The first signs of aging are visible in the neck. Excess weight loss, sun damage, and aging are the most common reasons for the neck’s skin to loosen, sag, and look older. Neck lift surgeries provide a number of solutions, such as trimming away excess skin, removing excess fat, and tightening underlying muscles.
If you are preparing to come in for a neck lift surgery, you should get it done by a qualified plastic surgeon only. You need to be aware of certain facts and information before deciding on a surgery. These are discussed below.
Consultation
As neck lift procedures are major surgeries, a consultation with a skilled medical professional is necessary. Detailed pre- and post-operation instructions will be provided during this consultation.
You may need to change your lifestyle a bit a few weeks before undergoing the surgery. You will have to avoid tobacco, alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, and fatty or sugary foods in order to ensure the best possible results with the lowest risk of complications.
Procedure
A neck lift surgery lasts for a couple of hours. The patient may be administered local or general anesthesia depending on the preferences of the patient and the plastic surgeon. Removal of excess fat from the neck can be done by the process of liposuction. Tightening and restructuring of the underlying muscles will also be performed, along with the removal of excess skin.
Surgeons make small incisions or cuts under the chin or behind the ears. Depending on the needs of the patient, excess fat is removed, loose muscles are tightened using internal sutures, or excess skin is trimmed through the incisions made.
Once the required surgical actions are complete, the skin is redraped and pulled together tightly. The incisions are sewn up with medical sutures.
Recovery
Recovering from neck lift surgery takes time. There will be some bruising and swelling during the first few days after the surgery. Movement in the first 24 hours will be difficult. You will feel some discomfort from the surgery. Loose-fitting comfortable open-neck clothes such as shirts or blouses should be worn.
Ideally, you should take time off from work. You will have to remain in bed the first few days, because you will be administered pain medications frequently to help you deal with any pain or discomfort from the surgery. Strenuous activity will have to be avoided even after returning to work. Heavy lifting and playing sports should also be avoided during the recovery process.
Benefits
Neck lift surgery has numerous benefits. The results are always long lasting. The skin on your neck will look naturally tightened and rejuvenated, and you’ll look thinner and younger. A neck surgery can also improve your confidence.
Contact Our Office
The neck lift procedure is quite safe, with hardly any complications ever reported. If you would like to learn more about this revitalizing surgical procedure, contact our office and arrange a consultation with Dr. David Dellinger, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Dellinger will be able to answer any questions you may have.
