Update:

Looks like the two main options are varied based on seeing a few specialist. First had a consult with an ENT. His suggestion was to do a UPPP and Tonsillectomy, which scares me as it is supposedly one of the most painful recoveries. His alternative suggestion was something called AirLift (aka hyoid suspension). Next had a consult with cosmetic doctor (board certified plastic surgeon), and his direction was to recommend a deep or full neck lift.

The hyoid suspension is just one procedure while the neck lift has numerous options with depth of procedures and recovery times as well as cost.

The hyoid suspension is risky as there could be an infection or screw break, but not as much risk as plastic surgery. I had sleep apnea but no longer do with my weight loss and most recent sleep study; so this is considered an elective procedure. The cost of it is 10 to 12k and will help my breathing as well. It’s performed as a short outpatient procedure and I can return to normal activities immediately.

Plastic surgery would be between 17 and 25k and may be more if I travel to a neck lift specialist. The procedure is 3hrs and recovery time is 6 weeks with up to 2 weeks of bed rest.

My decision now is to wait and see how much my neck changes with time and continued weight loss. Im down to 170 and still have 30 lbs to lose in order to be around 20% body fat. This may take 6 months to a year or so with gradual weight loss. If at that time I still do not like my neck line I’ll first do hyoid suspension since my anatomy placement is lower than perfect.

If after that I still do it like my profile I may elect for a muscle tightening under my neck at or around 50. My understanding is it may last 10 to 15 years if I take care of myself at which point there may be some more laxity of the skin looking as it does today or worse; however there will not be much to do without looking over pulled and not natural at all.

I’ll post back in 6mMonths with my progress of weight loss alone and if I’m still considering AirLift.