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Neck Lift, T-Z Plasty, and Neck Rejuvenation in San Diego

Neck lift and facelift surgery go hand-in-hand to provide unmatched facial rejuvenation. The T-Z plasty is an alternative approach that tackles central neck laxity (turkey gobbler) without a long incision or a facelift. If you are not ready for surgery or just noticing signs of aging, our neck rejuvenation procedures can help. Many work well to complement surgical results.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure. It is often performed to continue the rejuvenating benefits of a facelift down to the collarbone. It targets problems a facelift alone cannot, such as:

  • Loose, crepey neck skin
  • Excess fatty deposits under the chin
  • Vertical muscle banding in the neck
  • Jowling

What To Expect

At LJC, our surgeons usually perform neck lift surgery as part of a facelift. They can perform a neck lift on its own using a local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthetic. The surgery takes 1 to 3 hours to complete. Depending on the extent of correction needed, they place an incision behind the ear or create a tiny incision under the chin.

Recovery

Discomfort is typically mild to moderate after a neck lift and can be controlled with prescription pain medication. The neck area may feel numb and tight initially.

  • Back to nonstrenuous work: 1 to 2 weeks
  • Resume exercise: 3 weeks
  • Final results: 2 to 6 months

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Dr. Breister-Ghosh and her entire team were professional, encouraging, friendly, and caring througho…*
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What Is a T-Z Plasty?

A T-Z plasty is a neck lift that directly addresses wrinkly, crepey skin of the central neck, often called a turkey gobbler or wattle. Dr. Hector Salazar is known for his expertise in this innovative technique. He uses a T-shaped incision that runs along the neck crease and then down the midline of the neck over the Adam’s apple. He creates a Z-pattern when closing the incision to minimize tension and make the resulting scar less noticeable.

Candidates for T-Z Plasty

While women benefit from the T-Z plasty, ideal candidates are men who:

  • Are age 50 and over
  • Want to address loose skin under the neck
  • Do not want a facelift
  • Want to avoid a long incision in the hairline

Benefits

  • The T-Z plasty gives the surgeon direct access to the neck muscles, fat, and excess tissue.
  • Scars are not visible at eye level in a normal conversation with others and can be concealed by facial hair if desired.
  • Recovery is quicker than a traditional neck lift.

What To Expect

Dr. Salazar performs the surgery using general anesthesia to minimize the amount of local anesthetic needed in the surgical area that can distort results. The surgery takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. After surgery, the incision is covered with Steri-Strips and gauze, and a compression wrap called a “jaw bra” is placed under the chin and around the top of the head.

Recovery

Discomfort after T-Z pasty is usually minimal and can be controlled with prescription medication. You will need to wear the jaw bra continuously (except when showering) for the first 2 weeks, then at night for another week.

  • Return to nonstrenuous work: 5 to 7 days
  • Resume exercise: 2 weeks
  • Final results: 2 months
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Additional Neck Rejuvenation Procedures

Whether in combination with or instead of neck lift surgery, our neck rejuvenation procedures can restore firm, youthful definition. The following are effective options:

  • ThermiSmooth® uses radiofrequency energy to firm and tighten the skin without pain or downtime.
  • ThermiTight® tightens lax skin on the neck using radiofrequency energy emitted through a thin probe inserted under the skin.
  • Ultherapy® uses ultrasound energy to firm, smooth, and tighten the neck and jawline within 2 to 3 months.
  • ellacor® micro-coring is a minimally invasive procedure that smooths away wrinkles and tightens the skin by removing tiny plugs of skin with hollow needles.
  • Morpheus8® RF microneedling makes the skin firmer, smoother, and tighter using tiny needles that release radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers.
  • CoolSculpting Elite® tightens lax skin on the neck using radiofrequency energy emitted through a thin probe inserted under the skin.
  • Neck liposuction removes isolated areas of fat from under the chin (double chin) and along the neck. When performed on its own, this procedure is best for people who have good skin elasticity. Liposuction is less invasive than a neck lift and involves tiny incisions hidden under the ears or chin.

What To Expect at Your Consultation

During your free consultation, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will do the following:

  • Listen to your goals and determine which procedure is most appropriate for you.
  • Perform a physical exam to determine whether it’s necessary to target the skin, muscle, fat, or a combination.
  • Review the proposed procedure, how it’s performed, and what to expect during recovery.
  • Show you before-and-after pictures of their real patients.
  • Give you a specific, written quote detailing all the costs.

After scheduling your surgery, you’ll attend an individual “pre-op” appointment to discuss the surgical risks and the steps of the entire operative process so you know what to expect.

Your Dream Starts Today

Ready to look as young and vibrant on the outside as you feel on the inside? Let’s make your dream a reality together. To get started,  request your free consultation online or give us a call at (858) 452-1981.

Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre Editor on February 13th, 2024. Meet Our Medical Editors

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