience a degree of tightness and numbness in the weeks following the surgery, but this is normal.
Any risk is minimized by choosing a highly experienced, certified plastic surgeon to perform your neck lift.
While a neck lift removes excess skin, it doesn’t stop the aging process. After a neck lift, patients often look years younger and will continue to enjoy these results for several years.
However, patients must be aware that their bodies will continue to reduce collagen and elastin production, contributing to lesser skin elasticity and shape over time.
Patients can extend their skin health by taking proper care of their skin in the sun (wearing high SPF sunscreen), moisturizing their skin, and eating a balanced diet of plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are essential for optimal skin health.
A neck lift removes excess skin, eliminates fat deposits, and tightens underlying muscles to rejuvenate the neck area. Platysmaplasty specifically targets the platysma muscle to reduce vertical neck bands and is often performed as part of a full neck lift. While platysmaplasty focuses on tightening loose neck muscles, a neck lift addresses multiple aging concerns, including skin laxity, fat accumulation, and muscle banding for a more comprehensive transformation.
Most patients undergo neck lift surgery between their 40s and 60s, though the ideal age depends on individual anatomy and aging concerns rather than a specific number. Patients in their 40s may seek preventative neck lift procedures for early signs of aging, like mild skin laxity, while those in their 50s and 60s typically desire more significant improvements. Good candidates have visible sagging skin, muscle banding, or excess neck fat that makes them appear older than they feel, regardless of their age.
Combining facelift and neck lift procedures is common for achieving balanced, natural-looking facial rejuvenation. This dual approach creates seamless transitions between the mid-face and neck while addressing sagging skin and muscle laxity in both areas. Patients who undergo combined procedures benefit from a single recovery period, reduced overall costs compared to separate surgeries, and more cohesive aesthetic outcomes.
Neck lift surgery is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. All costs, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility charges, and post-operative care, are the patient’s responsibility. Financing options and payment plans may be available to make neck lift surgery more accessible for qualified candidates.
Neck lift incisions are strategically placed behind each ear and occasionally underneath the chin, where they remain well-concealed. These placements not only hide resulting scars but also provide optimal positioning for natural-looking results. With proper care during recovery, neck lift scars typically fade significantly and remain virtually undetectable in everyday situations.
Neck liposuction effectively removes excess fat deposits but cannot address loose skin or muscle banding that commonly accompany neck aging. Patients with good skin elasticity and isolated fat pockets may achieve satisfactory results with liposuction, while those with significant skin laxity require a full neck lift. Many neck lift procedures incorporate liposuction as a complementary technique to enhance contouring and achieve comprehensive rejuvenation.
Neck lift results typically last 10 to 15 years, though individual longevity varies based on genetics, lifestyle factors, and skincare maintenance. Avoiding smoking and excessive sun exposure helps prolong neck lift outcomes, as these factors accelerate skin aging and collagen breakdown. While the natural aging process continues, most patients maintain a significantly more youthful neck appearance compared to if they had never undergone surgery.
During the first week to ten days following neck lift surgery, patients should avoid strenuous physical activity and exercise that elevates their heart rate. Smoking, vaping, and nicotine products must be discontinued at least six weeks before and after surgery to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and NSAIDs, should be avoided for two weeks before and after the procedure to minimize bruising and bleeding risks.
Men are excellent candidates for neck lift surgery and seek this procedure to address aging concerns, including loose neck skin, muscle banding, and loss of jawline definition. Male neck lift techniques must consider different anatomical factors such as beard-bearing skin, thicker tissue, and masculine aesthetic goals. Board-certified plastic surgeons customize neck lift approaches for male patients to ensure natural, age-appropriate results that maintain masculine features.
A mini neck lift is a less invasive procedure designed for patients with mild to moderate neck aging who require limited skin removal and muscle tightening. Ideal candidates are typically younger patients with good skin elasticity, minimal excess skin, and localized concerns rather than advanced sagging. This modified approach uses shorter incisions and involves less extensive tissue manipulation, resulting in faster recovery times compared to traditional neck lift surgery.