Neck lifts are great for patients who want to reverse some of the changes caused by age and gravity to the neck, such as sagging, excess skin and diminished volume. Most patients requesting evaluation for a neck lift feel that their neck can appear slightly distracting and older compared to the face. Our doctors have a combination of different maneuvers they can use to target each patient’s specific problem. Their goal is to get a more defined neckline that looks natural and appropriate with the rest of the face. This surgery is not only common for patients who are aging, but also for those who have lost a significant amount of weight.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR NECK LIFT SURGERY
– Excess skin and fat in the neck
– Necks that have developed folds and lines
– A double chin, resulting from loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw
– Creased and sagging skin in the neck
CONSULTATION
During the initial consultation, our doctors will ask the patient for their medical history and their goals for neck lift surgery. After thoroughly examining the neck, our doctors will explain the next steps in going forth with the procedure. In order to best reach the patient’s aesthetic goals, our doctors works with his patients to decide all the necessary details that will ultimately give the best results.
SURGERY DETAILS
Our doctors will perform the neck lift with the patient under general anesthesia for about 3 hours. Our doctors will make a single incision along the front and back of the ear, which will be well hidden and then, another small incision on the bottom of the chin. Rather than simply excising the excess skin, our doctors will lift up the skin to access and tighten the muscle. Often times, the platysma muscle (a subcutaneous muscle in the neck) can loosen significantly during the aging process and will need to be tightened. Our doctors will also pull the muscle in the back of the neck and tuck it behind the ear. This technique provides a more natural and rejuvenating result without making the skin appear pulled.
Provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RECOVERY & POST OPERATION
– Apply ice pack for every 20 mins, during 72 hours after operation helps will swelling and bleeding as well as easing pain.
– Elevate your head and shoulders up on 2 or more pillows for the first week. Do not lie down on your sides.
– Take painkillers as directed. Take antibiotics as directed to prevent infection.
– Stitches will be removed in 7 or 14 days after the operation at the clinic.
– Imbalance, swelling, numbness, bruising, etc may persist for 2-3 months depending on individual. Sensory impairment on the top of your head and earlobes generally will recover slowly over 3-6 months. Scars may take up to a year to fade, it truly depends on individuals.
– Walking exercise is possible immediately after surgery. Intensive sports like swimming, yoga, weightlifting and extreme stretching is allowed only after 2 months.
FROM OUR DOCTORS
“I enjoy neck lift surgery quite a bit because I think the results can be quite dramatic. I do like to use my experience with neck lifts at both the muscle and skin layers to be able to choose which, or both, is suitable for each individual patient. I would say that in my practice, I nearly always do some tightening of both layers. Also, in some patients, I will tighten the muscle in the midline (underneath the chin); in others, I will do some tightening by pulling on the skin and muscle behind the ears; and in some I will do both! Again, this varies depending on each patient’s individual appearance and what specifically needs to be corrected. This has worked well for me and given my patients longer-lasting results that they are very happy with.”
– DR. HSU
“Many people have used face creams for years, but did not treat their neck skin with the same attention. For this reason, neck lift is more popular than ever because necks are aging faster than other parts of the body. Lifting the neck can be done with a facelift or by itself.”
– DR. YAO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many times do I have to go in for follow up appointments?
After a Neck Lift, patients should plan to visit our doctors for several follow-up appointments. Usually, Neck Lift patients are seen 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Then, patients should come in at specific interval marks after their surgery. It is important to come to all follow-up appointments so our doctors can ensure the patient is healing correctly.
Recovery tips for Neck Lifts?
An easy way to maintain the elevated position during rest is to sleep on two pillows at night. Our doctors also highly recommend wearing a handkerchief or shawl to cover the area so the patient will be more comfortable going outside. Makeup should be able to conceal most bruising about one week after surgery. Patients should refrain from direct sun exposure, since they will be highly susceptible to sunburn or the formation of irregular, darkened pigmentation.
SCHEDULE A
CONSULTATION
We are looking forward to meeting you in person, hearing your aspirations, and tailoring a surgical plan especially for you. We hope our in-person consultation will answer all of your questions, provide you a sense of confidence and also further your excitement of the path you are on.