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Necklift

Many people today choose necklifts, which significantly diminish signs of an aging neck. During these procedures, excess fat is removed, underlying muscles are tightened and skin and soft tissue are lifted to give you a revitalized, naturally youthful appearance.

Facelifts are often done in conjunction with these procedures to restore definition and balance to all areas of the face.

Who’s a Candidate?

The best candidates for neck lift are those who want to improve the loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the jaw or chin, which can make a person of normal weight appear to have a double chin.  This operation is especially useful in those with skin laxity which will not conform to new contour by liposuction along or minimally invasive treatments or injections.

What Are the Risks of a Neck Lift?

As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding and bruising, infection, fluid collection, or reaction to anesthesia.  Poor healing and possibly wide scars are possible in smokers.  It can also leave you with slightly asymmetrical face and neck. Numbness and sensory changes of the neck, with possible changes to your muscles of facial animation due to nerve injury is possible.

Preparing for Surgery

Your surgeon will examine your face and neck as there is a harmony between the two regions that must be maintained. He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size, and shape of your neck, and the amount of fat and quality of your skin.

The Surgery

Neck lift is usually done as an outpatient, or inpatient (with an overnight stay in the hospital). The surgery usually takes two to three hours, commonly under general anesthesia.  Fat may be sculpted from the neck, and underlying deeper tissue, such as the muscles, is repositioned and lifted.  Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and the excess skin is removed, giving a smoother, firmer tone to the neck.

The neck lift incision begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp.  There are different variations of this incision, such as shorter incisions, depending on the laxity of the tissue being suspended.

After Your Surgery

For the first few days, the area may be swollen.  A bandage may be gently placed around your face and neck and the dressings should remain dry and intact. A small tube may be placed in the neck to drain off blood and fluids for the first couple of days. You may feel some pain for first few days, especially when you cough or move around. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication. The bandages will be removed within a week after surgery. Your stitches will be removed in one to two weeks.

Most patients can return to work (if it’s not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks.