There are two things you can’t control: aging and gravity. Unfortunately, both take a toll on the human body as we age. The neck is no exception. It still doesn’t get quite as much attention as the face, even though the neck is a very visible part of our bodies. So unless you want to go around wearing a turtle neck all day, you can’t hide your aging neck.
However, there is hope. A procedure called a neck lift (also called a lower rhytidectomy) can breathe new life into your appearance by erasing all those imperfections that make us look older than we really are. In fact, the neck is one of the first places where aging really begins to show.
A neck lift is a procedure that will get rid of sagging or excess skin under the neck, cut away fat (often blamed for the double chin), smoothing out wrinkles, altering neck muscles or any other number changes.
Preparing For A Neck Lift
As you get closer to your date of surgery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions. You’ll probably be told to stop smoking and drinking, and not take certain medications that can cause complications.
The Procedure
Most patients will be put under general anesthesia, but it is possible to perform the procedure using local anesthesia and a sedative. The decision rests on what the patient feels comfortable with and what the surgeon thinks is necessary.
The exact procedure largely depends on what the patient and doctor want to accomplish. Though much of the operation can be done using small incisions behind the ears and beneath the chin. The location of the incisions is carefully determined to minimize any visible scars. Liposuction may also be used to rid the neck area of excess fat.
The Recovery Period
The first goal is always for the patient to have a quick and safe recovery with no complications. Generally, most patients can do light activity during the first week. After a month, patients should be able resume their normal activities. The doctor will give more specific guidance on recovery length and what to expect.
Because the procedure does involve cutting the skin, cutting out fat and even cutting muscles, there will be pain during the recovery process. However, the pain should be minimal and can easily be managed with medication.
Who Should Consider A Neck Lift
Because this surgery is mainly aimed at giving you a more youthful appearance, most who opt for a neck lift are men and women in their 40s or older. You should also be in good health to ensure a full recovery after the surgery, so when consulting with your plastic surgeon, be honest about your health history.
A neck lift is not something to take lightly. You should only seek out an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. Call us for a free consultation and we can assess your needs and decide if you’d be a good candidate for a neck lift.
