The neck is one of the first places where we show our age. Fatty jowls, a “turkey wattle”, vertical banding and horizontal creases all work together to make us look older than we feel. A neck lift enhances the appearance of the neck by tightening the skin and underlying neck muscles and improving the contour of the jawline. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with liposuction, a facelift, or a cheek lift but may also be done as a stand-alone procedure.
WHAT IS NECK REJUVENATION?
Neck Rejuvenation are those who have loose or hanging skin on the neck and under the jaw, wanting to restore youthfulness and smoother skin.
The first sub-surface layer, known as the dermis, contains elastin and collagen-rich tissue. The subcutaneous layer below that is the fat layer, with a web of collagen fibers running through it. Weight fluctuations, aging and sun exposure contribute to the break down of the elastic tissue and collagen in these skin layers, causing the skin to sag.
Surface treatments don't target the deeper layers of skin where the laxity originates, and surgery can be painful and invasive. There are a variety of non-surgical, non-invasive treatment options to tighten and lift skin on the neck and under the chin.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Minimally invasive, these procedures are quick and relatively painless—usually completed in within one or two hours using local anesthesia. It’s less risky than some other cosmetic procedures, and is safe for various skin types.
WHO IS IT FOR?
If you have a turkey wattle that makes you look much older than your age. If you feel your neck is too fat. If you have lost the distinct jaw line of your youth and want to restore it. If you have excess skin and wrinkles on your neck.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED?
If only minimal contouring is needed, this procedure can be done with liposuction alone. The procedure for a full neck lift is as follows: Incisions are made under the chin and/or behind the ears depending on the procedure that has been chosen. The platysma muscle is tightened and sewn together (corset platysmaplasty) similar to the way shoelaces are cinched. Excess skin and fat are carefully trimmed away. Tissue and skin are repositioned and secured with sutures. Incisions are closed and drains may be placed before the wounds are bandaged
Once you’re numb or unconscious, your surgeon will make cuts between or inside your nostrils. They’ll separate your skin from your cartilage or bone and then start the reshaping. If your new nose needs a small amount of additional cartilage, your doctor may remove some from your ear or deep inside your nose. If more is needed, you might get an implant or a bone graft. A bone graft is additional bone that’s added to the bone in your nose. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours. If the surgery is complex, it can take longer.
WHAT POSTOPERATIVE CARE IS REQUIRED?
Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days. Get plenty of rest and follow balanced diet. Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake. Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin unless approved by your surgeon.
Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications. Even when not taking pain medications, no alcohol for 3 weeks as it causes fluid retention. If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated. Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
RISK AND COMPLICATIONS
The decision to have a neck lift is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals, and if the risks and potential complications of a neck lift are acceptable. Neck lift surgery risks include: Anesthesia risks, Bleeding, Facial asymmetry, Fluid accumulation (hematoma), Infection, Numbness or other changes in skin sensation, Persistent pain, Poor wound healing, Prolonged swelling, etc.
RESULTS
As you begin to evaluate your neck lift results, please remember that it may take several weeks to months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to six months for incision lines to mature. Life-long sun protection and a healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. As swelling and bruising subside, the visible improvements of a neck lift appear. Your final result should not only provide a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself. Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
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