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For many adults, the neck often shows signs of aging sooner than expected. Even if the rest of a person’s face still feels young, they may appear heavier or older due to loose skin, banding, or a poorly defined jawline. People start looking into surgical options that produce long-lasting definition because short-term solutions like creams or quick treatments frequently don’t work. This is when a neck lift becomes a strong consideration, especially for patients seeking dependable results with a natural look.
At the practice of Michael Diaz, M.D., patients often ask what actually happens during surgery. Knowing each step can help ease uncertainty, clarify expectations, and support confident decision-making. Below is a clear overview of how a neck lift in Biloxi, MS, is performed and what to expect throughout the process.
Understanding What a Neck Lift Does
A neck lift focuses on tightening the skin, improving muscle structure, and refining the contours of the neck and jawline. For many people, these changes help restore balance between the face and the neck, especially when excess skin makes the lower face appear less defined.
A neck lift surgery may address concerns such as
- Sagging or loose neck skin
- Banding caused by separated neck muscles
- A double chin or excess fat
- A poorly defined jawline
Some patients choose a mini neck lift if their concerns are mild and mostly focused on early laxity. Others benefit from a full lower facelift and neck lift, which treats both the cheeks and the neck simultaneously. The right choice depends on individual anatomy and goals, which Dr. Diaz reviews carefully during a consultation.
Preparing for Your Neck Tightening Treatment
Your experience begins long before you enter the surgery suite. During the consultation, Dr. Diaz evaluates the quality of your skin, the amount of laxity present, and the structure of your platysma muscles. This helps determine whether a neck-tightening treatment alone will give you the results you want or whether combining procedures might be beneficial.
Patients meet with the care team prior to surgery to go over instructions, medications, and the recovery plan. With a private, Quad-A-accredited surgery center, the practice guarantees a controlled environment and a carefully chosen support staff that prioritizes comfort and safety. Many patients value the individualized care and find this setting to be more comfortable than a hospital.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Neck Contouring Procedure
Understanding the surgical process helps patients feel prepared and confident. While every plan is customized, a neck contouring procedure generally follows several consistent steps.
Step 1: Anesthesia and Comfort
Once you arrive at the surgery center, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist ensures you are comfortable and relaxed. Most neck lifts are performed with general anesthesia, although some cases may use local anesthesia with sedation. Dr. Diaz prioritizes patient comfort at every stage.
Step 2: Marking the Neck and Jawline
Before the procedure begins, precise markings guide incision placement. These markings follow natural creases to help incisions heal discreetly.
Step 3: Creating Strategic Incisions
Most patients have a small incision placed under the chin. If additional contouring is needed, there may also be incisions behind the ears. These entry points allow Dr. Diaz to access deeper structures in the neck and provide balanced shaping.
Step 4: Tightening the Neck Muscles
Many visible signs of aging in the neck come from loosened or separated platysma muscles. During the procedure, these muscles are brought back together and tightened. This creates a smoother, firmer foundation beneath the skin and helps support longer-lasting results.
Step 5: Removing Fat and Sculpting the Neck
If pockets of fat contribute to fullness or a double chin, Dr. Diaz may remove them through direct excision or liposuction. This step sharpens the angle between the neck and jawline, creating a natural, balanced definition.
Step 6: Redraping and Trimming Excess Skin
After the deeper structures are addressed, the skin is gently redraped. Any loose or stretched skin is trimmed to improve smoothness and contour. This is one of the steps patients are most interested in, especially if sagging skin has been a long-term concern.
Step 7: Closing the Incisions
Once adjustments are complete, Dr. Diaz carefully closes the incisions with sutures. Dressings are applied to support the neck and protect the area as the early stages of healing begin. The entire surgery often takes up to three hours, depending on whether it is combined with other facial procedures.
What to Expect After Surgery
While the main focus is often on what happens during surgery, understanding recovery is just as helpful. Patients usually feel tightness in the neck, mild swelling, and some bruising during the first week. These effects are expected and gradually improve.
Tips that can make recovery smoother include
- Keeping your head elevated as advised
- Avoid turning your neck sharply
- Following dressing care instructions
- Attending all follow-up appointments
Most patients return to normal daily activities within approximately two weeks, although full healing continues over several months as the tissues settle.
Why Patients Choose Michael Diaz, M.D.
While many people research a neck rejuvenation procedure to achieve a slimmer or more sculpted profile, they also want a surgeon who understands their goals and creates a comfortable experience. Dr. Diaz’s practice stands out for its private surgery center, individualized planning, and team-centered approach. Patients appreciate the focus on thoughtful care, privacy, and clear communication.
Because every neck ages differently, Dr. Diaz evaluates deeper layers of the neck, not just the skin. This comprehensive view creates more natural results and supports long-term improvement.
Ready for a More Defined Neckline?
A neck lift offers a reliable way to correct sagging skin, muscle banding, and fullness under the chin. With clear steps, a predictable surgical process, and a supportive medical team, many patients feel encouraged once they understand what each stage involves. If you’ve been thinking about addressing these concerns, a personalized plan can help you decide whether a neck lift in Biloxi, MS, is the right choice.
Book your Neck Lift consultation today and explore options that match your goals.
If you have questions about neck lift surgery, recovery, or combining treatments, contact the team at Michael Diaz, M.D. We’re here to help you feel prepared and confident as you explore your next steps.