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Neck Lift Surgery Performed by Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi

The neck is not a feature we think about often. It is rarely in the spotlight the way the eyes, nose or lips are, yet a smooth and graceful neck contributes significantly to an attractive appearance. A defined jawline and neckline are symbols of beauty, youth and refinement that bring balance to other facial features and enhance overall facial aesthetics. If you’re unhappy with the way your neck currently looks, Dr. Tansavatdi has the ability to help. As a facial surgeon, she performs outstanding neck lift procedures in the Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks area.

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What can neck lift surgery accomplish?

In general, neck lift surgery and neck liposuction can:

  • Tighten sagging neck skin
  • Smooth wrinkles and creases on the neck
  • Remove excess fatty deposits beneath the chin
  • Improve the appearance of jowls
  • Correct protruding platysmal bands
  • Define the jawline
  • Enhance the chin
  • Bring balance to facial features
  • Achieve a slimmer, smoother, more youthful-looking neck
Beautiful redhead woman displaying her neck

How can a neck lift improve my appearance?

The neck lift procedure removes unwanted fat and skin, giving the neck a slimmer and more youthful contour. The surgery also tightens the platysma muscle, which usually separates and sags over time, further contributing to an unsightly neck appearance. By performing neck lift surgery and neck liposuction, Westlake Village surgeon Dr. Tansavatdi enhances the shape and appearance of the entire neck region, helping you look and feel better regardless of your age.

A neck lift can tighten excess skin and improve visible signs of aging along your neck and jawline. Neck lift surgeon Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi is an experienced female facial plastic surgeon who has helped many patients in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, and Santa Barbara restore the shape of their necks with neck lift surgery and/or neck liposuction. With dual board certifications and an excellent eye for aesthetics, Dr. Tansavatdi helps patients achieve stunning results that turn back the clock and bring out their natural beauty. Please call our office at (805) 715-4996 for more information or to schedule your neck lift consultation.

Why get a neck lift?

The neck, like all other areas of the body, changes over time. The natural aging process, gravity, weight fluctuations, and other factors all contribute to the accumulation of fat and the development of lax, sagging skin beneath the chin.

In some cases, the loose skin forms rings around the neck or concentrates in one area below the chin, giving the appearance of a “wattle” or “turkey neck”. This can detract from your face and make you feel self-conscious in public.

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Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi talks about neck lift surgery

Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi Talks: What is a Neck Lift?

Neck lift vs. neck liposuction

Neck lift surgery and neck liposuction both refine the neckline and produce beautiful results for the right patient, but they improve the appearance in different ways. For some patients, the best results are achieved by utilizing a combination of neck lift and neck liposuction. These combined procedures allow Westlake Village surgeon Dr. Tansavatdi to tighten the skin and muscles and remove excess fat, addressing the most common complaints of neck aging all at once.

Neck lift

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that corrects sagging skin and muscle laxity in the neck. During a neck lift, Dr. Tansavatdi removes excess skin, removes and reshapes fat, tightens the platysma muscle, and re-drapes the skin for a smoother, more toned appearance. This is a longer and more invasive procedure that requires more downtime and can produce more dramatic results.

Neck liposuction

Neck liposuction sculpts the chin and jawline by removing excess fat. Liposuction cannot address lax skin or muscles. Therefore, the best candidates for liposuction have good skin and muscle tone and are only seeking to address unwanted fat. Liposuction is generally a shorter, less invasive, and more comfortable procedure with reduced recovery time compared to neck lift surgery. However, its results are more limited.

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Who is a candidate for neck lift surgery?

If you’re in the Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village area and are considering a neck lift, you may be an ideal candidate. Women and men who have what they describe as a “double chin” or a “turkey wattle” are excellent candidates for this procedure. If you had a high neckline in your youth, this procedure can help return your neck to a more attractive, defined appearance. A neck lift performed on its own may be a good solution for patients who are starting to see sagging in their neck but are not yet concerned with issues in their lower face. If there are visible signs of aging in both the neck and the face, a neck lift and facelift can be performed simultaneously.

Meeting the qualifications

All patients must meet certain qualifications to be considered a candidate for any surgical procedure. Patients should be in good general health, should be non-smokers (or willing to stop smoking prior to their surgery), and should have appropriate expectations of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure they are seeking. Patients should also be able to take enough time away from work or daily responsibilities to make a full recovery and be prepared to follow Dr. Tansavatdi’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth healing process.

What if I’m not a candidate?

If Dr. Tansavatdi determines that you are not a good candidate for a neck lift at this time, she can help you explore other options that are better suited to your needs. Dr. Tansavatdi offers an extensive range of facial plastic surgery procedures and non-surgical anti-aging treatments including FaceTite, a non-invasive neck lift that uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to tighten loose skin and stimulate collagen growth. 

