The neck lift is an intricate plastic surgery that affects one of the most visible and aesthetically prominent areas of the body, namely the neck. Due to its proximity to the face, the neck appearance can impact the overall look of a person.
This procedure involves the removal of sagging skin in the neck region. In some cases, the patient will need to undergo a restructuring of the underlying sagging skin or weakened neck muscles.
The plastic surgeon will explain the various steps involved in the neck lift procedure to the patient during the initial consultation. Understanding the procedure in detail will help the patient feel more reassured about the surgery and achieve higher satisfaction levels from the results.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides neck lift to patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding locations.
Preparation
To prepare for the neck lift, the patient will need to modify their lifestyle to a certain extent in the weeks ahead of the surgery. The surgeon may change the patient’s schedule of prescription medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, and blood thinners for a specific period in discussion with the physician or specialist.
Before the procedure, the patient should try to get adequate rest and plenty of sleep. They should also avoid eating anything for up to eight hours prior to the scheduled time of the neck lift.
The patient should wear comfortable, front-open clothing to the surgical facility. Furthermore, they should avoid wearing any makeup, jewelry, or accessories to the surgical venue.
Anesthesia
The neck lift cosmetic surgery will be performed with the patient under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will remain in the operating room throughout the procedure if the surgery is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Before the procedure, the patient’s fitness to undergo general anesthesia will be determined.
Incision Placement
The surgeon will place relatively smaller incisions during a neck lift surgery. An expert facial and neck cosmetic surgeon will place the incision in discreet locations such as underneath the chin or behind the years, or within the natural creases of the neck.
Smaller incisions lead to faster healing and minimal visible scarring. However, the size and location of the incisions will depend on the amount of fat and skin to be removed as well as whether the neck lift is being performed along with a facelift.
Surgery
While some patients may only need neck liposuction to contour the neck, others may require more dramatic changes through the removal of neck skin and fat, and tightening of the underlying neck muscles. In some cases, the surgeon may remove a part of the platysma muscle to tighten sagging neck muscles.
Sometimes the neck lift is undertaken along with precision liposuction. This helps remove stubborn fatty deposits in the neck area. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and nearby areas for neck lift.