Neck Lift

Dr. Lapuerta performs neck lift surgery for patients throughout the Houston, Pearland, and Katy area who wish to achieve a tighter, more enhanced neck. Patients seeking a neck lift are often troubled by excess fat within their neck, or too much loose skin. Dr. Lapuerta typically divides this surgery into two procedures:. Platysmaplasty is used to alter the neck muscles, while cervicoplasty is the removal of excess skin. Liposuction may be used if existing fat pockets need to be removed. For weight loss patients, Dr. Lapuerta recommends that patients be at or near their goal weight.

A neck lift will address several issues including the removal of excess fat, the trimming of hanging skin and the tightening of loose skin around the underlying neck muscles. An incision is made under the chin, and in some cases, behind or in front of the ears. If fat removal is part of this surgery, liposuction will be the first step. Next, the neck muscles (platysma) are pulled tight and the overlying skin is stretched and re-draped to achieve the desired definition. Sutures are placed deep within the neck wall and a drain may be inserted to control bleeding.

A neck lift is considered an outpatient procedure, performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. This surgery typically takes 2 hours to complete, but that will vary by surgical case. After surgery, there will be some bruising and swelling. Patients will feel tightness and a pulling sensation as the neck adjusts to its new position. Most patients are able to return to work within 7-10 days. It can take several months for the optimal results to appear and for the neck to look and feel natural.

The cost for a neck lift procedure will vary depending on the extent of the surgery and whether liposuction was used. If the surgery is combined with another cosmetic facial procedure, then the cost will increase. In general, most patients can expect to pay between $4,000-$6,000 for a complete neck lift.