Fairfax’s Neck lift

Neck lift surgery removes excess skin and fat around the jawline to create a more youthful and defined neck. Neck lift is a popular procedure to reverse signs of aging, such as sagging neck skin.

Yes. You can reproduce the effect of a facelift by putting your hands in front of your ears and pulling up and a little back. You can reproduce the effect of a neck lift by pulling back with your hands under your ears. Thus a facelift and a necklift are two related but different surgeries.

However, many patients who are candidates for neck lifts would benefit from some tightening of their facial skin. There are many nuances to this discussion, and we look forward to explaining all your questions in person.

Yes, we hope so. We want patient’s friends to notice that they look more relaxed, less tired, and more youthful. We want our patients to look natural. Great plastic surgery is when everyone notices but nobody can tell.

A neck lift lasts forever! However, the conveyor belt of time keeps moving. Most patients are happy with their neck lifts even 30 years later. Others may choose to have a revision around the 10-to-20-year mark.

While a facelift and a neck lift are both cosmetic procedures that target signs of aging in the face and neck, they focus on different areas and address different concerns. Here are the key differences between a facelift and a neck lift:

• Facelift: A facelift primarily targets the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, and nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth). It aims to address sagging or drooping skin, deep creases, jowls, and loss of volume in the mid-face region. During a facelift, the underlying facial tissues are repositioned, muscles may be tightened, and excess skin is removed to create a more youthful appearance.
• Neck Lift: A neck lift, on the other hand, specifically focuses on the neck area. It addresses concerns such as loose or sagging skin, vertical neck bands, excess fat deposits, and the loss of definition in the jawline. A neck lift can provide a more sculpted and youthful neck contour. The procedure typically involves the removal of excess skin and fat in the neck, along with tightening the underlying muscles if necessary.
• Combining Facelift and Neck Lift: In many cases, a facelift and a neck lift are performed together as a comprehensive approach to address aging in both the face and neck. This combination procedure is often recommended for individuals who have significant signs of aging in both areas and desire comprehensive rejuvenation. By addressing both the lower face and neck, a combined facelift and neck lift can provide harmonious and natural-looking results.

Options for improved neck contour include neck liposuction, chin augmentation with dermal filler, or RF (radiofrequency) microneedling, for example. During your consultation, Dr. Domanski will advise you on which procedure is best suited for you.

Depends where and how closely you look!

Plastic surgery incisions are hidden like a bespoke tailor hides their work: along areas where it is natural to have a crease or where a crease is hidden.  For a neck lift, this means neck lift incisions are hidden behind the ear or next to the hairline.  Neck lifts are common in the Washington, DC area, but seeing a neck lift scar is not.  Neck lift scars are well hidden and fade with time.

Day 1: The day of your surgery marks the beginning of your recovery period. You may experience swelling and bruising. You should continue taking prescribed pain medications if needed. You may have a gently wrapped bandage around your face and neck to minimize swelling and bruising. A drain might also be used to minimize fluid collection. In this case it will be removed in 1-3 days, during your first follow up.

Week 1-2: By the end of the first week, any swelling and bruising should start to subside. Many people find they can stop taking pain medications after week one, if not earlier.  Stitches will be taken out around day 7.  By day 10, you can go to your second most favorite restaurant.

Week 2-4:  Patients resume normal activities and events.  We have had patients travel after 2 weeks, appear on TV at 3 weeks, or be at a wedding at 4 (as a guest, not the bride!).

In Northern Virginia the cost of a neck lift procedure ranges between $9,000-25,000.  We believe you can opt for a good procedure at a fair price, but there is no fair procedure at a good price.

Dr. Domanki is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.  We believe in affordable luxury.  People should notice, but nobody should know.

This is like asking what is the best car?  A sports car may be great for a single man in their 20s, but not the guy with 3 kids in their 40s.  Want dependable – Toyota.  Want to impress someone – Bently.

