1. What a Neck Lift Addresses that Fillers Can’t
- Platysma Banding: Vertical neck cords caused by muscle separation
- Skin Laxity & “Turkey Wattle”: Sagging tissue under the chin
- Submental Fat: Stubborn pocket below the jawline that resists diet and CoolSculpting
A true surgical lift re-anchors underlying tissue and removes excess skin—results no injectable or energy device can fully replicate.
2. Good Candidates
- Age 25-50 with mild-to-moderate jowling
- Elastic Skin Elsewhere: Facelift may be unnecessary if mid-face remains youthful
- Stable Weight & Healthy Lifestyle: Fluctuations can compromise results
- Non-Smoker: Reduces risk of skin loss along the incision line
3. Incisions & Scarring
Surgeons in Bellevue generally hide incisions behind the ears and along the natural hairline, with a small one under the chin for muscle tightening. Once mature, scars are typically inconspicuous even with short hair.
4. Recovery Snapshot
- 48 Hours: Mild swelling, bruising, and a compressive chin strap
- 1 Week: Sutures removed; many return to Zoom meetings with strategic lighting
- 2–3 Weeks: Bruising resolves; social downtime effectively ends
- 6 Weeks: Cleared for high-impact exercise and swimming in Lake Washington
5. Local Insider Advice
Lake breeze can feel chilly on newly sensitive skin. Bring a lightweight scarf to cover your neck during early spring and fall follow-ups.
Tummy Tuck vs. Neck Lift: How to Decide
| Consideration | Tummy Tuck | Neck Lift |
| Primary Concern | Abdominal laxity, excess skin, diastasis recti | Sagging jawline, “turkey neck” |
| Typical Downtime | 2 weeks desk work, 6 weeks full activity | 1 week desk work, 3 weeks social |
| Main Scar | Low hip-to-hip, hidden by underwear | Behind ears + under chin, fades into hairline |
| Functional Benefit | Improved core stability, posture | Sharper facial profile, youthful contour |
| Cost Range (Seattle Area) | Price Simulator | Price Simulator |
Final Thoughts: One Destination, Two Paths to Confidence
Bellevue tummy tucks and Bellevue neck lifts each solve a different set of aesthetic frustrations. If loose abdominal skin or weakened core muscles affect your wardrobe choices and self-image, abdominoplasty may offer the long-lasting transformation you crave. Conversely, if every selfie accentuates your neck bands more than your smile, a surgical neck lift can restore definition and subtract visible years—often with less downtime than you’d expect.
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