Neck lift procedure details

Neck lift surgery is a very versatile procedure with a number of surgical options that depend on each patient’s unique aesthetic needs. Thousand Oaks surgeon Dr. Tansavatdi performs various types of neck lift surgery, including a “skin only” neck lift and neck liposuction for removal of fat deposits. The placement of incisions depends on the extent of the procedure and your individualized treatment plan. However, regardless of the surgical technique, the incisions are placed at strategic areas where they will be largely undetectable following surgery, often behind the ear and hairline or under the chin in a natural crease.

Once appropriate incisions are made, Dr. Tansavatdi can remove or reposition fat deposits, tighten the platysma muscles, and remove excess skin. A neck lift essentially creates an internal corset that supports the tissues of the neck and ensures the results of the procedure are long-lasting. She then redrapes the remaining skin over the uplifted contours and closes the incisions with sutures or staples. Surgical dressings are applied to facilitate healing and minimize swelling. Once healed, these incision lines are usually well concealed by the natural structures of the body.

Preparing for neck lift surgery

The only way to find out for sure if neck lift surgery is right for you is to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Tansavatdi. During this initial meeting, she will discuss your medical history to determine whether you suffer from any major medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications. She will then assess the amount of excess skin of your neck, ask about your concerns and reasons for pursuing neck lift surgery, and discuss the likely outcomes of the procedure. If necessary, she will recommend alternative options.

Once Dr. Tansavatdi understands what you hope to achieve, she will educate you about neck contouring techniques and help you decide which approach is right for you. She will then develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and your desired outcomes. Your plan will include the technique or combination of techniques to be used, your options for anesthesia, your financial investment, and all preoperative and postoperative that should be followed for best results.

Before & After

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Neck lift recovery

After a neck lift, you will have some bruising and swelling, and you may be in mild discomfort. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications or pain relievers prescribed by Dr. Tansavatdi. She will provide you with specific instructions for post-op care that promote a smooth and safe recovery. These include instructions on how to care for your incision sites, keeping your head elevated above your heart to minimize swelling, applying a compression garment, and avoiding twisting or bending your neck.

Be gentle with the treated area when you wash or put on clothing, and be careful to protect your skin from the sun. Dr. Tansavatdi will advise you on when you can return to your normal work and exercise routine. Specific recovery time varies from patient to patient, depending on the surgical technique used and the level of invasiveness. Recovering from a neck lift procedure lasts 1 to 2 weeks, after which patients can return to their regular personal and professional activities.

Dr. Tansavatdi recommends that patients use a cooling mask and post-op vitamins to diminish bruising and swelling and accelerate healing. Throughout recovery, all patients (including Westlake Village facelift, eyelid lift, and rhinoplasty patients) are closely observed by Dr. Tansavatdi. Please attend all follow-up appointments and follow all postoperative instructions carefully. Your recovery is essential to a safe and satisfactory outcome.

Life after neck lift surgery

Patients typically see final results within four months after neck lift surgery, once all post-op swelling and bruising has resolved. Incision lines continue to fade for six months to a year. After a neck contouring procedure, you will enjoy a smoother, slimmer, and more toned neckline, as well as a more defined chin and jawline. Your results should look beautiful and natural: your skin will not be too loose, nor will it be overly taut. Dr. Tansavatdi’s patients are often amazed at how significantly a neck lift can make it look like they have lost weight and taken years off their look.

Your neck lift results will last for many years to come—especially if you maintain a healthy weight and take good care of your skin. Although the benefits of neck lift surgery are long-lasting, you may notice that the skin of your neck relaxes over the years as you continue to age. Aging will continue no matter what cosmetic procedures you undergo, but your neck will always look more youthful than it would have without surgery. A healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your rejuvenated neck for as long as possible.

Enhancing the results of your neck lift

Neck lift surgery is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures to enhance its anti-aging benefits. Surgical rejuvenation procedures that are commonly paired with a neck lift include a facelift to revitalize the lower face, a brow lift to elevate a sagging or deeply creased brow, eyelid surgery to address drooping skin, and puffiness, and chin augmentation to sculpt and balance the face. Non-surgical treatments such as Botox or dermal filler injections can also complement the results of your neck lift.

Even though these neck contouring procedures do not address any signs of aging in the face, the results of a neck lift and neck liposuction often enhance the patient’s entire facial appearance. For more comprehensive improvements, neck contouring can be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures that target the upper and/or lower regions of the face. Dr. Tansavatdi will help you decide which procedures are right for you after carefully examining your areas of concern and discussing your aesthetic goals.

