Neck Lift

NECK LIFT SURGERY

Loose, sagging, wrinkled skin under the neck can be the result of weight loss, heredity, or the aging process. Often the neck is one of the first features to give away a person’s age. At The Plastic Surgery Group, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform neck lift surgery in Albany, NY to help women and men restore a firm, smooth neckline that rejuvenates their look.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

Our plastic surgeons perform neck lift surgery using a general anesthesia or a local anesthetic in combination with sedatives. Your plastic surgeon will review these options and help you make the best choice for you. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

During the surgery, the plastic surgeon makes small incisions behind or beneath the ears and possibly below the chin. The skin is then repositioned and tightened. In some cases excess fatty tissue may be removed to enhance the overall effect of the neck lift. The small incisions are then closed with stitches or sutures.

Generally, a necklift will take between 2 and 3 hours to complete; however, if more than one procedure is being performed it will take longer. Sometimes candidates for neck surgery choose to have other procedures done at the same time including a full or mini facelift or eyelid surgery. You will want to discuss these options with your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group.

KYBELLA® is a non-surgical alternative that may be appropriate if your primary concern is a double chin. Patients with good skin elasticity can benefit from KYBELLA treatments. The FDA-approved procedure involves making injections into the localized fat below the chin that causes the appearance of a double chin. Your surgeon can determine whether you are a good candidate.

Recovery
Following the surgery your plastic surgeon will place supportive bandages around your neck to help maximize the healing process, give your neck support, and help you feel more comfortable during the initial days of your recuperation. You may experience some discomfort that can be controlled quite effectively by medications prescribed by your plastic surgeon. You will be advised to keep your head elevated as much as possible, including when you sleep. Many people find it comfortable to sleep on 2 pillows or even in a comfortable recliner. It is important to try to avoid moving your neck for the first couple of weeks.

You will notice swelling that will probably look its worst after about 3 days. Don’t be alarmed at bruising and swelling. This normal part of the healing process will subside and eventually go away completely.

Stitches that were placed during the neck lift procedure will be removed within a week or so. After about 2 weeks, you will feel much better and begin to see the benefits of your surgery. You may notice some tightness when you smile or bend your neck, but this will lessen over time.

You will be able to return to work within 2 to 3 weeks after your neck lift surgery. Keep in mind that everybody heals at their own rate, so it is important to listen to the recommendations and directions of your plastic surgeon and to ask questions during the several follow-up visits you will have during your recuperation.

A month or so following your neck lift procedure, you will look in the mirror and enjoy the results of your tighter, more toned, and more attractive appearance.

Potential Risks or Complications
All surgery comes with some risks and possible complications including the development of an infection around the incision areas or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Generally, however, these conditions are rare and if they do occur they can be treated effectively by medications prescribed by your plastic surgeon. He or she will discuss these infrequent possibilities completely with you during your pre-surgery consultation.

WILL INSURANCE COVER THE COST OF A NECK LIFT?

In most cases insurance does not cover the cost of neck lift surgery. However, you should consult with your insurance carrier and with your plastic surgeon to make sure.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?

A neck lift usually takes 1 to 3 hours to complete. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group.

WILL THERE BE VISIBLE SCARS AFTER THE SURGERY?

Your plastic surgeon will make small incisions that are in areas that are not visible, such as behind your ears or, in some cases, below your chin. He or she will make every effort to make these incisions and the resulting scars as invisible as possible. Over time, scars will fade and become virtually undetectable.

WILL I BE OUT OF WORK A LONG TIME AFTER SURGERY?

In most cases you’ll miss a couple weeks of work while you heal. Sometimes it may take longer. Remember that everyone heals differently, and that it’s important to follow the directions of your plastic surgeon and to keep your follow-up appointments with him or her during your recuperation.

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