Learn More About Neck Lift Surgery
Neck lift procedure eliminates wrinkles and sagging skin and creates more attractive look to the neck and face.
overview
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift uses discreet and very small incisions behind the ears and under the chin to remove access fat, eliminate wrinkles and sagging skin and create a more attractive look to the neck and face. If you want to enhance the overall appearance of your face by targeting these problem areas, a neck lift might be the correct procedure for you.
Considerations
The neck lift procedure is designed to correct a number of common cosmetic issues, including double chins and loose skin on the neck. Those with jowls may also benefit from a neck lift. Individuals considering a neck lift to improve problem areas in the neck and face may identify the following challenges:
- Inability of dieting and exercise to improve the neck or face area.
- People who are inflicted with a double chin or submental fullness.
- Excessive accumulation of sagging or hanging skin following weight loss.
- Loss of skin elasticity or diastases in the neck and face.
- Unsightly skin and fat deposits around the neck.
Fix Problem Areas
A neck lift is designed for individuals who have identified problem areas in the neck including excess or sagging skin, a double chin or muscle laxity. Like a surgical procedures, a neck lift is not for everyone. Common candidates include:
- Patients with targeted problem areas in the neck due to aging.
- Patients with targeted problem areas in the neck due to weight gain and loss.
- Patients who have sagging or excess fat in the neck due to genetic dispositions.
- Patients who do not smoke.
- Patients without co-morbidities that may impede healing post-surgery.
Identify Probelm Areas
Dr. Craft and the enhancement team will work with you to identify the incisions placements. The incisions are small enough to blend into the natural curves of the head and neck and do not impact the overall appearance after the surgery.
During the procedure, Dr. Craft will make very small incisions in the identified areas. He will then remove the excess fat using liposuction. There are three common liposuction methods used during liposuction procedures. Prior to surgery, your plastic surgeon will choose the liposuction method that is most appropriate for your surgery. All three methods involve detaching and isolating fat for removal. Once the fat is dislodged, the surgeon makes very small incisions in the skin and inserts very small tubes called cannulas into the incisions. The surgeon then removes the fat through the cannulas. After eliminating the excess fat, Dr. Craft may elevate the jaw line or other areas of the neck to create a natural look. The incisions are closed by applying an advanced dressing to the area in order to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area.
Recovery from a Neck Lift
The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive of a procedure the patient undergoes. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time.
A support garment may need to be worn for three to six weeks after the surgery. These garments can help prevent bruising and swelling. Patients sometimes report pain after the procedure. Commonly, the most pain is felt the first 48 hours following the procedure and slight pain may be reported for several months following the procedure. The pain can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the directions given after surgery.
The stitches will be removed shortly after the surgery depending on the procedure(s) involved. You enhancement team will give you instructions for follow-up appointments as necessary. Although there will be scar, your surgeon may recommend scar diminishing cream. With time the scar will become less prominent. Normal activities can usually be resumed within two to three weeks.