Neck Lift in Florida
The loss of youthful contours in the face and neck can be due to a variety of factors, including heredity, gravity, environmental conditions and stress. Some patients may not feel the need for a full facelift because the face still appears youthful. When the neck area doesn’t match the upper facial appearance, a neck lift may be a good solution.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. It can be used to reduce excess fat and skin relaxation in the lower face that creates jowls. This procedure can also remove excess fatty deposits under the chin.
Rejuvenation procedures that can be performed in conjunction with a neck lift include a brow lift, to correct a sagging or deeply furrowed brow, fat transfer, to add fullness to the lips and cheeks and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, or eyelid surgery, to rejuvenate aging eyes.
The Art of a Natural Looking Neck with a Neck Lift
Each procedure is customized to the patient so you can achieve natural results. Tightening loose neck skin and muscle banding in the neck removes abnormal contours and creates a smooth appearance of the neck. Adult patients may note excess wrinkling of the neck skin, referred to as a “turkey wattle” or double chin, and jowl lines. A neck lift may be the right procedure to correct these signs of aging.
Benefits of a Neck Lift
A neck lift may improve the appearance of the neck for patients who feel the signs of aging are affecting their self-confidence. If you are not yet ready for a facelift, a neck lift may provide relief and help rejuvenate your appearance. A neck lift may be performed in conjunction with other procedures for an efficient treatment timeline.
Is a Neck Lift Right for Me?
You may be a good candidate for a neck lift procedure if you are a healthy individual without any serious medical conditions that may impair the healing process. Having a positive outlook and realistic expectations will also make you a good candidate for a neck lift. If you feel unhappy with your appearance but are not yet ready for a full facelift (particularly if you find your face pleasing) a neck lift may be the right procedure for you.
Elements of a Neck Lift
A neck lift procedure includes the following steps:
- Step 1 - Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. - Step 2 - The incision
Depending on the degree of change you’d like to see, your neck lift choices include a traditional neck lift incision or a limited incision neck lift.
A traditional neck lift incision often begins in the hairline at the level of the sideburn and continues down and around the ear and ends in the posterior hair. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the jowls and neck. The tissue underlying the neck skin is repositioned, and commonly the platysma muscle is tightened. Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours, and excess skin is trimmed away. A separate incision under the chin is often necessary for liposuction of this area and for repair of the muscle.
A limited incision neck lift may involve incisions only around the ear. While the incisions are shorter, the results may be more limited.
Step 3 - Closing the incisions
Incision lines are closed with sutures and in some patient’s skin glue is also used. Sutures may self-dissolve or may need to be removed after a few days. Once healed, the incision lines from a neck lift are usually well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the ear.
Step 4 - See the results
The visible improvements of a neck lift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance but also help you feel more confident about yourself.
How Involved Is the Neck Lift Procedure?
A neck lift is generally an outpatient procedure. You should plan on having someone to drive you home afterward and help you around the house for a few days. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Avoid wearing any clothing that must go over your head.
How Long Is the Recovery After a Neck Lift Procedure?
After your procedure, a bandage may be placed around your face to minimize swelling. The doctor may also use thin tubes to drain excess fluids that may collect under the skin. Your plastic surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for surgical sites and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up after your procedure.
It is important to keep your head elevated above your heart to minimize swelling and to keep your head straight (no excessive twisting or bending of the neck).
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period. Life-long sun protection and a healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.
You will notice results within a few weeks of your procedure. Be sure you avoid strenuous activity during this time and avoid activities that may result in contact with your surgical sites. It may take several months for the healing process to be complete and for any incision marks to refine. The surgeon will tell you when you can resume strenuous activities.
How Much Does a Neck Lift Procedure Cost?
Prices will vary based on your individual case. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will provide you with additional information during your consultation. The total cost can vary widely based on the experience of the plastic surgeon and the geographical area.
Many plastic surgeons offer payment and financing options for patients. Be sure to ask your surgeon’s office for more information.
Questions To Ask Your Neck Lift Surgeon
Some questions to ask your plastic surgeon during your consultation include:
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What will be expected of me to get the best results?
- Where and how will you perform my procedure?
- What surgical technique is recommended for me?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
- What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
- How are complications handled?
- How can I expect my neck lift to look over time?
- What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my neck lift?
- Do you have before and after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?
What Should I Do Next?
The first and most important thing you should do is to select a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) that you can trust. ASPS surgeons must meet rigorous standards. They are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery® (ABPS). Each surgeon has completed at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training.
Other standards required for ABPS surgeons includes:
- Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
- Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities
Do not be confused by other official sounding boards and certifications. The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has approved medical specialty boards since 1934. There is no ABMS recognized certifying board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.
By choosing a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can be assured that you are choosing a qualified, highly trained plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the ABPS.
If you are looking to rejuvenate your appearance but are not yet ready for a full facelift, consider a neck lift by a board-certified plastic surgeon.