A. What is a Neck Lift?
A Neck Lift, or platysmaplasty and even submental
platysmaplasty, is a surgery designed to reduce the
loose look of sagging skin in the neck area and under
the jaw line. Some patients who complain of having a
fleshy neck, "jowls", plastysma or neck "banding", or a
"turkey waddle" can benefit from this procedure. Many
times patients choose to have a neck lift with their
face lift procedure. You must realize that the neck lift
or face lift procedure is not designed to rejuvenate the
area above the brow or around the eyes. If this is what
you seek a brow (forehead) lift or blepharoplasty may
benefit you. These four procedures can be performed in
conjunction with one another for a complete
transformation. You may even with to have laser
resurfacing, if you are a candidate, for increased
wrinkle ablation and facial rejuvenation.
B. When can a Neck Lift be performed?
A Neck lift can be performed when ever the need arises (however, above 18 years of age). Although platysmaplasty is usually sought out between the 30's and the 70's.
C. What does a typical Neck Lift consultation entail?
TAfter checking a few surgeons' backgrounds and
credentials, you will make an appointment for a
consultation. You will meet with these surgeons and
discuss your goals and you will disclose all information
regarding your health; if you smoke, what medications or
vitamins you presently take, etc. - this is very
important. You really should consider smoking cessation
as this can significantly decrease healing.
You will discuss your complaints and concerns and
discuss the various looks one can achieve, the amount
that can be removed and tightened, etc. Your surgeon
will explain the technique (Corset platysmaplasty,
Hammock platysmaplasty, mini-platysmaplasty, etc.) and
incision placements that may be most appropriate for
you. He or she should discuss the risks associated with
neck lift with you, as well.
You will also discuss the available anesthesia that will
be used for your procedure. Most neck lift procedures
are performed under General Anesthesia, Light Sleep
Sedation, Twilight, Regional or even an oral sedative
(valium) and local anesthetic for less extensive
plastysma work. Either way, discuss this beforehand as
many people are not aware of the risks of Anesthesia. If
you do go under Deep General, ascertain that the
anesthesiologist is certified. The risks regarding
anesthesia should be considered for a fully informed
choice.
If you would like more information on Consultations or a
list of questions to ask your surgeon please visit the
Consultation Help Page. If you should choose to book or
reserve a surgery date you will usually give a deposit
to hold your surgery date. Most times if you cancel a
few days beforehand, this amount is non-refundable.
After paying your deposit and scheduling a surgery date,
you will also schedule a pre-operative appointment.
D. How is Neck Lift performed?
For a Neck Lift Only: The skin only lift can be done
with two incisions under or behind the ear, the platysmaplasty with the additional skin lift can be
accomplished with a small incision under the chin and
the behind or under the ear. With the skin only
procedure sections of skin are trimmed and lifted into
place and sutured or fixed with tissue glue. With the
platysmaplasty, a section fat muscle is removed if need
be and the ends are sutured to bring them together at
the mid-anterior (front) section of the neck. The skin
can be brought together under or behind the ear to
further firm up appearance of the the neck.
Some surgeons may use suture, mesh or even AlloDerm
suspension as a sort of "hammock" to keep the neck tight
and "waddle-free". Whatever the case, please know that
surgeons may have different techniques so please discuss
this at your consultation.
The surgical team then performs a sponge and instrument
count and your surgeon then closes your incision with,
more than likely, a non-dissolvable type suture or
tissue glue. You will have a pressure dressing placed
around your head. If you are not familiar with this
"look" it involves wrapping a dressing around the top of
your head to underneath your chin, and covering your
ears. Of course there may be differences in surgical
technique depending upon the preference of your surgeon.
E. What should I expect post-operatively?
You may get sick on the ride home from the surgical
center or hospital so have a bucket or can with a lid as
well as water and some Ritz or "Goldfish" crackers.
Bring pillows and a blanket if need be. If you hurt take
your pain relievers. There is simply no reason to
suffer. Besides studies have shown that patients with
increased pain heal slower than patients who are not in
pain.
You may be groggy from the anesthetic and or oral
medications and probably won't remember much of the
first day or two. You will have to take it easy and
sleep on two pillows to keep your head elevated for
about 14 days - or however long your surgeon suggests. A
recliner is the best for this. PLEASE KEEP YOUR HEAD &
NECK STILL. Do NOT turn your head from side to side.
MOVE YOUR WHOLE BODY, if you must move. When you wake up
you will notice that your lower face and neck will look
even more swollen in the first 3 days. You won't usually
be extremely swollen until late that night or the next
day and then the third is by far usually the worst. But,
as the days go on the swelling will dissipate. There may
be a lot of bruising, but this will go away, as well. So
make a mental note of this or you may be shocked into a
depression. Bruising and swelling are a normal
occurrence in most surgeries. Don't worry, it is all a
part of the natural healing process. You shouldn't
really look at yourself in the mirror, but rather have
your partner or nurse care for you instead (even take
photos if you wish it).
F. When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?
The sutures - depending upon the procedure technique,
may be removed in 7-10 days or even more. You may have
tissue glue so please speak to Dr Mounir before your
surgery regarding these details.
G. When will I be able to see the results?
You will be swollen for several weeks however within a
week you should start to see basically what you will
look like once healed. The only differences will be more
definition.
H. What are the risks of Neck Lift?
Unfortunately, all surgery has risks and complications.
With platysmaplasty, these include an allergic reaction
to the anesthetic used and infection. There could be
asymmetry, general dissatisfaction, hematoma or seroma,
lumpiness, and/or mottling of the skin. Cording, laxity
relapse of the platysma and skin of the neck.
Numbness is possible, it usually subsides within the
first few weeks but it may become a permanent issue.
Puckering of the skin may occur and deeper than desired
depressions may result. Excess scar tissue and lumps are
possible as well. Please go over all risks with your
surgeon at your consultation and your pre-operative
appointment.
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