What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a procedure whereby sagging skin and fat deposits are removed from the neck area. After that, the skin is pulled tight and re-stitched, to achieve better contouring of the neck area. It can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as a face lift or liposuction. In fact, it would be advisable to consider getting the entire facial area done in one operation, to maintain facial and neck symmetry.

Loose sagging skin on the neck can be caused by:

• Exposure to sun
• Aging
• Extreme Weight loss

This can cause:

• A neck looking like a turkey, or “turkey-wattle neck”.
• Too much loose skin

Neck Lift surgery can truly transform your appearance, and it will appear, not only as if you have lost weight, but also to have shed years. Neck lift surgery, or Rhytidectomy, is one of the safest procedures available for cosmetic purposes. With the advances in cosmetic surgery in recent years, the procedure is performed with a minimum of incisions, and the resultant surgical scarring. The results also appear very natural looking. In certain situations, the neck muscles will also be altered, usually by shortening (actually removing part of the neck muscle) and tightening.

You can either have the procedure under general anaesthetic, or merely with a local anaesthetic, taken together with a sedative. The choice is entirely yours.

Neck lifts can also be performed in combination with other facial procedures:

• Face lift: It is very rare that a cosmetic surgeon will do a face lift without also contouring the neck to some extent. Otherwise you would have a relatively youthful face, with a terribly old looking neck.
• Chin Redefining: A custom-made chin implant can be inserted using the same incisions as that required for the neck lift.
• Nose: Contouring-attractive faces are symmetrical, balanced faces, and nose contouring, in conjunction with a neck lift and chin augmentation, will go a long way to restoring balance to your face.
• Botox: Botox can be injected, at the same time, to deal with neck “bands”.

What are the possible side effects?

• For a few days after the procedure, you will experience bruising and swelling.
• There will be a sensation of tightening and tingling, or a pulling or burning feeling for several weeks after the procedure.
• Don’t forget, for all its safety and reliability, neck lift surgery is still a surgical procedure. As with all surgical procedures, infection can result. Take your temperature regularly during the first few weeks after the procedure. If your temperature starts to climb, or if you notice pus around the sutures, go to a doctor immediately, as you might have an infection.

How long will I take to recover?

You will be tender around the neck area for approximately two weeks after the surgery, but you should be able to go back to work after ten days to two weeks. Even though you are back at work, avoid strenuous activity for another couple of weeks to allow your body time to heal properly.

Dramatic results can be achieved by a neck lift, with very little actual physical change to your neck. When a qualified cosmetic surgeon performs the procedure, you will be assured of having put your trust in a professional, who will be able to advise you on the best procedure for you.