Neck Lift

Pre-Operative Preparation

Before your neck lift surgery, you will have a detailed consultation with Dr. Lickstein to review your goals, evaluate your anatomy, and finalize your surgical plan. Pre-operative instructions typically include:

• Discontinuing certain medications and supplements that may increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, one to two weeks prior to surgery
• Avoiding smoking and all nicotine products, which can impair healing and increase the risk of complications
• Arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and remain with you for at least the first 24 hours
• Fasting after midnight the night before your procedure, unless otherwise instructed
• Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of surgery to ensure ease and comfort during recovery

Dr. Lickstein and his team will provide you with detailed, personalized instructions prior to your procedure and are available to answer any questions to help you feel fully prepared and confident on the day of surgery.

Anesthesia and Facility

Neck lift surgery is performed in an accredited surgical facility using general anesthesia to support a controlled, comfortable surgical experience. A dedicated anesthesia professional remains present throughout the procedure, continuously monitoring your vital signs and overall status.

Your anesthesia plan and any associated considerations will be discussed in detail prior to surgery, ensuring you feel informed and prepared.

Incision Placement

Dr. Lickstein carefully places incisions to minimize visible scarring. Incisions are typically made:

• Behind and around the ears, following the natural contours of the hairline
• Beneath the chin (submental incision), when addressing excess fat or platysmal banding directly

These discreet incision locations allow Dr. Lickstein to access the underlying muscles and tissues while keeping any resulting scars well-concealed within natural skin folds and the hairline.

Surgical Technique

Once access is established, Dr. Lickstein may:

• Remove or redistribute excess fat, sometimes using liposuction for precision contouring
• Tighten the platysma muscle using sutures (platysmaplasty) to eliminate banding and restore a smooth neckline
• Redrape and remove excess skin for a firmer, more youthful appearance
• Address the SMAS layer when combining the procedure with facelift surgery

The entire procedure typically takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of correction needed and whether additional procedures are performed concurrently.

Recovery from neck lift surgery is gradual, and most patients find the process manageable with proper preparation and follow-up care. A general recovery timeline includes:

• Days 1 to 3: Mild to moderate swelling and bruising are normal. A compression dressing is worn to support healing. Drains, if placed, are typically removed within the first day or two.
• Days 7 to 10: Sutures are removed. Most patients feel comfortable resuming light daily activities.
• Weeks 2 to 3: Swelling continues to subside. Many patients return to work and social activities, though strenuous exercise should be avoided.
• Weeks 4 to 6: The majority of visible swelling has resolved. Results become increasingly apparent.
• 3 to 6 Months: Final results are fully visible as residual swelling resolves and tissues settle.

Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2 to 3 weeks, with full exercise typically resumed by 4 to 6 weeks, depending on individual healing.

As with any surgical procedure, neck lift surgery carries potential risks and complications. When performed by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in an accredited surgical facility, serious complications are uncommon.

Potential risks may include:

• Infection, which is rare and typically managed with antibiotics if it occurs
• Bleeding or hematoma, or a collection of blood beneath the skin that may require drainage
• Nerve injury, which may result in temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in sensation or muscle movement
• Scarring, which generally fades over time but may be more visible in some patients
• Asymmetry or contour irregularities, which may require minor revision³

Dr. Lickstein minimizes these risks through careful surgical technique, thoughtful patient selection, and detailed post-operative care. Should any concerns arise during recovery, his team provides prompt evaluation and appropriate management.

Dr. David Lickstein, MD, FACS: Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. David Lickstein brings extensive experience, advanced surgical training, and a refined aesthetic approach to neck lift surgery. A graduate of Harvard Medical School with fellowship training at Massachusetts General Hospital, he is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the gold standard in the field.

Professional Recognition and Leadership

Dr. Lickstein’s recognition as a Newsweek Top 100 Plastic Surgeon reflects his consistent delivery of high-quality, natural-looking results across a range of facial and body procedures. He has also served in leadership roles, including Chief of Surgery at Jupiter Medical Center, demonstrating the trust and respect of both patients and peers.

He is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS), organizations that require ongoing education and adherence to rigorous standards of patient care.

Surgical Philosophy and Approach

Dr. Lickstein approaches neck lift surgery with a focus on balance, precision, and restraint. His goal is to create results that appear refreshed and natural—never tight, overcorrected, or surgically obvious.

• Natural Results: Each procedure is tailored to enhance your existing features while preserving your natural appearance. The objective is subtle, meaningful improvement rather than transformation.
• Comprehensive Rejuvenation: The neck does not age in isolation. Dr. Lickstein evaluates the relationship between the face and neck to create harmonious results, often recommending complementary procedures when appropriate.
• Patient Safety and Comfort: From pre-operative planning through recovery, patient safety remains a central priority. Detailed protocols, careful technique, and ongoing follow-up support help ensure a smooth surgical experience.

This thoughtful, individualized approach allows Dr. Lickstein to deliver neck lift results that are both technically precise and aesthetically balanced.

If you are ready to address sagging skin, a turkey neck, jowls, or a double chin, Lickstein Plastic Surgery is here to help. Dr. David Lickstein welcomes patients from Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Wellington, and throughout South Florida for personalized neck lift consultations.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more youthful, defined neckline.

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