General Information on a Neck Lift in Berlin

Similar to the aging process in the face, a slackening of the mimic muscles in our neck leads to a flabby tissue, wrinkled skin or hanging ‘skin flaps’. The aging process on the neck can also start while the face is still in good shape. The well-known book by Nora Ephron titled ‘The Neck Never Lies’ takes a charming look at the aging neck and describes already on the first pages what is generally known, the neck gives away the person’s age.

Although creams and masks can positively influence this natural process, there is also a natural limit here. When they lose effectiveness, people often seek surgical measures, which can surgically correct a double chin, unattractive transverse wrinkles or sagging skin in the neck area.

In aesthetic surgery, neck lifting is one of the smaller to medium sized procedures in terms of the surgical scope. The surgical rejuvenation of the neck, like a facelift, consists in tightening the extensions of the SMAS (Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System Lift). In this procedure, the skin, the superficial connective tissue/muscle layer (SMAS) and the underlying layer are separated from each other and the SMAS tissue is tightened and reattached. In the preparation of the SMAS tissue, the deep extensions to the neck are prepared. Here, strips as thick as a finger are prepared on both sides up to the jaw angle, which then serve as a lasso for the neck lift. This lasso can then be used to pull on the neck and, by means of a redirection (hypomochlion) at the jaw angle, the neck can be effectively rejuvenated. This process allows very natural and lasting results to be achieved.

On the neck, the SMAS extensions are called ‘platysma’, which is why neck lifts in aesthetic surgery are also called ‘platysma lift’ or ‘platysmalift’. These procedures can be combined well with a facelift operation: the incision used for the facelift can then also be used to perform the neck lift and does not require any further lengthening of the incision. This is why a neck lift is often carried out with a facelift. This is usually so that the neck fits in with the natural continuation of the face and thus the entire facial lines blend harmoniously into each other. Nothing looks more unflattering than a facelift sitting on a rooster neck.

The neck lift can of course be performed separately from the facelift. This requires a small incision, which is made below the chin. Right and left neck muscle (platysma) are brought back into shape and sutured. The effect is a well-formed beautiful neck. Usually the operation takes about 2 hours, it is performed under general or local anaesthesia. If the neck is lifted in isolation, i.e. without combining a facelift with it, then the patient is usually in a twilight sleep and does not experience any pain, as the anaesthetic has made the patient unconscious for the duration of the operation. In addition, it can be useful to remove excess fat from the neck with liposuction. This will be discussed with the patients in advance.

Regardless of whether you opt for a minimally invasive method or a surgical procedure, at the Sinis Clinic you will receive detailed information prior to treatment during a personal consultation. First of all, an examination of your general state of health will be carried out and the current tissue and skin structure will be examined and analyzed so that the appropriate neck lift method can be determined and the course of treatment can be planned precisely. In addition to the extent of the procedure, your personal expectations and requirements will also be defined.

Furthermore, it is extremely important that you inform us about your medical history in order to avoid possible complications during the anesthesia: Whether you have allergies or drug intolerances? Whether you have any acute or chronic illnesses? Whether you have already undergone surgery? Whether you need to take medication regularly? Once all the necessary information has been gathered and questions clarified, you will then be given comprehensive information about possible neck lift methods and their procedures. You will also learn about alternative treatment options such as plasma treatment.

In addition, you will be informed about the possible methods, the surgical procedure, the pre- and aftercare, the risks and side effects, the anesthesia procedure and finally detailed information about the costs involved. Of course, you can express your concerns and fears at any time and ask any questions that may be bothering you. As soon as the surgery date approaches, you should take some precautionary measures yourself, as your own responsible behavior before the procedure will make a significant contribution to the smooth running of the operation. About two weeks before the operation, it is advisable to refrain from smoking and alcoholic beverages as far as possible. The same applies to blood-thinning medication, vaccinations, painkillers and sleeping pills.

It would also be a good idea to start alternating showers three weeks before the operation and to continue them after the operation – this will improve the blood supply to your skin and thus promote faster wound healing. On the day of surgery, wash your face, neck and décolleté thoroughly with soap and water and do not use creams or other cosmetic products.

Depending on the desired treatment result, we can resort to different methods and techniques in the field of neck lift:

1. Liposculpturing and tightening:
   excess fat is suctioned out through a small incision under the chin. In addition, skin tightening can be performed if the skin is not elastic enough and cannot adapt to the new neck line.
2. Neck lift from the ear:
   In this method, the skin is tightened over the skin incisions behind the ears, and the platysma muscle (neck muscle) can also be shortened here. To achieve a harmonious overall result, a facelift incision is also applied sometimes.
3. Shortening of the neck muscle and tightening from the chin:
   The excess skin is removed through a horizontal skin incision about five centimeters long under the chin, and here, as in method 2, the neck muscle can also be shortened and tightened.
4. MACS-Lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension):
   Here, special sutures are inserted by means of a minimal incision to achieve the neck lift – this method is also known as a mini-lift. However, as this option is not suitable for everyone, it is only possible to make a meaningful assessment of whether the MACS lift would be suitable for you after a thorough medical examination.
5. SMAS-Lift (Superficial MusculoAponeurotic System):
   This is a special skin tightening procedure that is also not suitable for all skin types. In this procedure, the skin, the SMAS tissue (the superficial connective tissue layer) and the underlying layer are first separated. The SMAS tissue is then tightened and reattached. Very natural and long-lasting results can be achieved with this complex method.

Which procedure would be best for you can only be determined through a careful, medical examination.

