Why Should You Have Neck Lift (Open) Surgery?
Neck rejuvenation procedures move from less to more invasive as the amount of skin redundancy increases and the tone of the skin decreases. Contouring the fat around the chin and jaw line and tightening the muscles must be accompanied by adequately addressing the skin. This can frequently be accomplished with laser rejuvenation or a simple re-draping technique. There are times, however, when excision of excess skin can be safely done in an office setting and the incisions are well concealed behind the ear and along the hairline.
Typically, patients that may be candidates include those that have lost weight as well as those that have had loose skin for many years. Critically assessing the elasticity of the neck skin is crucial in helping a patient select the procedure that will best meet their goals.
What Are Some of The Benefits of Having A Neck Lift?
A neck lift procedure, as compared to a full face and neck lift, is frequently a procedure that can be done safely in any office setting with local anesthesia and a small dose of an oral sedative. The advantage of this is a significant cost saving, and it eliminates the need for a full general anesthetic.
This procedure allows us to accomplish three goals:
- Reduction of the extra fat beneath the chin and along the jaw line (the jowl).
- Tightening of the platysma muscle. This is the broad muscle that gives us expression in the neck. This muscle frequently separates in the midline as we age and leaves us with two hanging folds.
- The excess skin can be excised in this operation so there is more control over the skin envelope and hence a more predictable outcome.
Dr. Thomas Leach stresses to his patients that a neck lift will have no significant impact on the areas above the jawline. Patients who desire a more complete rejuvenation are often better served with a facelift. This is all discussed at length during the consultation.
What Are Some Alternatives to Neck Lift Surgery?
The option for neck rejuvenation is based on the skin elasticity and excess as well as the amount of change the patient is looking for. With about an inch and half incision in the cleft under the chin, the platysma muscle can be tightened. The Smartlipo laser can then be used to reduce the jowl and then generally tighten the skin of the entire neck. If the platysma muscle is okay, then the whole procedure can be done through three small holes each under a quarter of an inch. The pros and cons of all these options are discussed during the consultation
Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) Surgical Procedure & Recovery
Before
After
Dr. Leach performs most of the isolated neck surgeries in the office under local anesthesia with a small amount of oral sedation. If a patient feels they would be more comfortable under general anesthesia, then they are simply scheduled for outpatient surgery at an accredited surgical center. The specific incisions used and scar placement are always individualized and discussed at the preoperative visit. Compression garments are frequently used in the early post-operative period and patients are typically back to normal activities within one or two weeks of the surgery. All the post-op instructions and time estimates are based on each patient’s specific situation and are precisely covered at the pre-operative appointment.
Once the patient is sedated, Dr. Leach begins neck lift surgery by making an incision in the hairline and a second incision under the chin to address the contour of the neck. Dr. Leach tightens the underlying tissue and neck muscles, the extra loose skin is cut, and the skin is carefully re-draped and tightened.
As with any surgery, you must have someone take you home and look after you for a few days. When you leave surgery, you will have drains to help remove excess fluid collection around the neck. Patients can expect some swelling and bruising. Our office will give patients their individualized and detailed post-operative instructions.
We recommend you contact our office today to schedule a personalized appointment with Dr. Leach. He can confirm if you are a candidate for a neck lift procedure.
