Neck Lift in Tucson, AZ

Dr. Sanchez-Navarro performs the best neck lift procedures in Tucson, helping patients smooth sagging skin and reduce signs of aging in the neck and jawline area. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro achieves excellent, natural-looking results lasting 5-10 years with proper care. All procedures are performed in a welcoming environment in our state-licensed surgical center. Patients appreciate our personalized care and dedication at every step of the way, including the initial consultation, surgery, and recovery.

What Is Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the neck. A surgeon makes incisions under the chin and behind the ears to tighten loose neck skin and muscles. Excess fat may also be removed or repositioned during this procedure. The average length of a neck lift surgery is 2-4 hours, depending on the needs. After the operation, there is usually some bruising and swelling that subsides within a few weeks.

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Types of Neck Lift

Full Neck Lift

A full neck lift is a surgical procedure that targets sagging skin and excess fat in the neck and jawline. During this operation, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro makes a traditional neck lift incision, starting at the hairline near the sideburn, going around the ears, and ending with the back hairline. Through this incision, the surgeon removes excess skin, tightens neck muscles, and sculpts away fat to create a smoother, tighter, and more youthful neck profile. This surgery addresses moderate and severe sagging.

Mini Neck Lift

A mini neck lift is a less invasive procedure for treating early signs of aging in the neck. Unlike a full neck lift, it requires shorter incisions hidden within the natural creases. A mini neck lift best suits patients with mild sagging skin and muscle laxity. This procedure has a shorter recovery time of 5-10 days and provides natural-looking improvements. It is sometimes called a limited-incision neck lift.

Direct Neck Lift

A direct neck lift procedure involves removing moderate sagging and fat from the neck to create a more defined and youthful appearance. Unlike more comprehensive techniques that often require incisions behind the ears or along the hairline, a direct neck lift is characterized by incisions directly under the chin. This allows the surgeon to access and remove the excess tissue and tighten the underlying muscles if needed.

Full Neck Lift

Mini Neck Lift

Direct Neck Lift

Neck Lift Techniques

Cervicoplasty

Cervicoplasty is a technique that specifically targets sagging skin and vertical neck bands. Incisions can be made under the chin and behind the ears. The surgeon then tightens and trims away excess skin before closing the openings. This procedure helps restore a smoother and more youthful neck profile.

Platysmaplasty

Platysmaplasty focuses on tightening the platysma muscle, which runs vertically down the neck. Small incisions are made under the chin, allowing the surgeon to manipulate and suture the tissues.  Dr. Sanchez-Navarro can improve neck definition by tightening and stitching the platysma muscle. Platysmaplasty is often combined with liposuction to refine the area. As a result, the patient’s neck and jawline become more contoured and beautiful.

Consultation & Preparation for Neck Lift

Patients meet with Dr. Sanchez-Navarro for a consultation to discuss their goals and expectations for this surgery. He reviews their medical history, lifestyle factors, and other information that may be relevant to the neck lift. The surgeon also evaluates the patient’s skin elasticity and bone structure to determine the best treatment approach. One of the main goals of the initial meeting is to clarify all aspects of the procedure, including the incision technique, whether or not liposuction will be used for fat removal, and the potential risks and complications.

Next, the patient receives detailed preoperative instructions:

discontinuing certain medications that increase bleeding risks

arranging a ride home from the surgical center

planning for assistance at home

preparing a recovery space with easy-to-make foods and other crucial items

Neck Lift Procedure

General Anesthesia

All neck lifts are performed in our state-certified surgical center. After bringing the patient into the operating room, we place monitors to track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, and other vital signs. Our board-certified anesthesiologist then provides general anesthesia medications through the IV line, which causes the patient to go into a sleep-like state. These medications block pain signals and prevent memory formation, so the patient does not remember anything about the surgery.

Incisions

Depending on the type of neck lift, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro makes small incisions behind the ears and/or under the chin. These openings provide access to various tissues.

