Neck Lift Surgery

It is believed that one of the first places to show signs of aging is the neck. The person starts appearing older than he actually is, and hence opts for a neck lift, which helps in eliminating all excess fat in the region. Other reasons for a sagging neck include substantial weight loss or a simple hereditary condition. Any person, irrespective of age and gender, can benefit from this procedure. However, the important part is to talk with the surgeon, regarding the expectations and goals, before deciding to undergo a neck lift. This surgery is mostly done along with other forms of plastic surgery like a face lift or brow lift.

Neck Lift Procedure

Depending on the individual, the surgery procedure could be any one of the three; liposuction, cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty. Liposuction is used to remove fat, excess skin is taken out through cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty is undertaken to either tighten or remove muscles in the neck. A certified plastic surgeon performs the surgery at a hospital or surgery center. As there is a possibility of the surgery to include more than one procedures, there is no specific surgery duration which can be arrived at. Patients are not required to stay overnight at the hospital and the surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia.

Liposuction
This is the first procedure performed on the patient during a neck lift. A surgical incision is made below the patient's chin from where extra fat deposits are removed. A small hollow tube (cannula) is inserted through the insertion into the fatty tissue, which helps in breaking up the fat and then removing it from the neck region. Post liposuction, surgeons apply a bandage around the insertion to reduce any discomfort or inflammation.

Cervicoplasty
This procedure is undertaken to remove all undesired skin from the neck. A surgical incision is made either behind the patient's ears or under his chin. At times, an incision is made at both these places. The surgeon then cuts back and lifts the skin to remove it, and closes the area back, by stitching it up with permanent sutures. A bandage is then applied on and around these areas to reduce any inflammation, pain or discomfort.

Platysmaplasty
This procedure is undertaken to minimize the banded appearance of the neck. Again, like cervicoplasty, surgical incisions are made below the patient's chin or behind the ears, or at times, even both these places. A small instrument is then inserted through the insertions, which will either realign or remove certain neck muscles to tighten this area around the neck. To arrange the remaining muscles in the best possible manner, the surgeon permanently sutures up the area. To reduce any inflammation, pain or discomfort, a bandage is applied on and around the areas where insertions were made.

Recovery Time From Neck Lifts

Since the surgery is performed on an out-patient basis, the patient is allowed to go home the same day as the surgery. Apart from the dressing on the insertions, a bandage is wrapped around the patient's head from below the neck. There is a possibility of more swelling and bruising once the effect of anesthesia wears off, leaving the neck sore and tight. Normally, the dressing is taken off with a few days of the surgery but temporary sutures, if any, are removed only after about 10 days, post surgery.

Patients generally resume their normal routine and non-strenuous work within 10 to 12 days after the surgery. Rotating the head from side to side, bending over and lifting very heavy objects should be completely avoided for the initial few weeks post surgery. The doctor could also advise keeping the head in an elevated position while sleeping for a couple of weeks. These instructions differ from person to person depending upon his physical health condition and the surgical procedure used. It is therefore best to follow recovery guidelines as given by the doctor to ensure a quick recovery.

Possible complications from such a surgery include skin loss, clotting of blood, numbness in the region, swelling, skin discoloration or excessive bleeding. In case the patient experiences shortness of breath, pain in the chest, excessive bleeding or unusual heartbeats, he should be taken to the doctor immediately.

The surgery cost could be anywhere between US $2,000 to US $10,000, depending upon which region the surgery is being done, and the procedure used for the same. This cost includes anesthesia fees, lab fees, surgeon's fees and medication expenses. However, it should be noted that when the surgery is performed in conjunction with any other cosmetic surgery, the costs go much higher.

The general information provided in this article is for people to get an initial idea about the same, which will help their decision-making process. As is the case with medical issues, a doctor is the best person to consult for detailed information regarding the same.