The first step toward a smoother, more defined neck is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Walker at WalkerMD in Atlanta, Georgia. His office is conveniently located 30 minutes from the world’s largest passenger airport, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 10 minutes from Buckhead.

During this hour-long session, Dr. Walker takes the time to get to know you. He will listen as you share your goals, concerns, and insecurities with an understanding and compassionate ear. He will evaluate your neck and jawline, plus review your medical history. Dr. Walker will also examine your skin quality and underlying structures, and determine the best surgical approach to achieve natural-looking results.

This is also your chance to ask questions, learn about anesthesia options, and review before-and-after photos of previous patients if you wish to do so. At the end of your consultation, Dr. Walker will create a treatment plan for you, while his team helps guide you through scheduling, preparation, and financing options. If Dr. Walker determines that a neck lift can help, he will educate you about its advantages and disadvantages, expectations and limitations, as well as potential risks. This way, you are empowered to make an informed decision. You will be given a written financial estimate the same day, if you are deemed a candidate for a neck lift (or other procedure).

The structural neck lift procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, although certain limited neck lifts may be performed under local anesthesia in the office. Depending on the amount of change you would like to achieve, Dr. Walker may perform a traditional neck lift or a limited neck lift incision, which will be discussed with you during your consultation. Dr. Walker typically makes a small incision under the chin to lift the skin and trim any local fatty tissue, plus perform some sculpting of the central neck as needed. Then he sews the platysma muscles together to create a crisp jawline and defined neck contour. In some cases, an incision behind the ear or hairline is required when patients have excessive amounts of skin.

Clients can typically return to work after two weeks of their procedure, sometimes sooner, depending on the extent of surgery, though this may differ from person to person. Be sure to follow the recovery instructions given to you by Dr. Walker to ensure that you heal properly for the best possible results.

After your deep structural neck lift in Atlanta, Georgia, you will be monitored before you are released to go home with a responsible adult whom you know. Before your procedure, we will make your follow-up appointments and go over tips to make you feel more comfortable during your recovery process.

Recovery time depends on the procedure performed and your overall health status. In general, all bandages and drains, if present, are removed the next day, although the dressing may be left in place for up to three days, after which it is switched for a “face bra.” Swelling is normal and to be expected, worsening within the first few days, and then improving. You should expect to have bruising, along with some soreness and discomfort, which can be helped by prescription medications we prescribe prior to your surgery. Bruising usually fades away after about one week, but may persist for up to two weeks, rarely longer.

Your neck will be swollen. The majority of swelling will subside in the first couple of weeks. However, there can be swelling that can last for several weeks to months. The healing time takes up to several weeks, but once completed, you will look and feel more refreshed, being able to wear a ponytail or low-collared shirts with confidence.

While significant pain is not a usual part of the recovery process, tightness is expected and is most noticeable during the first 2-4 weeks after surgery, with progressive softening and complete resolution after 3 months typically. All sutures are removed after 1-2 weeks, at which time most bruising will have subsided. This should not lead to any difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Usual skincare and light makeup may be worn 7-10 days after the procedure, once the sutures have been removed and all incisions have healed. With the exception of overly rotating or extending your neck, normal non-strenuous activities can be resumed after approximately two weeks. Strenuous activities may be resumed 4 weeks after your surgery. Please do not resume such activities without Dr. Walker’s permission, though!

Patients flying in for their operation should make arrangements to stay in town for at least 7-10 days. The final facial and neck contours will continue to improve as residual swelling resolves over the first couple of months. Patients can return to work whenever they feel up to it. For some patients, that might be 3 days after surgery; for other patients, it might be after 10-14 days.

We will see you in one month and then every few months afterward to follow your progress and ensure your proper healing. We aim to make every part of your rejuvenation journey as pleasant as possible and are confident you will be happy you trusted Dr. Walker to help achieve your goals.