The Skinny
Average Recovery
3 weeks
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$5000 - $8000
AEDITpro
Before & After Images by Provider
Before & After Images by Provider
Awake Neck Lift
The Specifics
What is an awake neck lift?
An awake neck lift refers to the lack of general anesthesia used during the neck lift surgery. Depending on the candidate, anesthesiologist, and plastic surgeon, an awake neck lift may be an alternative for patients who do not wish to have general anesthesia.
There are various types of anesthesia, however, they can be broken down into general anesthetics versus local anesthetics. General anesthesia is an intravenous sedation. In the awake neck lift, a patient undergoes "conscious sedation" or twilight anesthesia with regional or local anesthetics.
As in traditional neck lift plastic surgeries, excess skin, excess fat, and underlying muscle (usually the platysma muscle) is altered to create natural appearing results. The “awake” component means local anesthesia is used. Specifically, Tumescent fluid-a combination of epinephrine, local anesthetics like lidocaine, and saline-is used to anesthetize the area to be treated.
What cosmetic concerns does an awake neck lift procedure treat?
Who is the ideal candidate for an awake neck lift procedure?
The ideal candidate for an awake neck lift has excess skin under the chin or on the neck, and understands there will most likely be visible scarring underneath the chin. An awake neck lift is not recommended for those with severe jowls/sagging cheeks who would be better suited to a facelift.
What is the average recovery associated with an awake neck lift procedure?
The recovery time associated with an awake neck lift only differs in the immediate post op experience. As there is no general anesthesia, and only local anesthesia, patients will feel better more quickly while still at the plastic surgery facility. Long term recovery time is unchanged with sutures/bandages being removed after one week, and limitations on activities lasting up to four weeks.
To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to neck lift recovery.
What are the potential side effects of an awake neck lift procedure?
Potential side effects from an awake neck lift include discomfort during the procedure, bruising, swelling, bleeding, discomfort, numbness, wound infection, and scarring.
What can someone expect from the results of an awake neck lift procedure?
The results of an awake neck lift will be dependent on the neck lift surgery technique. Awake neck lift results are immediately visible after the procedure, and are permanent. They will change with aging and significant weight gain.
What is the average cost of an awake neck lift procedure?
An awake neck lift procedure can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000. The actual cost of an awake neck lift is dependent upon location, board certified facial plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our complete guide to the cost of a neck lift.
Pros
- Less Initial Downtime
- No General Anesthesia
Cons
- Not Available For All Neck Lift Techniques
- No Reduction In Long-term Recovery Time
- Possible Discomfort During Procedure
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
An awake neck lift is a plastic surgery procedure utilized to rejuvenate the appearance of the face. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after an awake neck lift:
The Takeaway
An awake neck lift refers only to the anesthesia component of the neck lift. In the awake neck lift, local anesthesia instead of generalized anesthesia allows the patient to remain conscious throughout the procedure shortening the immediate recovery after leaving the operating room. An Awake Neck Lift surgery can be used to correct a double chin, turkey wattle, loose neck skin, or neck muscle laxity.
