Neck Lift

There are a number of procedures available to enhance the appearance of the neck. They range from minimally invasive in-office treatments with no down time, to more invasive procedures requiring anesthesia and time off for recovery. Aging of the neck is usually a combination of loose skin and muscle and some excess fat.Treatment options:Botox injectionsThe vertical bands that extend from under the chin to the base of the neck are caused by the neck muscle called the platysma. Botox can be injected into the muscle to temporarily reduce the appearance of these bands. This is a simple in office procedure that requires no anesthesia and allows you to get right back to your normal activities.

Neck Liposuction for Fat Removal

During liposuction, Dr. Sule will make a small incision below the chin, and the excess fat will be removed. This procedure is often done alone are may be performed as part of a neck lift or facelift. If this is the only procedure you’ll need, you should plan to spend approximately an hour undergoing the operation. Your incisions will be stitched and bandaged. This procedure requires an anesthetic and you should allow five to ten days for recovery. It’s very important to follow Dr. Sule’s instructions on properly caring for any stitches and bandages in the days following surgery.

Neck lift procedure sometimes called a cervicoplasty or neck lift with platysmaplasty, the procedure will last two to three hours. Of course, if you are having a neck lift in conjunction with liposuction, facelift, forehead lift, or other surgeries, the time will vary accordingly. Your exact procedure will depend on your desired results and your own personal circumstances. In order to undergo a neck lift, you must be in good general health, both physically and mentally.Dr. Sule will make a small incision under your chin and possibly in front of and/or behind your ears. These incisions allow access to the platysma (neck muscle) and any fat in the neck. The neck muscles can then be tightened and any excess fat removed. Dr. Sule may choose to remove the fat with liposuction or by cutting it out. The incisions near the ears also allow for removal of some excess skin. This creates a youthful, contoured neck and jawline.

Once the muscle has been tightened and any excess fat removed the skin is re-draped over the neck. Any excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed with sutures. Dr. Sule will let you know if the sutures will need to be removed or if they will dissolve on their own. Dr. Sule will discuss what type of anesthesia to use, depending on your level of comfort. If you want to remain asleep during the procedure, you should request general anesthesia. Otherwise, Dr. Sule can use local anesthesia with sedation. It’s up to you and Dr. Sule to decide what is best for your comfort depending on the exactly what surgery will be done.

How should I prepare for a neck lift?

During your consultation, Dr. Sule will instruct you on what medications to avoid prior to your surgery. Certain medications, vitamins, and herbal preparations thin your blood and can cause increased bleeding.If you are a smoker, you will need to quit at least two weeks before the surgery and two weeks after. You cannot just plan to cut down; you must not smoke for this time period to ensure proper healing. You must stop all forms of nicotine. Nicotine gum and nicotine skin patches can lead to the same healing problems caused by smoking. Also, make sure that you eat properly because this will help your body heal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery. You should especially plan to wear a button-down blouse or shirt that does not have to be pulled over your neck or head.

You should plan to take at least one week off from work to recover; however, Dr. Sule may adjust your time-off schedule based on your personal situation.

If you are having platysmaplasty, cervicoplasty, or a combination of any of the procedures discussed here, you should plan on having a home recovery area set up before you undergo surgery.

This should include:

• Post-op pain medication
• A two-week supply of any of you normal prescription medications
• Gauze and towels
• Thermometer
• Supply of comfortable, loose clothing (button-down shirts or blouses that do not have to be pulled over your neck and head)
• Antibacterial ointment for incision sites (use this only if directed by your surgeon)
• Telephone within reaching distance of where you’ll be lying or sitting most of the time
• Supply of pillows that will allow you to keep your head in a comfortable position
• Someone who can stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery

Recovery

Recovery takes time, and it’s important that you’re patient with the process. Most people can return to work in 10 to14 days. If you participate in other sports or are physically active, you will have to wait at least three weeks–if not longer–to resume those activities.

What are the complications and side effects of a neck lift?

You will have swelling and bruising that can last for several days. You may feel tightness or tingling and different sensations including burning or pulling. You also will experience areas numbness on the skin. These are all very normal in the first few weeks following surgery and should not be cause for concern.As with any surgery, you run the risk of infection. Please keep a watchful eye on your temperature. At the first sign of a fever, contact your doctor. If you have unusual discharge, such as pus, from the incision site, contact Dr. Sule Although it’s very rare, you could have an allergic reaction to medications given during or after your surgery. That’s why it’s very important to disclose any drug allergies to your doctor in a pre-operative consultation.

Surgical Necklift

You will have swelling and bruising that can last for several days. You may feel tightness or tingling and different sensations including burning or pulling. You also will experience areas numbness on the skin. These are all very normal in the first few weeks following surgery and should not be cause for concern.As with any surgery, you run the risk of infection. Please keep a watchful eye on your temperature. At the first sign of a fever, contact your doctor. If you have unusual discharge, such as pus, from the incision site, contact Dr. Sule Although it’s very rare, you could have an allergic reaction to medications given during or after your surgery. That’s why it’s very important to disclose any drug allergies to your doctor in a pre-operative consultation.

Your Next Step

If you have any questions about Neck Lift surgery, please call our office at (972) 960-2950 to arrange an appointment with Dr. Sule.