Neck Lift

What do you dislike about your neck?

Here are some of the most common concerns:
• Neck Muscle bands
• Excess fat
• Too much skin

A neck lift is actually a set of procedures used to enhance the appearance of

your neck:

• Cervicoplasty is the procedure used to remove excess skin
• Platysmaplasty removes or alters neck muscles (Platysma muscle)
Depending on the severity of the problem a variety of procedures are available

Conservative Approach:
Botox injections may be the answer to your problems if you have obvious neck “bands.”

If the predominant problem is fat …Neck liposuction, removes excess fat. But it is important to understand, In some cases removal of fat may expose underlying neck bands.

Neck lift procedures

Again depending on the severity of your neck concerns surgery may be recommended

Typically, the procedure will requires two to three hours. Of course, if you are having a neck lift in conjunction with liposuction, facelift, brow lift, or other surgeries, the time will vary accordingly.

The exact procedure will depend on the desired results and your own personal circumstances.
Platysmaplasty Requires an incision under your to access the platysma (neck muscle).
The present approach to the muscle involves lifting the muscle from the midline and creating a flap of the muscle by dividing the muscle aprox 5-7 cms below the chin. The division occurs for a distance of 4-5 cm from the midline. The mobilised flap of Platysma is then advanced and sutured in the midline.
The MACS lift is a new less invasive procedures, as a result of the procedure the jaw line and upper neck are improved. In many cases and for superior results, it is often recommended that a MACS lift be combined with a Platysmaplasty..

Excess Fat
During liposuction, your surgeon will make a small incision below the chin and or around the ear lobule and remove the excess fat. If you are undergoing multiple procedures during your neck lift, it is very common for plastic surgeons to begin with a liposculpting of the facial tissue.

Too Much Skin?
The cervicoplasty can be completed in about two to four hours, depending on the complexity of your procedure. In females there is less concern about placing an incision behind the ear and into the hair line. In a male however with their shorter hair this often would create a scar that is more obvious than desirable. A trade off then has to be considered. More scar V More correction!

Anaesthesia
You and your surgeon will discuss what type of anaesthesia to use, depending on your level of comfort.

How Should I Prepare for a Neck Lift?
Stop various medications that increase the risk of bleeding: asprin, Vit E fish oil.
Stop smoking 3 months prior to surgery!
You should plan to take at least one week off from work to recover. However, your doctor can determine this based on your personal situation.

If you are having platysmaplasty, cervicoplasty, or a combination of any of the procedures we’ve discussed here, you should plan on having a home recovery area set up before you undergo surgery.

Your Home Recovery Area Should Include:
• Ice packs
• Gauze and towels
• Thermometer
• Supply of comfortable, loose clothing (preferably button down shirts or blouses that do not have to be pulled over your neck and head)
• Petroleum jelly and antibacterial ointment for incision sites
• Telephone within reaching distance of where you’ll be lying or sitting most of the time
• Supply of pillows which will allow you to keep your head in a comfortable position
• Someone who can stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery

Recovery
Recovery takes time and it’s important that you’re patient with the process. Most people can return to work in 10-14 days.

If you participate in other sports or are physically active, you will have to wait at least 4-6 weeks, if not longer, to resume those activities. Don’t rush! It’s not worth it. You’ve put a lot of time and energy into making this happen, so make it worthwhile.

What Are the Complications and Side Effects of Neck Lift Surgery?
• Swelling and bruising that can last for several days.
• Tightness or tingling, and different sensations including burning or pulling.
• Numbness. 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 from the incision site, such as pus, contact your doctor immediately.

Does Insurance Cover This Procedure?
Insurance carriers are all different, but one thing is the same: They typically agree NOT to cover elective, cosmetic surgery.
If your procedures will in any way correct a medical condition, it’s important that you express this to your insurance carrier. Your surgeon may write a letter detailing your case.