| |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
  |
|
Neck Lift
San Francisco - Oakland - Santa Rosa
Neck Lift As we age, the effects of gravity, exposure to sun, and the stress of daily life can be seen in our face and neck.. The neck skin becomes loose with fat accumulation and the muscles become more obvious. This aging process reduces the contour of the neck and the jaw line becomes less defined. Over time, more loose “banding” of the anterior neck occurs and eventually the “turkey neck” deformity. A neck lift can’t stop the aging process. What it can do is “set back the clock”, improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying structures, and redraping the skin of the neck. The neck lift can be done in conjunction with eyelid surgery, brow lift or other facial procedures.
Indications A neck lift is commonly performed in men and women between the mid thirties and late forties. Many people first notice a loss of skin elasticity around the neck area. Others may notice an accumulation of fat in the neck region. With the passage of time, and under the influence of gravity, the neck loses skin elasticity, accumulates fat and displays “banding” from the platysma muscle (a muscle that runs from the chin down to the chest). A simple test to determine whether a neck lift would be helpful would be to pull the neck skin posteriorly towards the ears and look at the results.
Before Surgery At your first consultation, Dr. Delgado will ask you to discuss your concerns about your appearance. At this time he will computer image you through digital photography, discuss your appearance, and have you point out concerns that you may have. Through this technique he can modify your appearance to help determine if a surgical neck lift is the best for you. If you are a good candidate, Dr. Delgado will explain the best type of neck lift that will achieve your goals.
Before surgery, Dr. Delgado will give you a precise preoperative instruction booklet that will explain your medications and any preparation that you need to make at home. This preoperative pamphlet will also give a concise list of all aspirin and aspirin containing compounds, including anti-inflammatory products that must be stopped two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Tylenol may be taken during this time. You will also be given a list of vitamins and homeopathic drugs to take prior to and after surgery to reduce bruising and swelling.
Anesthesia The vast majority of neck lifts are done under general anesthesia. However, in some cases, one may use local anesthesia and IV sedation. Dr. Delgado and anesthesiologist will assist you in making the best decision for you.
Operative Procedure The neck lift procedure is generally performed in an outpatient facility. Often times it is combined with a face lift or an eyelid lift.
Before anesthesia is given, the patient is marked for the incisions, giving a “roadmap” for the procedure. A neck lift can be done in one of three ways depending on the patient’s individual needs. The first approach is performing liposuction of the neck and platysmaplasty. The platysmal is a muscle that runs from the chin to the neck. Over time it becomes loose and “banding” occurs. The platysmaplasty technique will re-approximate these muscles to create a smooth contour of the neck and an improved angle between the jaw and the neck region. This procedure will reduce the fat components of the neck and tighten the superficial neck muscles.
The second type of neck lift is done by performing liposuction, platysmaplasty, and adding a “stay suture”. This stay suture runs from the midline of the neck, at the neck crease, and attaches just behind the ear. This suture is designed to increase the jaw definition and create a more permanent neck-jaw contour by giving it additional support. The third type of neck lift is the liposuction, platysmaplasty stay suture, and a skin excision from incision made behind the ear. This is performed with a patient who has redundant skin in the lower neck area and would like additional tightness.
There are various types of neck lifts that can be chosen. Dr. Delgado with the use of computer imaging will assist you selecting the best procedure that fits your needs at this stage of the aging process.
Post Operative The first few hours after surgery will be spent in the recovery room. When you are completely alert, you will be able to go home with someone to assist you. We advise cold packs around the neck area for 48 hours to reduce the swelling, and to sleep with the back and head elevated at 45-60 degrees for approximately five to seven days. Some patients will spend the night in an after care facility, especially if a facelift procedure is performed. The following morning the neck band can be removed. You can shower, wash your hair with soap and water and re-apply the neck band. The sutures are removed in approximately five to seven days. There is slight pain with neck lifts. The patient usually experiences swelling and tightening. However, pain medications are prescribed, but are only used for a day or two.
Much of the swelling
will resolve in four or five days, as long as the proper care is taken.
The bruising primarily resolves in ten to fourteen days. Makeup may be
applied after one week. Most patients return to work or social activities
after two weeks. Strenuous physical exercise is avoided for four to six
weeks following a neck lift.
Risks and Complications Complications
are rare and usually minor when a neck lift is performed by a board certified
plastic and reconstructive surgeon, yet the possibilities of complications
must be considered. Like all surgeries, the risks of bleeding, infections,
scaring, or an anesthetic problem is possible.
Results The results of a neck lift procedure is to rejuvenate the neckline, the jaw line, and its relationship. The angle of the neckline will be improved with more contour as a result of the removal of fat and the tightening of the muscle. The improvements can be expected to last many years. However, you will continue to age and gravity will still occur, but the area will always look more rejuvenated. A neck lift can be done again in the future or combined with a face lift.