If you’ve been noticing excess fat in your lower face or upper neck area, fatty deposits under your chin, loose skin on your neck, or abnormal contours in your face, you might want to opt for a lower rhytidectomy, more commonly known as neck lift surgery. As you get older, your face takes on a completely different appearance, and it’s normal to want to reverse these changes. Thus, a neck lift might be your best option. Your jawline may become more defined as well. The results of the surgery are relatively long lasting — up to 15 years.
Risks of neck lift surgery
The procedure is not without its risks, however. Some side effects may occur, such as hematoma (bleeding under the skin), blood clots, infection, scarring, nerve injury, open wounds, and skin loss. Choosing a qualified surgeon to perform the procedure can greatly reduce your risk of developing complications.
The procedure: Before and after
If you’ve decided to go for neck lift surgery, consult with your doctor to discuss the risks as well as the costs and anything else you should know. Your doctor may advise you against taking any blood-thinning medications before the surgery, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatories. He or she may also recommend that you quit smoking beforehand, since tobacco can cause the skin to wrinkle, and it may interfere with the recovery process.
Prior to the procedure, you and your doctor will decide on a technique that aligns with your health and expectations. Your face will be measured and possibly photographed. This surgery may also be performed as part of an entire face lift.
Your surgeon will begin the procedure by making an incision under your chin and perform liposuction, which removes excess fat from your chin and jaw. You may need skin tightening or removed, and then the surgeon will close your incision. Your incision will be placed behind the ear and into the hairline. From this incision the skin of the neck will be elevated and the underlying tissues tightened. The excess skin is trimmed and stitched to hide the scar.
Afterwards, your neck will be bruised and swollen. Your surgeon may tell you to wear a device on your neck that reduces swelling. Do not twist or bend your neck after the surgery. The bruising and swelling may persist for a few months, although both will consistently fade over time. During those few months, do your best to protect your skin from the sun and take care of your neck.
The bottom line
Neck lift surgery is a type of surgery involving liposuction and skin tightening that can reverse signs of aging in your face and neck. The results of the surgery are long-lasting, making it an attractive option for those who want to slow down the aging process. If you’re considering a neck lift, talk to your doctor and discuss the risks and benefits.
Written by Natan Rosenfeld
