Neck Lift
Neck Lift
As you age, the first visible signs of aging usually show up around the eyes, then on the neck and lower face. The effects of aging on the neck can vary from person to person, impacting the size and shape of the jawbone, the amount and distribution of fat around the neck, the position of the hyoid bone, and the thickness and structure of the medial fibers in the platysma muscle.
If you're concerned about sagging, loose skin on your neck, a neck lift procedure may be an effective solution for you. This cosmetic surgery is also referred to as cervicoplasty, which involves removing excess skin, or platysmaplasty, which tightens loose neck muscles. These treatments are designed to restore the neck's appearance to a smoother, more defined look by tightening loose muscles and removing excess, sagging skin.
A neck lift is a plastic surgery procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the neck to address age-related wrinkles and creases, resulting in a more refined and youthful profile. However, like all surgical procedures, neck lifts carry certain risks such as hematoma, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, blood clots, infection, nerve damage, skin loss, and open wounds.
A neck lift involves a series of procedures that aim to enhance the appearance of your neck, commonly known as lower rhytidectomy or submental lipectomy in medical terms. The specific techniques and combination of procedures utilized depend on the desired results. Neck contouring is often performed in conjunction with a facelift, but it can also be done independently if the appearance of your face is satisfactory.
There are various techniques involved in neck lift surgery, including:
A neck lift procedure generally involves the following steps:
You will be given medication to help you relax during the procedure. You may receive intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your doctor's recommendations.
The type of incision used for your neck lift surgery will depend on the degree of improvement you desire. You can opt for a traditional neck lift incision or a limited incision neck lift.
The traditional neck lift incision typically starts in the hairline at the sideburn level, goes around the ear, and ends at the posterior hairline. During the procedure, excess fat in the jowls and neck can be removed or reshaped, and the platysma muscle can be tightened. Any excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned to achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance.
A secondary incision may be made under the chin to perform liposuction on this area or to repair the muscles. The incisions are closed using sutures or skin adhesives.
A limited incision neck lift may involve incisions only around the ear. Although this technique has shorter incisions, the results may be more limited.
After completing the procedure, the incision lines are sealed using sutures and skin glue. The sutures may dissolve naturally over time, or they may need to be removed after a few days. Once the incisions have healed, they are typically well hidden within the natural curves of the ear and the hairline.
As swelling and bruising subside, the visible results of a neck lift surgery become apparent. The ultimate goal of a neck lift is to achieve a younger, more refreshed appearance, and to boost your confidence.
Following the neck lift surgery, a bandage may be gently applied to your face and neck to minimize swelling and bruising during the recovery process. Additionally, a small tube may be used to drain any excess fluid or blood that may have accumulated under the skin.
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including guidance on the application of medications to aid in healing and reduce the risk of infection. They will also advise you on what to look out for in terms of potential complications and when to follow up with them for further care.
To minimize swelling and keep your head in an upright position, you should avoid excessive twisting or bending of the neck and keep your head elevated above your heart. It is important not to apply ice to the neck, as it can impede blood flow and result in skin death.
During your recovery period, it's essential to ask your plastic surgeon questions about what to expect, including:
It's important to keep in mind that it can take several weeks to months for swelling to subside and up to six months for incision lines to fully develop before evaluating the results of your neck lift surgery.
As the swelling and bruising diminish, you will begin to see the visible benefits of the procedure. The ultimate goal of a neck lift is to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance, which can help boost your confidence and self-esteem.
While positive outcomes are anticipated from the procedure, there is no guarantee. In some cases, a single surgery may not be sufficient to achieve optimal results, and an additional procedure may be necessary.
The cost of a direct neck lift can vary depending on several factors such as the surgeon's expertise, the specific type of procedure performed, and the geographical location of the surgery. Typically, the cost can range from $5000 to $10,000 or more.
Facelifts and necklifts are the most effective procedures for tightening the skin of the face and neck, but they do not address wrinkles around the eyes, brow, or lips. Other treatments such as Botox injections or similar therapies may be used to address these issues.