We prefer to ask “what and whom is the neck procedure for?”  A patient with minimal skin excess may choose radiofrequency microneedling or a chemical peel.  Those with fine lines may choose a CO2 laser resurfacing.  Patients with more extra skin may choose the mini-neck lift or neck liposuction to help tighten the jawline.  Patients with deep platysmal bands and lots of excess skin may opt for the full neck lift. 

Do chickens lay eggs?  Yes and YES.

Older patients are some of the best candidates for neck lifting.  The procedure is particularly effective for addressing sagging skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity in the neck area.

Most patients can have their neck lift performed in an accredited outpatient surgical facility.  This includes patients well into their 80s who are in good health.

However, such facilities are not equipped to treat patients with pacemakers, or other related medical conditions.  Such patients can have a neck lift in a hospital operating room.

Dr. Domanski maintains privileges at several area hospitals.  This means the hospital has evaluated Dr. Domanski’s training and surgical practice and permits him to perform such neck lifts in their hospital.

Where people won’t be able to notice!

Typical incisions for a neck lift are behind the ears.  Sometimes an incision is also made under the chin to tighten the neck muscles.

We also provide neck lift patients with a scar cream to invest in their results.

Yes!  A double chin is an excellent indication for a neck lift.

If you can pinch the skin, it can be removed.  A double chin is treated by reduction of this skin and pulling it behind the ears.  When extra chin contour is needed, fat grafting can be applied for improved chin projection.

In more mild cases, chin liposuction can offer benefit with less downtime.

Surgical risk in plastic surgery is related to the body surface area.  Since the neck is smaller than the abdomen, a necklift is safer than a tummy tuck!

Patients are worried about the risk of a necklift because a bad tummy tuck can be hidden by a shirt, but a bad necklift can’t.

What makes for a bad necklift?

• An over-tightened neck.
• Nerve injury resulting in asymmetric smile.
• Pixie ear deformity that makes you look like a fairy.
• Wide scarring from excess tension.

As a surgeon, I minimize these risks by being conservative and respecting anatomy.  Some patients may want an excessive breast augmentation…. but nobody wants an excessive necklift.

There is the risk of anesthesia.  This is similar to the risk of being struck by lightning: small but possible.  I minimize this risk by not performing 9-hour marathon neck lifts.  Most of my neck lifts are complete in 4 to 6 hours.  Patients that are not healthy for anesthesia can’t get neck lifts.  The anesthesia is also only as deep as necessary to provide patient comfort and safety.  The blood oxygenation is continuously monitored, as is the air the patient is breathing out.  Any issues, and we can intervene immediately.

Bleeding and infection are risks of any surgery.  Necklift patients have Dr. Domanski’s personal cell phone in case they have any concern during or after hours.

A tighter, more beautiful neckline.  Need we say more?

While looking in a mirror, place your hands below your ears and pull up and back.  Like how your neck looks?  A neck lift can do that.

We believe that the best neck lift surgeons are the ones who can produce high quality, reliable results.  In neck lift surgery it is not helpful to hit one out of the park of you strike out the rest of the time.  Consistency, predictability, and durability win the day.

Since medical complications can occur to anyone, we recommend neck lift patients obtain primary care medical clearance with lab work within a month of the procedure.  Labwork should include a complete blood count (CBC) and basic metabolic panel (BMP).  Patients over 50 should have an EKG to check the heart.

Ensure that you have your post-operative medications with you when you arrive at the surgery center.  This way the surgeon can go over your medication again before your surgery.  If something is missing, it can be re-prescribed.

After general anesthesia, you should have a responsible adult drive you home and be with you during the first 24 hours after surgery.

You should have your first postoperative visit scheduled before your surgery so you how when to follow up.

Bleeding is a feared post-operative complication that can happen even 10 days after a neck lift.  You are the princess!  The princess does nothing.  Everything is done for the princess!  Avoid all that stuff that you normally do that will increase your blood pressure.  Higher blood pressure means the pipes (surgical area) have a greater chance to leak.

Poor wound healing is a risk of neck lifts.  For this reason, we will decline neck lifts on patients who currently smoke.  Ex-smokers can however safely have neck lifts.

