Neck Lift in Rockford, IL
The neck is one of the first areas on the body to show significant signs of aging. Skin on the neck becomes increasingly lax, leading to droopiness and wrinkles. Additionally, facial fat sinks and accumulates beneath the chin, creating jowls on the jawline. Patients who feel that their neck’s appearance does not correspond with the age that they feel internally may choose to have plastic surgery to rejuvenate the neck. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Pedro Rodriguez performs neck lift to restore smooth, youthful contours to his patients’ necks.
The Pedro Rodriguez Difference
Dr. Pedro Rodriguez is an elite plastic surgeon who performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He specializes in breast, body and face procedures. Merging advanced techniques with his keen eye, he produces transformative results for his patients that are both attractive and natural-looking.
Patients in Rockford choose Dr. Rodriguez because of his outstanding surgical skills and attentive care. Through decades of experience, he understands precisely how to rejuvenate the face and achieve appealing breast and body contours. He takes pleasure in helping his patients build confidence by reaching their aesthetic goals.
Benefits of Neck Lift
Neck lift surgery is popular with patients because it can make multiple aesthetic improvements with one procedure. Changes achievable with neck lift include:
- Tightening loose neck skin
- Eliminating fat deposits beneath the chin
- Removing excess skin (a “wattle”) hanging beneath the chin
- Restoring definition to the jawline
- Tightening protruding platysmal muscles (vertical bands on the neck) to smooth the neck’s contours
Dr. Rodriguez customizes each neck lift surgery to the specific needs and preferences of that patient. Details and technique can be discussed during a consultation.
Candidates for Neck Lift
The ideal candidates for neck lift have signs of aging on the neck that they would like to improve with plastic surgery. They should be non-smokers who are in good health overall with realistic expectations for what plastic surgery can accomplish.
Most facelift procedures that Dr. Rodriguez performs incorporate elements of neck lift. Patients who have signs of aging on both the neck and lower part of the face may want to ask Dr. Rodriguez about facelift to rejuvenate this area more uniformly.
Neck Lift Procedure
Neck lift patients are provided general anesthesia to keep them comfortable throughout the two-to-three-hour surgery. Dr. Rodriguez typically makes incisions behind the ears or beneath the chin (where scars are better concealed) to access the underlying tissue and musculature. With these incisions, he can remove the excess fat and skin and tighten the neck muscles to achieve a nice, young shape. For many patients, he performs liposuction beneath the chin to eliminate stubborn fat deposits. Dr. Rodriguez re-drapes the skin to fit the neck’s sleeker contours before suturing and bandaging the incisions to hold the skin in place.
Neck Lift Recovery and Results
The neck looks swollen and bruised after surgery; patients may take pain medication to help manage lingering discomfort. Patients are encouraged to keep their head elevated and avoid significant head movement to help accelerate the healing process. Patients typically take about one week off from work before returning. In follow-up appointments, Dr. Rodriguez checks on his patients’ progress and confirms when it is safe to resume work and activity like exercise.
Although neck lift reverses signs of aging, it cannot stop the aging process. Neck lift results can last about 10 to 15 years before sagging becomes visible again. Good habits like staying hydrated, moisturizing the skin and avoiding sun exposure can help to extend plastic surgery results.
Neck Lift FAQs
What is the best age to consider a neck lift procedure?
There is no fixed age at which neck lift becomes most appropriate. The ideal timeline is typically based on anatomical changes rather than age alone. Patients often seek this procedure in their 40s to 60s, when signs of aging such as skin laxity, muscle banding, or fat accumulation in the neck region become more pronounced. A consultation with Dr. Rodriguez is necessary to assess skin elasticity, underlying structures, and goals before determining the suitability of neck lift.
How does neck lift differ from facelift?
While both procedures address signs of aging, they focus on different areas. Neck lift targets excess fat, loose skin, and muscle laxity in the neck and under the jawline. Facelift typically addresses sagging tissues in the midface, lower face, and jawline. The procedures may be performed independently or in combination, depending on the patient’s goals. Dr. Rodriguez evaluates facial and neck anatomy during the consultation to recommend the most suitable approach.
Will neck lift help with a double chin?
Neck lift may improve the appearance of a double chin if the issue is related to excess fat or skin laxity in the submental (under-chin) region. Submental liposuction alone may be sufficient in cases where isolated fat is the primary concern and the patient’s skin maintains elasticity. When muscle banding or significant skin laxity is present, neck lift provides more comprehensive results. The selection of technique depends on clinical evaluation and the patient’s desired outcome.
How long does it take to recover from neck lift?
Initial recovery from neck lift generally takes about 10 to 14 days, during which swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected. Most patients resume non-strenuous activities within two weeks. Full healing and resolution of swelling may take several weeks to months. Patients are advised to follow Dr. Rodriguez’s post-operative instructions closely (including incision care and activity restrictions) to support optimal recovery.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to neck lift?
Several non-surgical options may improve mild to moderate signs of neck aging. These include injectable treatments such as Botox and Juvéderm. These treatments offer temporary results and are typically recommended for early changes or as maintenance following surgery. Dr. Rodriguez can evaluate whether surgical or non-surgical intervention aligns better with the patient’s goals.
Will there be visible scarring after neck lift?
Incisions for neck lift are typically placed behind the ears and sometimes under the chin, where they are less noticeable. The extent of scarring depends on the surgical technique used, individual healing response, and adherence to post-operative care. Over time, scars generally fade and flatten. Dr. Rodriguez advises patients to follow incision care instructions and avoid sun exposure to support more discreet healing.
Is neck lift ever combined with other procedures?
Yes, neck lift is frequently combined with complementary procedures such as facelift, eyelid surgery, or submental liposuction. Performing multiple procedures during a single operation allows for a more unified approach to facial rejuvenation and may reduce overall recovery time. Dr. Rodriguez evaluates the patient’s full face to determine whether combined treatment will help achieve the patient’s desired outcome.
Discuss Neck Lift with a Leading Surgeon
Dr. Rodriguez is a top plastic surgeon in Rockford, Illinois. He uses advanced surgical techniques to produce neck lift results that are both appealing and natural-looking. To meet with Dr. Rodriguez and determine whether neck lift is the best choice for rejuvenating your neck, please arrange a consultation by contacting his office.
