Neck Lift
Neck Lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the neck. It reduces age-related wrinkles and creases of the neck and provides a slimmer, smoother profile. Neck lift surgery needs to be tailored to each individual patient, as the neck does not always follow a predictable pattern of aging.
Getting a neck lift begins with an honest discussion with your cosmetic surgeon. She will talk to you about your medical history, your general health, skin condition, scarring tendency, and other factors. She will also talk to you about your expectations from the surgery.
The neck lift procedure is a combination of “cervicoplasty” and “platysmaplasty”. The former is the procedure used to remove excess skin, while the latter removes or alters neck muscles. Along with these two neck lift procedures your surgeon can also perform liposuction of the neck, which removes excess fat. She can also administer Botox injections, if you have fullness or “bands”.
Dr. S. Suma is the perfect plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeon to perform your neck lift. She is not just extremely adept, but is also a great communicator when it comes to explaining the neck lift procedure to you and tailoring it to suit your needs.
You are a good candidate for a neck lift if you want a slender neck with a well-defined jawline; if there is excess skin and fat in the neck, causing development of folds and lines, and if you are in good general health, with a positive attitude and realistic expectations.
Before your Neck Lift Surgery
Your surgeon will provide you with thorough preoperative instructions and will answer any questions you may have. She will also study your medical history in detail and will also perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery.
You should stop smoking about six weeks before surgery to enhance healing. You should also avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal medications (in consultation with a doctor) that can cause increased bleeding during the stages of healing. You should also drink a lot of water, as hydration is very important before surgery.
Dr. S. Suma will work with you before your neck lift surgery to address any concerns you may have. She will also photograph your face and neck and plan your surgery meticulously. She will perform the procedure with great care before, during and after your surgery.
During your Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift can be done with local anesthesia and sedation, or with general anesthesia. While liposuction is the most commonly used procedure, it may not correct structural problems that contribute to your neck’s appearance. Your surgeon will work with you to determine the neck lift procedure that is best for you.
If you have sagging skin on your neck then liposuction may not be the answer. You may need cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty to tighten loose neck muscles. Your cosmetic surgeon may make a small incision behind each ear and depending on your needs, may also make a third incision underneath the chin.
Through these incisions, she will tighten the neck muscles and the underlying tissues and remove excess, sagging skin to restore a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance of your neck. These days, your cosmetic surgeon may use an endoscope to complete your surgery. You should speak to your cosmetic surgeon regarding this newer option.
You can combine your neck lift surgery with other procedures, such as a facelift, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, and others. You should consult with your cosmetic surgeon in this regard. Dr. S. Suma is an empathetic listener, who will advise you as to what will work best for you. She is not only an extremely skilful surgeon, but is also a great communicator. She will address any and all of your concerns and will help you choose the procedure that is right for you.
Precautions and Procedures before and after your Neck Lift
While you should discontinue certain medications, smoking, as well as alcohol, you should consult with your cosmetic surgeon for the precautions you need to take both before and after your neck lift surgery. You should also eat a healthy diet both before and after surgery, as this will help you heal.
You should plan to take at least a week off from work. You should speak to your doctor in this regard. You should set up an area in your home as a recovery site. This area should have ice packs, gauze and towels, and a thermometer. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head and neck.
You should also keep petroleum jelly and antibacterial ointment ready for use. You should also use pillows that will help you keep your neck in a comfortable position post-surgery. You should also arrange for someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours post-surgery.
You should stop smoking and consuming alcohol for at least six weeks post-surgery, or as recommended by your doctor. Immediately after surgery, you may need to consume a liquid diet and to avoid excess salt. You should speak to your cosmetic surgeon regarding other precautions if any.
Neck Lift Result
It may take several weeks and months for the swelling and bruising to completely disappear. It may even take up to six months for your incision lines to fade. In the meantime, you should protect yourself from the sun by using a suitable sunblock cream as recommended by your surgeon. You should also not wear clothing that you need to pull over your face and neck and you should be gentle with your surgical incisions.
Dr. S. Suma has extensive experience in performing neck lift surgery. She will work extensively and intensively with you to contour your neck in a way that is best for you. She not only comes with impeccable credentials, but also with the right amount of caring that will make the surgery process both seamless and relatively painless. So, if you need neck lift surgery, look no further than consulting with Dr. S. Suma.