Hydration is important after surgery.  “If the pee is clear, nothing to fear.  Dark yellow or brown, we are going down.”  Drink plenty of liquids and you should do well.

• The first thing that happens is the patient asks, “are we really done?”  Because the patient is awaking from anesthesia, the surgical staff usually must answer this questions several times.  It’s okay, we won’t tell anyone.

• Since we can’t safely send a patient home who keeps asking if their surgery is done, we observe patients in the post-operative care unit.  A nurse is assigned to the patient to monitor their vital signs.  Once the patient is awake, a family member is called in, and postoperative instructions are reviewed again.  Time in the post-operative care unit is about an hour but can be as long as needed.

• The patient is driven home by their responsible adult, who stays with the patient for the first 24 hours.  This time is spent resting.

• In the next day or so, a neck lift patient will follow up with their surgeon where the surgical dressings are removed.  Dr. Domanski is confident enough in his technique that he allows his neck lift patients to shower after this time.

• Follow up visits are then at one week where sutures are removed, two weeks to ensure healing, and at 3 months for a “surgical debrief.”

• ·Trust the process!  Temporary swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort, are normal parts of the healing process. You should rest with your head elevated to help reduce swelling.  Having a neck lift is more intense that having a massage, but a neck lift should not be uncomfortable.  Dr. Domanski uses long-acting numbing medications to reduce pain.  Many patients need only minimal prescription pain medication.

In Northern Virginia, especially Fairfax, McLean or Tysons Corner area, you can find many plastic surgeons that perform neck lift surgery.  The DMV area is very competitive; therefore, most surgeons must be good to maintain their practice here!

Always looks for a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Domanski.  Recognized boards include the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.  Not sure if your doctor is really a plastic surgeon (you should be!), check: American Board of Plastic Surgery site!

Social media algorithms promote what produces user engagement – not truth.  There are numerous cosmetic providers on Instagram with hundreds of thousands of followers who are not even board certified in anything.  Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok do not verify fact – only promote what algorithms believe will engage you.

Be carious of what you see on social media (Instagram).  One patient mentioned to me about a surgeon she thought was an expert. It turned out he wasn’t a board- certified, moreover– he wasn’t even a plastic surgeon! Verify what you see with websites such as: https://www.certificationmatters.org!

While choosing best plastic surgeon for neck lift you need to carefully evaluate the surgeon’s credentials, experience with neck rejuvenation, aesthetic approach, and communication style. Your surgeon should provide clear, honest information about the risks, recovery process, and expected outcomes of a neck lift, and ensure you fully understand every step of the procedure. You should feel comfortable asking questions, trust your surgeon, and never feel rushed when making your decision.

It is important to be aware of marketing tactics that can create unnecessary pressure, such as limited-time promotions or sales-driven consultations. You should never feel pressured to schedule neck lift surgery on the spot. A thoughtful decision like this deserves time, reflection, and confidence without outside influence.

Ok, did you choose Spirit Airlines for your honeymoon?  Do you ask for RC Cola or Coca-Cola?

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for a neck lift means you are the type of patient who can tell the difference between a professional and a novice.  A board-certified plastic surgeon represents quality, training and expertise.

When it comes to what matters, there is the number one choice, and everything else is a distant second.

The best time to have a neck lift is when you have thought about this for some time, been bothered by your neck, and are at a time and place to do something about it.  Age here truly is a number.

We have performed necklifts on patients as young as in their 40s.  These patients often have a family history loose skin and early neck aging.  Other patients in their 80s have done very well.  Most patients are between age 50 and 70–but our happiest patients all wish they had done it earlier.

The best time for a neck lift is when:

• You have loose or sagging neck skin
• You notice jowls or loss of jawline definition
• You have visible neck bands or “turkey neck” that bothers you
• Non-surgical treatments are no longer providing meaningful improvement

Ultimately, the ideal timing depends on you.  A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine whether a neck lift is appropriate based on your anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals—not just your age.