Muscle Tightening

The surgeon tightens the platysma muscle in the neck. This involves repositioning or stitching the muscle into a more youthful configuration, which creates a smoother, tighter neck contour. There are three main techniques for doing this:

Central imbrication – stitching the midline sections of the platysma muscle together
Lateral suturing – anchoring the platysma muscle to deeper structures near the jawline
Resection – cutting and removing a small portion of the muscle

Liposuction (Optional)

Vaser Liposuction may be used to remove pockets of fat in the chin and neck area through a cannula (a small tube that sections tissue out). This helps to create a slimmer neck profile. The surgeon inserts the cannula through the incisions to target localized fat deposits.

Removal of Loose Skin

If there is excess skin in the neck area, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro removes it to make the appearance more fit and youthful. The skin is re-draped over the newly contoured framework of the neck muscles and tissues.

Incision Closure

Once these corrections are made, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and possibly surgical tape. Over time, the incision lines heal and fade significantly.

Neck Lift Recovery

The recovery period is vital for proper healing and good cosmetic results. Patients must follow all post-operative instructions from Dr. Sanchez-Navarro to ensure that the incisions mend successfully. This includes wearing bandages, drainage tubes,  or compression garments as directed. Pain medication is typically prescribed for the first few days to keep patients comfortable. They should refrain from strenuous activities for at least 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Most people require 7-14 days off from work or school to recover. Swelling and bruising are common and will subside gradually over a few weeks. Numbness around the incisions can last for several months. Patients may be instructed to gently massage the skin around incisions to reduce swelling and promote healing. During follow-up appointments, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro monitors recovery, checks for potential complications, and removes non-dissolving sutures.

Most patients see the final results of a neck lift 2-3 months after surgery as the swelling goes down completely. Following the surgeon’s instructions leads to the best recovery and outcomes.

Candidates for Neck Lift Surgery

When considering a neck lift, patients must ensure that they are eligible and meet the standard criteria. Here are some groups that are good candidates for this surgery:

Individuals with excess neck skin causing the appearance of banding  or wrinkling

Patients experiencing the loss of muscle tone resulting in sagging neck skin

People who have extra fat deposits under the chin or jawline that create  the look of a double chin

Those with “turkey neck” – a condition that looks like the wrinkled skin  on a turkey’s neck

Patients with visible vertical neck bands that run from the chin area down  to the sternum

Individuals who feel that their neck makes them look much older than they are

This list covers the common groups of candidates who may opt for a neck lift to tighten skin, reduce fat, and refine the overall neck and jawline contours. Factors like skin elasticity, bone structure, lifestyle, and specific aesthetic goals play a role in determining a person’s candidacy.

Benefits of Neck Lift

As people age, their neck skin can lose elasticity and muscle tone, resulting in sagging and visible wrinkles. A neck lift tightens this tissue and reduces various deformities. This surgery has many positive effects:

Smoothes out loose, sagging skin in the neck and jawline

Reduces the appearance of jowls

Tightens platysmal muscle

Removes or reduces vertical bands in the neck

Creates a more youthful and contoured neck profile

Restores definition between the chin and neck area

Provides results that last 5-10 years, sometimes even longer

Cost of Neck Lift in Tucson, AZ

Neck lift cost in Tucson, AZ, ranges from $7,000 to $15,000. The price may vary based on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the complexity  of the procedure, and the type of anesthesia used. Patients can receive pricing information during consultations with our plastic surgeon, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro. We provide the best conditions because all procedures are performed in our private, state-licensed surgical center. In addition, we offer telehealth consultations to ensure that our communication is comfortable and convenient.

What Makes Our Neck Lifts Different From Others?

For over 13 years, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro has been transforming lives through successful cosmetic procedures. He leverages the latest techniques and advanced technologies to deliver exceptional service and fulfill aesthetic goals. Board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro is uniquely qualified to perform both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, be it a simple facelift procedure or a complex mommy makeover.  His dedicated team takes a respectful and personalized approach, ensuring  a positive experience from consultation to recovery. Dr. Sanchez-Navarro  is the perfect choice for people seeking rejuvenation and top-level care.

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