WHY CHOOSE FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON DR. KRISTINA TANSAVATDI?

A Focus on the Face

Most plastic surgeons operate across the entire body. Dr. Tansavatdi has dedicated her entire career to focusing on surgeries on the face and neck. After almost a decade in practice and thousands of successful procedures, she has become the face, neck, eyelid, and nose surgery specialist she is today.

Coveted Credentials

Dr. Tansavatdi is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

An Artist’s Eye

Dr. Tansavatdi received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, completed her medical school at Wake Forest University, finished residency in head and neck surgery, and then dedicated her focus to facial plastic surgery for her fellowship training. Today, the face and neck are her surgical canvas and patients count on her to produce her finest work every time. Her aesthetic philosophy is that an attractive and well-proportioned face and neck only comes from achieving a natural un-operated look. Through a keen eye for detail and incorporating and customizing an approach based on each person’s anatomy, she is able to obtain these goals, uniquely separating her from other surgeons who may practice a cookie-cutter approach and explains why she is able to have such successful results. 

Natural-Looking Results

Dr. Tansavatdi’s artistic background and her ultra-fine focus on facial aesthetics come from a superior understanding of facial anatomy and physiology and what can be done to produce subtle natural-looking results. Every patient is unique and every surgery is uniquely tailored to fit them.

Dr. Tansavatdi in a lab coat smiling

NECK LIFT - FAQ

What is the average cost of a neck lift?

Neck lift surgery pricing will differ from patient to patient, based on the amount of excess skin laxity and degree of loss of contour in the neck, and on whether you undergo any additional procedures in tandem, such as a facelift. Our team will provide you with a surgical estimate at the time of your consultation.

Will there be pain?

During your neck lift, you will be sedated or be under the effects of anesthesia Dr. Tansavatdi will provide you pain medications for after your surgery, which should keep you comfortable as you heal. In Dr. Tansavatdi’s experience, her patients typically require stronger pain medications for the first night and are able to use Tylenol and other non-narcotics for the remainder of their recovery. Most patients describe tightness and discomfort which typically resolves several weeks after surgery.

What are the risks?

There are general risks that can happen with any surgery and may include the risk of bleeding, infection, asymmetry, unfavorable scarring, and prolonged swelling. There are also specific risks associated with necklift surgery that Dr. Tansavatdi will review with you before your surgery. These risks include prolonged numbness or pain, nerve injury, hematoma requiring drainage, and recurrence of the signs of aging requiring a revision. Though careful attention is taken by Dr. Tansavatdi to minimize the risks of neck lift surgery, she cannot guarantee a perfect surgery without complications. The occurrence of these risks of necklift surgery are low and are often managed favorably by Dr. Tansavatdi and her team.

How long does surgery take?

Dr. Tansavatdi will determine the surgical plan at your consultation which dictates the degree of work and length of time for the surgery. If neck work is performed under the chin only, then the surgery may take 2 hours while any work performed through incisions around the ears will take longer as there is more dissection to accomplish the goal and usually takes 4 hours or more. Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation.

Will there be visible scars?

After a neck lift, you will have several small scars and these are usually hard to identify because of the chosen placement of the incisions by Dr. Tansavatdi. These scars can be found within the hairline, behind the ears or beneath the chin depending on the technique used by Dr. Tansavatdi to address your neck. You will typically be able to cover your scars with make-up as they heal over the course of 2-4 weeks. Dr. Tansavatdi recommends the use of silicone scar gel to improve the appearance of the scars as they heal.

Can a previously botched neck lift be corrected?

Dr. Tansavatdi has experience performing revision neck lift surgeries. Revision surgeries are challenging and can be successfully performed as long as the goals are reasonable and achievable. Dr. Tansavatdi will perform a detailed physical evaluation and assessment of your goals, and create a customized plan for revising your neck lift results.There are limitations to the outcome from any surgery specifically as it relates to the presence of scars from previous surgeries and Dr. Tansavatid will determine if revision surgery is right for you.

Contact Thousand Oaks Surgeon Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi for your neck lift surgery

If you’re in the Thousand Oaks area and are concerned about the excess skin and fat in your neck, please call Dr. Tansavatdi at (805) 715-4996 or contact us online to learn more about neck lift surgery or neck liposuction at her Westlake Village plastic surgery office. She will give you her expert opinion and help you decide which treatment option is best for you.

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*The content/images on this website are not a guarantee of individual results. Individual results may vary. The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, and does not replace the need for a formal consultation with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon before undergoing a surgical procedure or skin care treatment.

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