Neck Lift

There are a number of procedures available to enhance the appearance of the neck. They range from very minimal 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 loose muscle with some excess fat. To decide what is best for you, start by consulting with Dr. Sholar. 

We’ve included basic information below on ways to address the most common concerns. These procedures can be performed alone, but in combination they will give you the best possible result.

Treatment Options

Botox injections

The vertical bands that extend from under the chin to the base of the neck are caused by a loosened neck muscle called the platysma. Botox can be injected into the muscle to temporarily reduce the appearance of mild 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

If you still have tight muscle and skin, but just a little extra fat in your neck, then liposuction may be what you need. 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.

Neck lift procedure

Sometimes called a cervicoplasty or neck lift with platysmaplasty, the procedure will last three or four hours, and is usually part of a facelift. 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. Sholar 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. You may have the fat removed with liposuction or by cutting it out. The incisions near the ears also allow for removal of some excess skin.

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. You will be fitted with a compression bandage that you will have to wear to help reduce post-operative swelling. This is usually worn night and day for at least five to seven days and then only at night for a longer period of time. It’s important to follow instructions to ensure proper recovery.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

When a necklift or facelift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.

Complications that can occur include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed by the surgeon), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary), infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers, so you must quit smoking for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.

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 your doctor immediately.

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.

Planning Your Surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Sholar 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 fou weeks before the surgery and four 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.

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.