Facelifts and necklifts do not change the texture or appearance of the skin. However, procedures such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels may be used to improve the appearance of the skin.
Fat grafting or lipofilling may be used in conjunction with a facelift or instead of one to make the face and skin appear more youthful. In cases where sagging brows are a significant concern, a brow lift may be performed, either on its own or in conjunction with a facelift or necklift, to tighten the skin on the face.
Scarring: The procedure will result in scars, but they are typically well-hidden within the hairline. Scars may appear red or purple at first but should gradually fade over time. In some cases, scars may become thicker, larger, more red or uncomfortable, requiring additional surgery to address. Scar extension may cause a bald strip of hair at the hairline, which is generally not noticeable.
Bleeding: While rare, heavy bleeding may occur during the surgery, and it may require a blood transfusion or additional procedures to control the bleeding. Any bleeding usually occurs quickly or shortly after the surgery. Small patches of blood may cause skin abnormalities that typically resolve within months following the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss any medications that increase your bleeding risk before the surgery, and it is essential to keep your blood pressure under control. Men are more likely than women to experience significant bleeding.
Healing problems: The incisions' edges may separate, especially at the scar's ends. Typically, treating the wounds resolves the problem, but additional surgery may be necessary to remove any tissue that has not healed properly. Smokers are more prone to experience healing issues.
Loss of blood supply to the skin: If blood supply is interrupted during the surgery, some areas of the skin may die (a condition known as necrosis). This may require additional procedures, which can affect the final outcome. An area affected by necrosis may have lumpiness or an uneven surface. Smokers are more likely to have their skin's blood supply interrupted during the surgery, and this risk increases if the procedure involves detaching a large amount of skin from the tissue beneath it.
Changes in skin color: Some patients may notice changes in skin color where the surgery was performed. This can typically be concealed with makeup.
Infection: If the surgical wound becomes infected, antibiotics or additional surgical procedures may be required, which can affect the overall outcome of the surgery.
Extrusion: In rare cases, deep sutures may protrude through the skin, which can be easily removed.
Swelling, bruising, and pain: Swelling and bruising of the face are common after the surgery and may take several weeks to resolve. Long-term discomfort is rare but possible.
Asymmetry: It is possible for the sides of the face and neck to be asymmetric after the surgery. Minor irregularities are normal and typically resolve with time. Scarring may also alter the appearance of the earlobe or cartilage in front of the ear (the tragus), but these issues are typically correctable with a treatment performed under local anesthesia.
Increased or reduced sensation: Most patients may experience some change in sensation in the face and neck after surgery, most commonly numbness near the scar. In rare cases, sensory changes may be permanent.
Damage to deeper structures: Although rare, the surgery can cause injury to deeper tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and structures in the neck. The facial nerve controls the normal movement of facial muscles. If a part of the nerve is injured, the movement of the brow and lip may be affected. This damage may be temporary or permanent.
Unsatisfactory results: Patients may sometimes be dissatisfied with the outcome of the surgery due to the appearance or feel of the face or neck, or if the desired shape is not achieved. Before the surgery, it is essential to discuss with your surgeon the desired appearance and shape, and if it can be safely achieved with a satisfactory outcome.
Change over time: The appearance of the face and neck may change due to aging or other factors not related to the surgery, such as weight gain or loss. Additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary to maintain the results of the neck lift.
Allergic reaction: In rare cases, patients may experience an allergic reaction to tape, stitches, or solutions used during the surgery. If an allergic reaction occurs, further treatment may be necessary.
Neck lift cosmetic surgery aims to remove excess skin and tissue from the neck and tighten neck muscles, resulting in a more slender, contoured look and smoother jawline. For optimal aesthetic outcomes, neck lift surgery is often combined with other cosmetic procedures such as facelift surgery, neck liposuction, or muscle relaxant injections. It is rarely performed as a standalone procedure.
A neck lift addresses common concerns such as turkey wattle neck, excess fat, and loose skin. Recovery from a neck lift can take several weeks, and most people can return to work within 10 to 14 days.
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