Your neck is one of the most prominent parts of your body. It points up to your face and, unless hidden underneath a turtleneck or scarf, is always visible when people look at and speak to you. Because of its prominence, loose skin on your neck can visually age you very quickly.
If you are displeased with the wrinkles on your neck, a neck lift can help. A neck lift is when the neck muscle is surgically altered to give you a more youthful appearance. You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if your platysma, or neck muscle, has become loose and sags.
If you love the idea of a neck lift but have any hesitations, understanding the process of a neck lift may help ease your fears.
Before the Neck Lift Procedure
Before you even enter the clinic on the day of your neck lift, you will need to make some preparations. An initial consultation with a surgeon will help you understand the process and what you need to do to prepare. You will also receive a full medical exam to ensure you are a good candidate for a neck lift. Be prepared to share your medical history, including any experience you have had with anesthesia.
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to refrain from smoking for a minimum of six weeks leading up to your neck lift and six weeks after.
Your surgeon will need to know the medications and supplements you currently take. With the consultation of your primary care physician, they may make some adjustments to the dosing and timing of your medication regimen for a period surrounding the procedure. This will ensure that you remain both healthy and in good condition for surgery.
Get a good night of sleep the night before your procedure.
On the day of your procedure, you will come to the outpatient surgical center fasting for eight hours. You will want to wear loose, front-opening clothing. Avoid wearing makeup and jewelry that day.
Anesthesia
Your surgeon can discuss anesthesia methods with you, but you will most likely be able to choose between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Both options will help make the process comfortable for you.
The Incisions
The incisions are typically made discreetly behind the ears to minimize the amount of visible scarring. Through the incision the plastic surgeon will be able to redistribute and reposition the fat and tissues in the neck. The loosened platysma muscle is tightened, and any excess of the platysma is removed. After the sculpting and restructuring have finished, the surgeon will reposition the skin, tightening it and removing any excess.
Another incision underneath the chin may help the plastic surgeon to repair the muscle and liposuction the area.
All the incisions are closed with sutures or skin adhesives.
What to Expect Post-Op
When you go home, you won’t notice the results of the procedure immediately. You will experience some swelling and possibly bruising from the repositioning of everything around your neck. Expect to be tender for a few days after the surgery. Your neck may be stiff, and moving it around may be painful.
Plan to have someone with you after your procedure to help you for at least the first 24 to 48 hours.
For a few days following the neck lift, you may want to wear a support garment on the neck to help aid in healing and minimize the swelling.
After about a week, and once the swelling and bruising have subsided, you will be able to enjoy the results of your procedure.
What are my Options?
If you still don’t think a neck lift is for you but you would like the results of a more youthful neck, you may want to consider some less invasive procedures.
- Kybella: If your primary concern is a double chin, you may want to consider a Kybella treatment. Kybella is an injectable agent that prevents cells from being able to store fat. Kybella is given through a series of three to six monthly injections. Because it completely alters the cells, this procedure is permanent.
- Botox: If your primary concern is the slight wrinkling of your neck, Botox may be the answer. Botox can be done in the office, and it is a quick, non-invasive way to address neck banding. This easy procedure will have temporary results that should last about three to four months.
- Fillers: For a longer lasting alternative to Botox for combatting saggy or wrinkled skin, fillers could be the answer. The results from this procedure should last 12 to 14 months. Fillers are injectable substances that have plumping qualities, which will give a boost to lifeless skin.
Don’t let fear stop you from enjoying a more youthful look. If you have questions about a neck lift in the Louisville or Lexington, Kentucky areas, call our office to schedule a consultation.
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A neck lift involves surgically changing the neck muscle to make you seem younger. If the muscle in your neck, known as the platysma, has become saggy and loose, you could be a suitable candidate for a neck lift. Understanding the procedure for a neck lift may allay your concerns if you adore the concept of having one but are hesitant for whatever reason.
