Neck Lift

Neck Lift in Long Island With Dr. Vandegrift

When aging, your face often steals the attention. It’s easy to fret about wrinkles that appear around the eyes or on the brows. You may not notice aging in the neck area as quickly, but it still happens. And sagging and wrinkling in the neck area can make you appear significantly older. 

A neck lift can address aging in the neck area and along the jawline. Alone or paired with a facelift, a neck lift can help restore a more youthful appearance. 

Are you considering a neck lift in Long Island? Contact Dr. Meredith Vandegrift to learn more about this procedure and to find out if you’re a good candidate. 

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, also called a lower rhytidectomy, is a procedure to improve the appearance of the neck, jawline, and area under the chin. 

This procedure treats:

  • Jowls (excess fat and loose skin along the jawline)
  • Double chin (excess fat under the chin)
  • Loose skin on the neck (turkey neck)
  • Banding on the neck

Dr. Vandegrift also recommends a neck lift when aging in the neck is more advanced than facial aging. This procedure can restore balance and improve the appearance of the neck and profile. 

Meet Dr. Meredith Vandegrift

Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast and body rejuvenation that restores a youthful, supple appearance after pregnancy or weight loss.

While offering a full complement of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures including breast lift, tummy tuck, vaginal rejuvenation, and oncoplastic breast reduction, Dr. Vandegrift also has a special interest and expertise in both invasive and non-invasive facial rejuvenation. With a focus on keeping your look natural, she provides a holistic approach to each patient, specifically tailoring a treatment regimen that will leave you looking and feeling your absolute best.

What Happens During a Neck Lift?

A neck lift can happen while you are under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Dr. Vandegrift will discuss your options for anesthesia. Most patients receive this procedure as an outpatient treatment and are ready to go home on the same day as their surgery. A typical neck lift takes between two to three hours. If you choose to pair your neck lift with other procedures, you may need additional time in the operating room. 

During a neck lift, Dr. Vandegrift creates incisions that allow her to tighten muscle, remove skin, and reposition fat. She often performs liposuction to remove fat from under the chin before suturing or gluing incisions closed and wrapping them in bandages. 

Recovery After a Neck Lift

Full recovery after a neck lift takes about six weeks. After six to eight weeks, patients are ready to resume all pre-surgery activities, including exercise and strenuous work. Most patients can return to work in one to two weeks and can slowly resume daily activities as they feel comfortable and Dr. Vandegrift clears them to do so. 

Throughout the recovery process, your neck lift results will gradually become visible. As soon as you have your bandages removed, you will notice smoother, tighter skin. The area will likely be bruised and swollen. Full results from a neck lift take several months, but most patients feel comfortable in public after a few weeks. 

Dr. Vandegrift is available throughout the recovery process to answer questions. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to us so we can guide you through the recovery process. 

Learn More About Neck Lift Surgery in Long Island

Refresh your neck’s appearance with a neck lift. If your neck is showing signs of aging or appears unbalanced when compared to your facial appearance, contact Dr. Meredith Vandegrift for a neck lift consultation. Dr. Vandegrift will help you explore options while providing expert medical advice in a compassionate and caring environment. Call (631) 935-0303 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and learn more about a neck lift in Long Island. 

FAQ

Neck Lift in Long Island, NY

An individualized approach improves surgical outcomes. Since Dr. Vandegrift customizes each procedure, it can be challenging to estimate surgical costs without talking to you and examining you first. Dr. Vandegrift will provide detailed information about cost, payment, and financing options during your consultation appointment.

A neck lift can be a solo procedure, but many patients choose to pair it with other facial procedures. A neck lift is an ideal companion to a brow lift or eyelid lift. Dermal fillers and Botox® are non-surgical options that can complement your neck lift results.

Dr. Vandegrift typically places neck lift incisions under the chin, in the hairline, or behind the ears. While some scarring may occur, these incisions’ placement greatly reduces their visibility. Any scarring that occurs will fade dramatically during the first year after surgery. Most patients are not bothered by their scars and enjoy the smoother, tighter, and more youthful appearance of the neck area.

If you want to refresh your neck’s appearance, you may be a good candidate for a neck lift. This procedure is typically best for generally healthy patients with moderate to severe aging in the neck area and realistic expectations for their results. Smoking can interfere with healing after a neck lift. Patients who smoke should stop before surgery and throughout the recovery process. A consultation is helpful for determining if a neck lift will achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.

Choosing a plastic surgeon is a highly personal decision. Take your time and explore your options in depth before you decide. Dr. Vandegrift offers patients a unique combination of surgical skill and compassion. She understands the stress and vulnerability of the surgical process and partners with each patient to provide support and sound medical advice. Dr. Vandegrift will never pressure or intimidate you into choosing a procedure. She believes in providing information so patients can make an informed choice about the best rejuvenation options for their situation. If you’re in the Long Island area and seeking a plastic surgeon, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vandegrift.

It’s best to address sagging skin in the neck area through a surgical procedure. While non-surgical treatments can delay the need for more invasive procedures, they cannot provide the long-lasting results of a neck lift. If you’re interested in refreshing the appearance of the neck without surgery, Dr. Vandegrift can recommend non-surgical alternatives, but these treatments cannot provide the same quality of results.

The improvements made with a neck lift typically last about a decade. You can prolong your youthful appearance with a conscientious skincare routine that includes moisturizer, sunscreen, stress relief, and hydration. While this procedure can’t stop aging, it can significantly turn back the clock.

Yes. Many patients choose to pair a neck lift with surgeries like a facelift, eyelid surgery, or non-surgical treatments for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Vandegrift will help you decide which combination best suits your goals and anatomy.

If you have excess fat accumulated under your chin, Dr. Vandegrift often includes liposuction to sculpt and refine the area for a smoother, more defined jawline.

There’s no “perfect” age – it depends on your anatomy and goals. Most patients consider a neck lift in their 40s to 60s, but younger people with early signs of aging or genetic concerns can also benefit.

A neck lift focuses on the jawline, chin, and neck, while a facelift targets the midface and lower face. A stand-alone neck lift may be ideal if your neck is aging more rapidly than your face. Dr. Vandegrift will recommend the best approach during your consultation.

Preparation begins with a confidential consultation and personalized guidance from Dr. Vandegrift’s team, which may include detailed instructions on specific medications or supplements to start or stop taking and how to lay the groundwork for a successful recovery.

Dr. Vandegrift will review your medical history, examine your neck and jawline, discuss your goals, and explain your options. Please feel free to bring a list of questions. You’ll leave this initial appointment with an understanding of what to expect before, during, and after surgery. 

Most patients describe recovery as manageable, with mild discomfort and tightness that improves within approximately the first week. Dr. Vandegrift provides personalized after-care directions and is available if concerns arise.

Dr. Vandegrift specializes in subtle, natural-looking results that enhance your features without looking overdone. Her approach focuses on restoring balance and definition while preserving your unique appearance.