If you have caught yourself staring at your video during a Zoom meeting and noticing a new concern or 2, you are not alone. Zoom calls are inspiring a surge in plastic surgery interest as we spend more time than ever studying our reflections and spotting things we may not have seen before. At my Boston plastic surgery practice and throughout the U.S., facial rejuvenation procedures and neck lifts, in particular, are on the rise—so much so it’s been nicknamed the “Zoom boom.”
Considering a rejuvenation procedure yourself? Read on to learn more about surgical and nonsurgical options for giving your neck (and your confidence) a lift.
How Is Zoom Fueling Plastic Surgery Interest?
Now that meetings and social events have gone virtual, people are spending more time than ever looking at themselves on camera. We’re becoming much more aware of how we look, especially when we’re speaking or making expressions we wouldn’t usually make in photos.
In addition to wrinkles and flat cheeks, one of the most prevalent areas of concern has been the neck, the Washingtonian reports. Plastic surgeons across the U.S. are noticing an increased interest in neck lifts, and it’s certainly a trend I’ve seen reflected at my own practice.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a surgical procedure that tightens, lifts, and rejuvenates the neck by adjusting skin, fat, and muscle. It is typically performed under either local anesthesia with IV sedation or, less commonly, with general anesthesia. While each procedure is customized, I typically perform 3 types of neck lifts:
- Cervicoplasty: This removes excess skin on the neck using an incision made under the chin and behind the ears. It addresses a “turkey neck” created by drooping or sagging skin.
- Submental liposuction: This suctions excess fat out from below the chin using a cannula inserted through a small incision under the chin. It creates a slimmer neck and a more defined jawline. Learn about other jawline contouring options in this previous blog post.
- Platysmaplasty: This realigns the platysma muscles in the neck, reducing the vertically banded appearance. Incisions are made under the chin and behind the ears.
In terms of recovery, most people feel comfortable returning to a desk job after about a week. Bruising lasts about 10 to 14 days and swelling may last up to 4 weeks, so some people choose to take additional time away from social events to allow these issues to heal. This is another way remote options are fueling requests for surgery—it’s easier and more convenient than ever to work from home even as you recover.
Are There Nonsurgical Neck Lift Alternatives?
Nonsurgical options typically work best for those with less severe concerns and are looking for mild to moderate corrections. A few of the most popular options include:
- BOTOX® Cosmetic: BOTOX relaxes the platysmal muscles to treat vertical bands.
- Microneedling: By creating microinjuries in the skin, microneedling stimulates collagen production to reduce lines and wrinkles.
- Laser skin resurfacing: This may help rejuvenate the skin on the neck for a more youthful look.
Surgery is usually the best option for skin tightening, especially for anyone with significant loose or sagging skin on the neck.
Should I Get a Neck Lift?
If Zoom calls have brought this concern to light for you, your first step is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the right approach for you. When you visit my practice for a consultation, I perform a close assessment of your concerns and talk through your goals in-depth to make a personalized recommendation. Together, we create a custom treatment plan to make sure you get the results you’re looking for with as little recovery time as possible.
To see examples of the results you can expect after a neck lift at my practice, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you would like to meet personally with a plastic surgeon here in Boston, please contact me online or call (781) 237-7700 to learn more. I look forward to hearing from you.
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