What Is A Neck-Lift?

Neck-Lift

For many people, the neck is one of the most ageing areas, so a neck-lift can be an effective cosmetic surgery procedure to tackle this problem area. The natural ageing process or dramatic weight loss can result in loose, sagging skin or a build-up of fat around the neck area, while sun damage often leads to wrinkles and age spots. A neck-lift can remove sagging skin in the neck area and under the jawline, while also tightening the muscles to create a more youthful appearance. Liposuction may also be required to remove a double chin. Face with Neck-Lift procedure are often performed at the same time, so the chances are that you may need both treatments to achieve the desired result.   While the neck is notoriously a difficult area for aesthetic practitioners to treat effectively, a neck lift usually delivers dramatic and lasting results.

As with any type of plastic surgery, there are possible risks and complications associated with neck-lift surgery. The main risk of any surgery is infection or reaction to the general anaesthetic. You can avoid most complications by selecting the right plastic surgeon and following pre and postoperative instructions you are given. Numbness of the skin occurs often for a few weeks after neck-lift surgery. In rare instances, this condition can be permanent. There is always the possibility of scarring, however the scars will normally be hidden in the folds of the skin and behind the ear. Scarring that does occur will generally take two years to fade. Other risks include excess scar tissue build up or bruising and puckering of the skin.

The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, but usually does not involve an overnight stay.

A neck-lift involves incisions being made under the chin and behind or under the ear, so the surgeon can tighten the muscles and skin. Liposuction may be used if you have excessive amounts of fat in the chin area as well. If your neck-lift requires liposuction to remove excess fat, the liposuction procedure is typically performed first. An incision will be made below the chin to remove the excess fat deposits. The fat deposits will be removed by inserting a small cannula (hollow tube) beneath the skin and into the fatty tissue. The cannula is used to break up the fat, and then remove it from the neck area.

The excess skin is then trimmed away before the wound is closed with stitches or tissue glue, usually behind or below the ear. A pressure dressing is then placed around the head to help the wound heal.

Since there may be more than one procedure performed during a neck-lift, your time in surgery may be between one to several hours.

You will usually be sent home with a bandage around your neck and head, which can usually be removed the day after surgery. However, an elastic-type garment must be worn throughout the evening for at least two weeks. Stitches may be dissolvable, or will be removed up to seven days after the procedure. Although you will notice a difference immediately, the final results may not be clear until three to six months after surgery.

Pain, swelling and stiffness should be expected following neck-lift surgery. You may also feel burning, tingling, and sporadic sharp pain. Most of these symptoms will subside in a few weeks but it may take longer for the swelling to fully reduce. Your surgeon will usually recommend keeping your head and neck still and elevated at all times for up to ten days.

You are advised to rest for up to three weeks, taking care not to bend over or lift heavy objects although you should be able to return to work after seven to 10 days.

Oral pain medication and an antibiotic can be administered to reduce pain and reduce the risk of infection. However, if you experience severe pain or abnormal symptoms you should contact your doctor or surgeon immediately.