NECK LIFT

Vertical banding, fatty jowls, horizontal creases, the unflattering “turkey neck,” and a crepe quality to the skin are all signs of the ageing neck. A neck lift tightens the skin and the underlying muscles to lift the neck as well as to improve and sharpen the jaw line. It is often performed in combination with a face lift, but may also be done as an independent procedure. This is designed to reduce the look of loose, sagging skin. Combined, these procedures can provide a complete facial rejuvenation.

A small chin may be part of the aesthetic problem. Chin augmentation using implants may be required to restore facial harmony and to better define the jaw line. The neck lift takes about two to three hours to perform. If multiple procedures are performed, it takes longer. The neck lift is actually a combination of procedures which usually includes cervicoplasty to remove excess skin; platysmaplasty, to tighten the neck muscles and liposuction on the neck to remove fat deposits from the neck.

The incision for neck lift is placed in natural crease in front and behind the ear. An additional small incision may be placed under the chin for platysmaplasty in some cases.

There will be minor discomfort after undergoing neck lift surgery, which is well controlled with prescribed pain medication. Swelling and bruising can be expected, but this is temporary. The recovery period is usually 2 weeks.

Risks and complications are not common in well selected cases.  Possible complication will include infection, excessive bleeding or hematoma, unfavorable scarring, skin loss blood clots, numbness or changes in sensation, anesthesia risks, skin discoloration, unsatisfactory aesthetic results, recurrent looseness of skin, and the need for additional surgery. Chances of complications are more in smokers and aspirin users.

A neck lift is a very satisfying procedure in terms of the aesthetic changes achieved.

There are many variations in technique and components addressed; the selection of the appropriate technique can be known after a clinical examination and discussion with you.

Please feel free to contact our doctors for guidance and advice. Patients from abroad or out of town can send pictures of the face and neck in front and both side views along with a brief medical history for assessment by our doctors.