Mini Neck Lift

The skin on the neck and jawline is thin, and it is often the first part of the body that starts to show our age. For this reason, neck lifts are some of the most popular facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures available. If you want to improve the appearance of “turkey neck,” or sagging and wrinkled skin on the neck, a mini neck lift may be the ideal treatment option. On this page, you can learn more about the mini neck lift procedure. The cosmetic surgery team at Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – a division of U.S. Dermatology Partners can also help you better understand mini neck lifts and all of your treatment options.

What Is a Mini Neck Lift Procedure?

A mini neck lift is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline, including smoothing laxity and wrinkles and removing unwanted fullness. This minimally invasive surgical technique allows for maximum results with less scarring and shorter recovery times. A traditional neck lift may require multiple incisions, but a mini neck lift is typically completed with a less invasive approach. This means the procedure itself is completed more quickly. It also allows the patient to heal more quickly and reduces the risk of scarring. The surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia that numbs the surgical site. The patient may opt to receive additional sedation or anesthesia to ensure comfort. During mini neck lift surgery, incisions are made, and the skin and some muscles may be pulled taught, excess skin may be removed, or tissues may be repositioned to achieve the desired results.

Benefits of Mini Neck Lifts

The main benefit of a mini neck lift is improving the appearance and definition of the neck, chin, and jaw.

Additional benefits include:

• Removing turkey neck and excess or saggy skin
• Eliminating double chin and excess fat in the chin and jaw
• Tightening and smoothing the neck
• Significantly shorter recovery times compared with traditional and deep neck lifts
• Less risk for scarring and other potential side effects of neck lifts

Recovery After the Mini Neck Lift Procedure

Following a mini neck lift procedure, your board-certified plastic surgeon will provide aftercare instructions to ensure fast and comfortable healing. For the first day or two, you will need to keep your head bandaged, rest, and take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain. Within the first few days, swelling and bruising are common, but they should begin to improve after a week. Full healing will continue for several months, but patients can typically return to their regular routines within a few weeks to a month following the procedure. The results will last about five years, but these results can be prolonged with a good skincare routine. This should include retinol to tighten the skin, improve cell turnover, and promote the production of collagen and elastin.

Risks Associated with Mini Neck Lift

The risks associated with mini neck lifts are similar to other minimally invasive surgeries. Your cosmetic surgeon will review potential risks with you as well as discuss any lifestyle or medical factors that increase the risk for adverse effects. In most cases, bruising, swelling, and bleeding below the skin are the only side effects patients deal with. Scarring is another common concern, but the procedure is designed to hide the incision sites and scars.