With aging, often comes loose hanging skin and one of the worst problem areas for such issues is the neck. This is why the neck lift has become one of the most popular procedures for both men and women looking to eliminate the signs of aging, along the neck and jawline. In addition to aging, other issues that can lead to loose, hanging skin within the neck area include gravity, environmental conditions, and stress.
What is a Neck Lift?
Sometimes known as a lower rhytidectomy, the neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. Essentially a facelift for the neck area.
The neck lift is designed to treat issues including
Many patients who may not need a full facelift, choose to opt for a neck lift, as this may be a more concentrated problem area for them. When the neck area doesn’t match the upper facial appearance, a neck lift may be a good solution.
The ideal candidate for a neck lift is an individual suffering from:
- Excess fat and skin relaxation in the lower face that creates jowls.
- Excess fatty deposits under the chin.
- Loose neck skin.
- Muscle banding in the neck, which created abnormal contours.
In addition to an individual who is both physically and mentally healthy, and without any medical condition that may hamper their ability to heal from surgery. In addition, the ideal candidate is someone who is confident and someone who is realistic about their expectations for surgery. Also, an individual who does not smoke.
The Procedure
The procedure can take a few hours depending on if you’d like to include it with a facelift. In many instances, patients will have incisions made at or along the lower hairline, near the neck area, and have excess skin tissue removed and sutured. This will alleviate the presence of loose, unwanted skin. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the jowls and neck. The tissue underlying the neck skin is repositioned, and commonly the platysma muscle is tightened. Skin is then draped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. A separate incision under the chin is often necessary for liposuction of this area and for repair of the muscle. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.
Recovery & Aftercare
During recovery, your head must be elevated, and cold compresses applied to manage swelling and bruising. In some cases, patients may also require excess blood and fluid to be drained from the area. other important information to know includes:
- You will be in some pain – and pain medication will help you to mitigate these symptoms.
- Avoid strenuous activities or exercise for the first few weeks.
- Rest is vital, get as much as possible.
- Goals will provide you special compression clothing and accessories to help your healing.
- It’s important to eat, drink, and sleep as much as possible to improve healing.
- Most patients can resume normal daily activities with 3-4 weeks of surgery.
- Symptoms like bruising, swelling, redness and more are normal.
- It will take a number of weeks to even months for the swelling and bruising to go down, and your final results will likely not be present for up to 3-6 months after surgery.
- You can expect a tighter, more contoured neck soon after surgery!
For more information on your Neck Lift procedure, be sure to contact Goals Plastic Surgery today.
