Tightening and toning always sounds like a good idea. A neck lift procedure can effectively reduce sagging, drooping, and/or stubborn fat in the neck area. But at what cost? We’ve got the details ready for you below.
Turkey neck surgery, medically known as a neck lift or lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and skin to smooth out wrinkles and tighten sagging skin on the neck If you’re considering turkey neck surgery, one of the first things you’ll want to find out is how much it costs Keep reading to learn about the average cost of turkey neck surgery, what factors affect the price, whether insurance covers it, and financing options.
What Is Turkey Neck Surgery?
Turkey neck surgery, also called a neck lift or lower rhytidectomy, is a type of plastic surgery procedure that improves the look of the neck by getting rid of excess fat and skin. It can treat:
- Loose, sagging skin that causes wrinkles or bands on the neck
- Excess fat under the chin leading to a “double chin”
- Vertical bands caused by loose neck muscles
The surgery is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The plastic surgeon will make small incisions under the chin and/or behind the ears. Through these incisions, the surgeon will:
- Tighten, remove, or rearrange neck muscles
- Remove excess fat using liposuction
- Trim away excess skin
- Reshape skin and tissue for a smoother look
After closing the incisions with stitches or surgical tape the surgeon applies a dressing or wrap to minimize swelling. Over time, the incisions fade becoming barely visible.
What’s the Average Cost of Turkey Neck Surgery?
The average cost of a neck lift is around $7,885 according to 2022 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, prices can range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on your surgeon’s experience, geographic location, extent of treatment, and other factors.
Some things that affect the total price include:
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Surgeon’s fee: More experienced surgeons often charge more. Surgeon fees range from $2,000 to $10,000.
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Geographic location: Prices are generally higher in big cities like New York and Los Angeles.
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Extent of treatment: A more complex surgery with more extensive tightening and resculpting costs more.
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Anesthesia fees: This averages $800 to $1,500.
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Facility fees: Operating room, equipment, and nursing fees average $700 to $1,500.
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Medications: Pain relievers and antibiotics cost $50 to $200.
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Compression garments: Special wraps or bandages to reduce post-op swelling run $50 to $100.
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Lab tests: These diagnostic tests cost $100 to $500.
To get an accurate price quote, schedule consultations with experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. Be sure to get their total cost estimate in writing beforehand.
Does Insurance Cover Turkey Neck Surgery?
Unfortunately, insurance generally does not cover turkey neck surgery because it’s an elective, cosmetic procedure. The exception is if you have a medical need related to an injury, illness, or health condition.
In rare cases, you may be able to get partial coverage if:
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The loose neck skin is causing physical symptoms like rashes, infections, or shoulder/neck pain.
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The excess skin is significantly impacting your daily life and mental health.
Talk to your provider to find out if you could get any reimbursement. Just keep in mind it will likely be a small percentage of the total price.
Financing Options for Turkey Neck Surgery
Since insurance is unlikely to cover turkey neck surgery, you’ll probably need to pay for it out of pocket. But don’t let the price tag deter you. There are excellent financing options that can make this transformative procedure more affordable.
Popular options include:
Credit cards: Many plastic surgeons accept credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. You can also take advantage of cards specifically for cosmetic surgery like CareCredit that offer promotional financing.
Payment plans: Most surgeons offer no-interest or low-interest monthly payment plans allowing you to pay the cost off over 6 months to 2 years.
Personal medical loans: Unsecured loans from lending companies like Prosper Healthcare Lending offer fixed rates and terms up to 5 years.
Home equity loans: These allow you to borrow against the equity in your home then pay it back over time.
401(k) loans: You may be able to take out a loan against your 401(k) retirement account then repay it over 1 to 5 years.
Talk to your surgeon and creditors about the best financing options for your budget and needs. Just be sure to closely review all terms and costs associated with any loan.
5 Benefits of Turkey Neck Surgery
Wondering if undergoing turkey neck surgery is worthwhile? Consider these benefits:
1. More youthful appearance
Removing excess fat and skin can turn back the clock 5 or even 10 years for a more youthful, refreshed look.
2. Eliminates turkey neck
The procedure eliminates unattractive sagging skin and fat to get rid of the “turkey neck” look.
3. Smoother, tighter skin
Reshaping and redraping the skin creates a smoother, tighter neckline.
4. Reduce wrinkles and bands
The surgery can significantly reduce wrinkles, vertical bands, and skin folds in the neck area.
5. Boosts confidence
A rejuvenated neckline can help you look as young as you feel, boosting self-confidence.
What’s Recovery Like After Turkey Neck Surgery?
It’s normal to have bruising and swelling for up to 2 weeks following turkey neck surgery. Most patients take 1 to 2 weeks off work. You’ll have to keep your head elevated, avoid strenuous activities, and follow your surgeon’s incision care instructions.
Pain and discomfort are generally mild. Oral pain medication helps manage any pain as you heal. Most people are able to resume regular activities after 2 weeks.
Results are not fully visible until swelling goes down completely at around 6 weeks. Incision lines fade and become barely noticeable over several months.
Am I a Good Candidate for Turkey Neck Surgery?
The best candidates for turkey neck surgery are people who:
- Are in good overall health
- Don’t smoke
- Have realistic expectations about results
- Are bothered by turkey neck but have relatively good skin elasticity
Both men and women can benefit from this surgery. The best time to have it done is in your 40’s up to mid 60’s as aging starts to affect the neck. Turkey neck surgery can help patients in their 70’s rejuvenate their appearance too.
Consult With an Experienced Plastic Surgeon
If you want to get rid of your turkey neck and reclaim a more youthful profile, turkey neck surgery may be for you. Schedule consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons in your area to find one you’re comfortable with.
An experienced surgeon can evaluate your goals, anatomy, skin elasticity, and health to determine the right treatment options and techniques to meet your needs. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and consider the before and after photos in their portfolio.
With an expert plastic surgeon and proper planning, a neck lift can help you look as vibrant as you feel. Don’t let concerns over cost hold you back. Take advantage of today’s excellent financing options to make this transformative procedure more accessible.
Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of a Neck Lift Procedure
| Cost Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Type of Neck Lift | Surgical vs. Non-Surgical |
| Provider | Training, experience, specialty |
| Consultation Fee | May or may not be applied towards procedure cost |
| Anesthesiologist Fee | Training, experience |
| Location | Facility fees vary by region |
| Recovery Expenses | Special equipment, follow ups, etc. |
What does the cost of a neck lift include?
So the variables have been reviewed. Now it’s time to see what your money actually gets you. The 2020 average cost between $5,100 to $5,800 did not include all of the various additional fees we’ve been discussing. Are you confused? It’s okay, we’ll clarify.
The cost of the surgeon’s time while they perform the actual neck lift is most often what gets quoted as the ‘average cost’ or ‘surgeon’s fee.’ Think of it as the hourly rate of your provider (not an exact comparison, but close enough). Also bear in mind your provider has their own business expenses, like rent, payroll, professional insurance, and office/medical supplies. This is on top of their personal salary.
The cost of the neck lift starts to rise as the additional factors are added in. The other medical staff in the room during your neck lift (like an anesthesiologist, nurses, or surgical assistants), the various medical supplies and tools used during your neck lift (think: needles, gauze, gowns, gloves, etc.), the medications administered before, during, and after your neck lift (possibly sedatives, painkillers, and/or antibiotics), and the fee for using the hospital or facility’s operating or procedure room.
Another variable: personal expenses. These may include consultation fees, travel, pre-operative care, missed work, and personally purchased recovery supplies for your comfort.
How is Neck Lift Surgery Performed? (Turkey Neck) by Dr. William Portuese ⚕️ | Seattle WA
FAQ
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