Neck lift surgery, also known as a lower rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure which can improve the appearance of the neck and jawline.
It does this by tightening loose skin and muscles, and removing excess fat. Like with both surgical and cosmetic procedures, the cost of a neck lift can vary depending on a number of different factors.
We will aim to outline these factors and aim to provide a complete guide to the cost of a neck lift, as well as the pros and cons, in the article below.
Average Cost of a Neck Lift
Before we delve into the factors or pros and cons of a neck lift, it is important to establish an average figure for the overall cost.
In the United States, the average cost is around $5,000 to $8,000. However, depending on factors which will be discussed below, the cost can realistically range anywhere from $2,500 up to $15,000.
Factors Which Affect the Cost of a Neck Lift
Both personal factors and external factors can affect the overall cost of a neck lift.
- Geographic Location
Areas which have a higher cost of living will generally be more expensive for a neck lift than less affluent areas. Similarly, more urban areas will be more expensive than rural areas.
If, for instance, you live in New York or California, you can expect to pay more for a neck lift than if you live in rural Alabama or Montana.
Depending on where you live, you could save money on the cost of a neck lift by traveling to another state or area of the country where the cost is lower: even with travel costs factored in, you could still make a huge saving on the final cost.
- The Experience of the Surgeon
A more experienced surgeon is more likely to charge a higher fee for a neck lift. This is down to the fact that they have more expertise in the field and may also be in high demand.
Similarly, surgeons who have performed neck lifts on celebrities or other well known and famous clients are also likely to charge more – even more than experienced surgeons – so this is something to bear in mind when it comes to the overall cost.
- Anesthesia
Another fee which you will incur during a neck lift procedure is the anesthetic fee. The surgeon’s preference, as well as your medical history, depends on the type of anesthesia which will be used.
There are two main types of anesthesia: general anesthetic (the type where you are asleep during the procedure) and local anesthetic (the type where you are awake during the procedure, but the area where the pain is concentrated is completely numbed).
General anesthetic is more expensive than than local anesthetic, so this is something else you will need to bear in mind when calculating the total cost of the procedure.
It is worth speaking to your surgeon beforehand to get an idea of the type of anesthetic which will be used, and the cost of it, so that you can factor this into your budget.
- Facility Fees
The cost of where you have the neck lift performed also affects the total cost of the procedure.
For example, an outpatient center or a medical center will not cost as much as a hospital. This is not only because hospitals cost more to run, but they have much more specialized and technical equipment, which costs more to use.
Additionally, you will also pay for the usage of the operating theater, which will again add to the final cost of the procedure.
- Additional Procedures
If you require additional procedures alongside or before the neck lift, this can also affect the cost of the neck lift significantly.
For instance, you may require a liposuction first, or even a face lift, which are cosmetic and surgical procedures in their own right, meaning you could have to go through excess surgery before having your neck lift, which could potentially set you back thousands of dollars more than you initially anticipated.
- External Factors
You may be required to attend follow-up appointments after your neck lift, all of which cost. Equally, you may have to be on some specialist medication, which can also cost you, adding to the overall cost of the procedure.
The average recovery time following a neck lift is 4 to 6 weeks, so you might have to take this time off of work, particularly if you work in a physical job such as sports or construction.
You may lose out on wages if your employer does not provide sick pay or paid leave, and if you cannot work from home or work remotely in your job. This is something else to bear in mind when looking at a neck lift.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Neck Lift
As with any surgical or cosmetic procedure, there are pros and cons associated with a neck lift. We have listed these below.
Advantages
- Improved Appearance
A neck lift can improve the appearance of your neck and jawline, by removing excess fat and tightening loose skin and muscles, and making your neck shape more natural and refined.
- Increased Self-Esteem
Following a neck lift, many patients have reported feelings of improved self-confidence and generally feeling more attractive than they did before.
- Long Lasting Results
Typically, the results of a neck lift are long lasting, with many patients still seeing the improvements 5 to 10 years in the future.
- Minimal Scarring
Despite the fact that during a neck lift, incisions are made into the skin, they are often made in discreet places, or hidden well. For example, they are often made behind the ears or hidden in natural creases. This results in minimal visible scarring.
- Customizable Procedure
Depending on your body shape, a neck lift can be customized to meet your unique goals and needs – you can almost be certain that it will not look wrong or unnatural.
Disadvantages
- Risks and Complications
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with a neck lift. Often these are related to the hygiene practices of the surgeon and surgery itself, such as the risk of infection stemming from surgical equipment not being sterilized properly.
However, you can also run the risk of bleeding, and even anesthesic-related problems, such as developing an infection or an allergic reaction.
- Cost
Despite all of the pros associated with a neck lift, the cost can still be deemed as a con to some people. It can end up being a huge financial investment, although the prices can vary depending on a number of factors listed above.
- Swelling and Bruising
It is not uncommon to experience temporary swelling and bruising of the neck and surrounding areas following a neck lift. However, this is usually resolved in the space of a few weeks.
- Recovery Time
Although recovery times can vary, the general recovery period following a neck lift is several weeks. During this time it is important that you avoid any strenuous activities, and restrict the movement of your head and neck.
If you work a physical job, such as in the sports industry or in manual labor, for example, you will need to take a significant amount of time off of work. Unfortunately, this can mean you will incur a loss of earnings.
Similarly, if you are self-employed, you may also need to take time off of work, thus meaning that you are losing out on income for a few weeks.
- Not Permanent
While the results of a neck lift are long lasting, they are not permanent. They may even require touch-ups in the future, which can mean further costs for you.
Payment Options
It is unlikely that your medical or health insurance provider will cover the whole cost of a neck lift, as it is generally deemed a cosmetic procedure rather than a surgically necessary one. However, it is worth reading the small print in case you can get covered for some, even if not all, of the procedure.
Consulting with your surgeon before you commit to the surgery is worth it, as you can get a good idea of the total cost that you are likely to pay. You can then decide if it is possible to save up the money and pay for it in one go, or if you already have enough money in your savings accounts to do so.
Personal loans and credit cards are alternative methods to pay for a neck lift, although you must be careful if you choose this option. Often they come with extortionately high interest rates, and you could incur huge amounts of personal debt if you are unable to pay the outstanding balance back.
Final Thoughts
Overall, while the cost of a neck lift can be a significant factor to consider, it is important to weigh it up against the potential advantages and disadvantages of the procedure.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo a neck lift should be made in consultation with a qualified surgeon, who can not only provide personalized advice and guidance based on your individual goals and needs, but can also offer you a financial figure of how much your neck lift will cost.
