A neck lift surgery can either be platysmaplasty (tightening of loose neck muscles) or cervicoplasty (removing of excess skin). This procedure is only carried out by professional cosmetic surgeons in order to restore a smooth, firm and better defined neck appearance.
What Can Neck Lift Surgery Treat?
- Abnormal contours that result from muscle banding in the neck
- Loose neck skin
- Excess fatty deposits under the chin
- Excess fat and ski relaxation in the lower face, creating jowls
Risks
- Open wounds
- Skin loss
- Nerve injury
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Thick scarring
- Reaction to anesthetic
- Hematoma (bleeding under the skin)
Some patients do not get satisfied by the results after the surgery. In such cases, one can opt for another surgery
Considerations and Goals With Neck Lift Surgery
- You can combine a neck lift with a face lift for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation
- The results are durable and age naturally with the patient
- Improves the appearance of vertical neck bands
- Smoothens out creases and wrinkles throughout the neck
- Eliminates or reduces excess sagging skin
Reasons You Should Consider a Neck Lift
The neck region is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Skin starts to loose elasticity around the neck giving the impression of jowls and a double chin. There are good reasons to consider a neck lift, including:
- Non-surgical procedure
A neck lift surgery is not invasive and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure involves making a small incision behind the ears and depending on the needs of the patient, a cosmetic surgeon may need to make a third small incision underneath the chin. The excess, sagging skin is removed and the neck muscles are tightened through the incisions to restore a youthful appearance to the neck. This procedure is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to achieve a more youthful look and is not ready for surgery.
- Takes less time
A neck lift procedure normally takes less than one hour. The recovery time is also short, meaning that one does need to take a lot of time away from their normal routine. The patient is able to return home the same day as their appointment.
- Fast results
The results from a neck lift are visible right away and they continue to improve with time. This procedure is known to stimulate collagen, meaning that the skin around the treatment area will gradually appear more vibrant and smoother. The results are long-lasting. The patient may need touch-ups once in a while in order to maintain the best possible results.
- Minimal downtime
Unlike in invasive surgical procedures, neck lift post-procedural discomfort is relatively minimal. After the procedure, the patient experiences swelling and bruising. This persists 3-5 days, but can easily be managed by ice packs and over-the-counter medication.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your neck, chin or face, you need to consult a certified cosmetic surgeon to learn more about your options to make lasting changes.
This article was not written by Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D and may not represent his views. To talk to Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D. please contact the office directly.
