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Natural Image Orange County Cosmetic Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Necklift

A necklift will automatically create the impression that you have lost weight and in almost all instances will also make you appear younger.

Loose, excess skin and fatty tissues beneath the jaw lead to a double chin, hanging skin and a loss of your youthful contour. Although some patients who have only excess fat in the area can achieve great results with liposuction, excessive loose skin must be removed in order to tighten the area properly. Frequently Dr. Sikorski will perform both procedures at the same time.

Incision and Internal Suture Placement for Modified Necklift
Incision and Internal Suture Placement for Modified Necklift

A small incision under the chin allows for direct tightening of the neck's superficial muscles to establish a better angle between the neck and jaw line and to eliminate neck “bands” that often show up as we age. The result is a tighter, more youthful neck and jaw line which can take years off your appearance. Recovery time is brief and discomfort is minimal.

Whatever the reason you wish to have a necklift, people of all ages undergo neck lift procedures and it is becoming one of the most frequently asked for cosmetic surgical corrections.

Areas Improved by Neck lift procedures

  • Sagging jowls
  • Loose neck skin
  • Turkey “wattle” (often genetic and unavoidable)
  • Double chin or fat accumulation under the chin
  • Neck bands

Neck Lift Incisions

The neck lift incision begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp. Dr. Sikorski is careful to make the incision within natural skin folds to minimize their visibility.

A neck lift may actually combine a set of procedures:

  • Cervicoplasty is the procedure used to remove excess skin
  • Platysmaplasty alters neck muscles to release and remove neck “bands”
  • Liposuction - Dr. Sikorski also can perform neck liposuction, which removes excess fat.

How a Neck Lift Is Performed

Typically, a comprehensive neck lift procedure will last two to three hours. If you are having a neck lift in conjunction with liposuction, facelift, brow lift, or other surgeries, the time will vary accordingly. Your exact procedure will depend on your desired results and your own personal circumstances. In order to undergo a neck lift, you must be in good general health, both physically and mentally.

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Turkey Wattle -- Weakened or Loose Neck Muscles

If you have weakened or loose neck muscles, this may cause the "turkey wattle" or appearance of neck "bands."

To correct this, Dr. Sikorski may recommend platysmaplasty surgery. Incisions are made under your chin and/or behind your ears to access the platysma (neck muscle) where she will use permanent sutures to hold the tissue in place.

Necklift Procedure Animation
View 3d Animation – Lower Facelift

When possible Dr. Sikorski will use less invasive procedures with smaller incisions and use an endoscope (small camera attached to a thin tube) to complete your surgery. She will discuss all your options during your consultation.

You and Dr. Sikorski will decide what type of anesthesia to use, depending on your level of comfort and the types of surgery chosen. If you want to remain asleep during the procedure, you should request general anesthesia. Otherwise, you may opt for local anesthesia with sedation.

Excess Fat Removal

For the removal of excess fat accumulation, liposuction may be a part of your neck lift. A small incision is made below the chin and a very fine cannula is used to remove the excess fat. If you are undergoing multiple procedures during your neck lift, it is usual procedure to begin with liposuction. If this is the only procedure you'll need, you should plan to spend up to an hour undergoing the liposuction procedure.

Too Much Skin?

Dr. Sikorski will make incisions for a cervicoplasty, trimming parts of the skin and lifting the remaining skin into place.

It will be secured with tissue glue or stitches. The cervicoplasty can be completed in about two to four hours, depending on the complexity of your procedure. Again, your anesthesia will depend on your own personal comfort level.

After surgery you will be fitted with a compression bandage that you will have to wear for at least one week, unless instructed otherwise. It's important to follow instructions to ensure proper recovery.

How Should I Prepare for a Neck Lift?

During your consultation, Dr. Sikorski will instruct you on what medications to avoid prior to your surgery. Certain medications and vitamins thin your blood and can cause increased bleeding and bruising.

If you are a smoker, you will need to quit at least two weeks before the surgery and two weeks after. You cannot just plan to cut down.

You must not smoke for this time period to ensure proper healing. Stay on a healthy eating program and avoid alcohol intake.

Things to have at home for your recovery:

  • Ice packs or small packs of frozen peas
  • Gauze and towels
  • A Thermometer to monitor your temperature
  • Comfortable, loose clothing ( no pull over garments)
  • Ointment Dr. Sikorski has provided for incision sites
  • Telephone within easy reaching distance so you don’t have to strain to get to the phone
  • Supply of pillows which will allow you to keep your head in a comfortable position (Softer pillows allow you to more comfortably rest in a semi-reclining position)
  • Someone who can stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery (You will have a Registered Nurse for the first 24 hours following your surgery)

Recovery

Recovery takes time and it's important that you're patient with the process. A care nurse is required post surgery for 24 hours. Most people can return to work in 10-14 days You will have to wait at least three weeks, if not longer, to resume sports activities. Don't rush! Taking care of yourself during the healing process should be your priority.

What happens after my Neck Lift Surgery?

You will have swelling and bruising that can last for several days. You may feel tightness or tingling, and different sensations including burning or pulling. You also will experience numbness. These are all very normal in the first few weeks following surgery and should not be cause for concern.

As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. Please keep a watchful eye on your temperature. At the first sign of a fever, contact our office. If you have unusual discharge from the incision site, such as pus, contact Dr. Sikorski immediately.

Related Cosmetic Surgery and Nonsurgical Procedures

Starting Point To Learn What's Right For You

Not sure where to start? Give us a call and chat with our patient coordinator Michelle. Call the office at (949) 448-0487 or Request a callback through this online form.

Natural Image Orange County MedCenter Cosmetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic Consults with Dr. Sikorski are complimentary

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