If the double chin is not yet very pronounced and the skin has not yet aged and sagged too much, you should not think about a surgical procedure. Instead, it is recommended to resort to the available alternative methods. The following methods can be used in our clinic:

1. Ultrasound:
   with the help of ultrasound, the so-called therapeutic heat is directed into the deep layers of the skin, which can stimulate the formation of collagen and consequently tighten the skin. The tightening effect becomes noticeable in the course of the following six months and can last up to two years.
2. Autologous blood treatment:
   In the so-called vampire lifting, the blood is first taken from you, processed immediately afterwards and injected directly into the skin, which ultimately provides a tightening effect.
3. Hyaluronic acid:
   Hyaluronic acid is injected under the skin, which is tightened in this way. However, the treatment usually has to be repeated every year, as the tightening effect wears off rather quickly.

However, a non-invasive method will not give comparable results to a surgical procedure.

Skin tightening on the neck can be performed with the help of laser technology, although different methods are also possible here. In one of the procedures, after local anesthesia under the chin, the laser is guided through the very small punctures to the specific tissue layers. The laser uses two different wavelengths – the shorter waves cause the excess fatty tissue to literally “melt away” (double chin, for example) and the longer waves cause the connective tissue to contract so that the skin is tightened. In addition, laser treatment can be performed without any punctures or incisions – the so-called laser skin resurfacing method causes the existing sagging tissue to be broken down and new tissue and collagen to be built up instead, resulting in the reduction of wrinkles as well as the tightening of the skin.

A neck lift surgery is usually performed in twilight sleep in combination with a local anesthetic. With this anesthetic method, you cannot speak during the operation, but you can breathe independently. A general anesthetic is only used when you have decided on several, more extensive procedures. The type of neck lift is chosen in advance depending on the condition of the skin and the result that is to be achieved. In combination with the neck lift, a face lift and/or liposuction can also be performed on the neck.

Depending on which surgical procedure was chosen and how extensive the procedure is, the neck lift can take between one and three hours. At the end of the operation, the so-called drainages (thin tubes) are applied to drain the wound fluid. You will then be given an elastic bandage so that the irritated skin around the neck does not swell too much.

In most cases, a neck lift and the subsequent healing of the wound go without complications, so that after about ten days the stitches are removed and you can gradually resume your usual activities. After two to three weeks you can start your new life in a socially acceptable manner - without any sagging skin, annoying fat deposits and a tired facial expression.

As with any operation, possible complications can occur with a neck lift. However, thanks to the progress we have made in plastic and aesthetic surgery in recent years, these are becoming increasingly rare. Occasionally there are patients who complain of temporary sensory disturbances, but these usually subside after a few weeks. Haematomas that have occurred during and after the operation also recede after a few weeks.

As described above, we administer decongestant measures. These include so-called non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs (anti-inflammatory drugs). Patients should sleep with slightly elevated upper body for 2 weeks after the operation. In addition, during the post procedure period, patients should cool the area intensively at home. As homeopathic agents, arnica and ginger tea can also promote healing and help with the swelling after a neck lift.The patient can also help to make the operation a success. If scar creams and scar plasters are used regularly, the scar will no longer be visible after a few weeks and the neck can be perfectly restored.

I am at your disposal for an extensive consultation in my private clinic for plastic and aesthetic surgery in Berlin Dahlem. You can also get more information about the costs there.

The hospital stay should be scheduled for one night if a facelift was also performed. If the neck lift is performed in isolation without a facelift, patients can leave the clinic on the same day if they wish. As a rule, patients can resume social activities after after just two weeks. Immediately after the operation, decongestant measures should be taken to prevent bruising and accelerate the healing process. The neck lift is usually easy to cope with and patients usually report low levels of pain after the procedure.

After a surgical skin tightening of the neck area, you must expect a downtime of approximately two to three weeks, depending on the surgical method.

Testimonials from our patients who have treated themselves to a neck lift are particularly valuable and important. There they describe their personal experiences with Sinis Klinik, sometimes mentioning the prices of a neck lift and sometimes including their before and after photos. If you have already had a neck lift surgery, please share your experience - this way you will help others with their decision.

Before/after shots are very well suited for viewing and evaluating the results achieved. However, according to Section 11 Paragraph 1 Clause 3 of the German Medicines Advertising Act (HWG) we have not been permitted since April 1, 2006 to publish such photos of patients in the generally accessible media. However, such illustrations may be shown in the context of a personal consultation, so that you have the opportunity to compare the results already achieved with your personal ideas. With the help of the images, you can be sure that a professionally performed surgical neck lift can lead to naturally beautiful results. Also, the pictures can help you make a decision about neck lift if you are still undecided.

The costs of the initial consultation always depend on the type and extent of the treatment. In principle, the scale of fees for doctors applies to the consultation hours. Thereafter, patients pay 90 € for the initial consultation with anamnesis, collection of previous findings, physical examination and preparation of a therapy and cost plan. This fee is payable once and will not be credited towards further treatment. Additional appointments and post-operative care are included in the total price of the operation and do not have to be paid separately.

This is the only way to ensure a high-quality treatment with sufficient treatment time, during which we can respond to you and your specific needs. In order to ensure the success of the treatment, we have to carry out the consultation with sufficient time and care.

A double chin lift by means of liposuction will generate the cost of at least 1200 euros, depending on the extent of the surgery. Basically, the more complex the procedure, the more costly it will be. During a personal consultation you will receive a non-binding cost estimate.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to give an exact price as a general rule, since the requirements are different for each type of neck lift as well as for each individual skin type. Therefore, detailed consultations are essential, during which an individual treatment plan is worked out and the costs incurred are determined. The total cost of a neck lift starts at about 800 euros, depending on the treatment method.