A neck lift, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck to treat age-related sagging and wrinkling. This will give you a smoother, tighter and slimmer profile and can help to enhance your chin and jawline definition.
Your surgeon may recommend a face lift surgery to be performed in conjunction with your neck lift if you need substantial improvement of the lower cheek and jawline area.
The Procedure
A neck lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia, or local anaesthesia with sedation. A hospital stay of at least one night may be recommended for observation after surgery.
Depending on the degree of skin and fatty excess that you have, incisions may be made around and behind your ears, underneath the chin, or both. Through these cuts, your surgeon will remove extra skin and fat, and tighten the underlying muscle layer. The incisions with be closed with sutures. Surgical drains may be placed to remove excess fluid after surgery.
If your main source of dissatisfaction with your neck is fullness due to fat, liposuction alone can be performed through small cuts behind each ear and beneath the chin. This will conceal the scars well, but cannot remove excess skin as is thus not appropriate for excessively saggy necks.
Your surgeon will examine your neck during your consultation and help you to decide the best type of surgery for you, depending on the condition of your neck and your desired outcome.
After the Surgery
Pain, swelling, bruising and neck tightness are expected after surgery and improve over the first couple of weeks. During this time, painkillers and antibiotics will be prescribed to control the pain and minimise the risk of infection. A compression garment or cold compression may be recommended after the surgery to help to reduce the swelling. Sleeping with your head raised higher than your chest for a few days will also help the swelling to settle faster. If drains are used, they will be removed in a few days once there is little fluid draining out. Sutures will be removed between 5 to 10 days after surgery.
You will need to minimize twisting and bending of your neck in the first couple of weeks until your wounds have healed. Be gentle with your surgical incisions and be careful to protect your skin from the sun as this can result in permanent darkening of the scars. Depending on your progress, it may take several weeks before your surgeon will allow you to resume strenuous activities and sports.
The results of your neck lift can be long lasting. However, they will not be permanent as your will naturally continue to age over time.Understanding the Risks
As with any major surgery, neck lift carries risks such as:
You may need to undergo an additional surgery to correct some of these problems.
The subject of risks, as well as potential complications of surgery are best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon. Smokers are at higher risk of complications and smoking should be completely stopped at least 2 to 4 weeks before surgery.
