When the skin of the neck starts to sag, it can make a person look overweight and older. To prevent this from happening, residents should consider a neck lift from Dr. Sikorski at Natural Image OC. With this cosmetic facial procedure, she can trim away excess skin and fat and tighten muscle under the jaw to eliminate double chins and create a stunning jawline.
What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift in Orange County 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.
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 jawline and to eliminate neck “bands” that often show up as we age. The result is a tighter, more youthful neck and jawline which can take years off your appearance. Recovery time is brief and discomfort is minimal.
Whatever the reason you wish to have a neck lift, patients of all ages undergo neck lift procedures and it is becoming one of the most frequently asked for cosmetic surgical corrections.
What Are the Benefits of a Neck Lift?
The benefits of a neck lift and whether the procedure is right for you will be discussed in a consultation.
A neck lift is an excellent tool for patients who are struggling with age-related changes to the neck and jaw. Over time, the skin of this area sags, adding on years and pounds. In particular, a neck lift is great for correcting:
- Neck bands that are a result of excess skin.
- Double chins are a result of extra fat under the chin.
- A turkey wattle, which is often a genetic trait.
- Loose neck skin that makes a person’s jaw look undefined.
Is a Neck Lift Right for Me?
The great thing about a neck lift is that it can be completely customized for each patient. For example, some patients might suffer from excess skin, while others might have weak neck muscles. All of these problems can be corrected with ease during the same procedure.
Dr. Sikorski will be able to determine for sure whether or not a patient is a candidate for a facelift after the initial consultation at our office. Some qualities of a good candidate include:
- Being unhappy with the appearance of the neck, chin, and jawline.
- Being healthy enough for surgery.
- Being realistic about what a neck lift can and cannot do.
For patients who are uncertain if a neck lift is right for them, additional procedures like a jowl lift or a mini facelift might help.
Areas Improved by A Neck Lift
- Loose neck skin
- Turkey “wattle” (often genetic and unavoidable)
- Double chin or fat accumulation under the chin
- Neck bands
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 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 Is a Neck Lift 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 for patients to undergo a neck lift, they must be in good general health, both physically and mentally.
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.
Excess of Skin Removal
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.
Correction of Weakened 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.
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 during your neck lift in Orange County, 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.
Costs of Cosmetic Surgery
At Natural Image OC, we maintain a top-level integrated, AAAHC accredited outpatient surgery center. The costs of your cosmetic surgery will include anesthetic fees and a surgery center fee, in addition to the procedure fee.
What Does a Neck Lift Cost?
Because a neck lift can be such a variable procedure from one patient to the next, Dr. Sikorski is not comfortable giving out a cost estimate without first seeing the patient. This gives her a chance to better understand their needs and conditions and quote a price that’s accurate.
Patients who are worried about a neck lift procedure should know that our office is a top-level integrated, AAAHC-accredited outpatient surgery center, which undergoes site visits every 3 years for recertification.
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.
Real Natural Image OC patient. Photo courtesy of Lenore M Sikorski M.D. Results may vary.
What Happens After My Neck Lift Surgery?
You will have swelling and minor bruising that can last for several days, although we do use a new medicine that reduces your risk of bruising. You may feel tightness or tingling, and different sensations including burning or pulling. You also will experience some 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 small risk of infection with a neck lift in Orange County. Please keep a watchful eye on your temperature. At the first sign of a fever, contact our office.
Recovery
Recovery takes time and it’s important that you’re patient with the process.
Patients will need to take it easy for a few days to a week (depending on the extent to the lift) before they can return to their normal schedule (including going back to work).
Patients use ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours to help with bruising and discomfort. Patients can take pain medications if necessary. They may also want to wear loose clothing that doesn’t irritate the wound.
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
- 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)
Related Cosmetic Surgery and Non-surgical Procedures
Improve Your Facial Contours With a Neck Lift in Orange County
You’ll enjoy a relaxing visit to our office where you can ask questions, meet our staff, take a tour of our office in and surgical suite in Laguna Niguel and view additional photo results of our patients.
Your consultation assessment is with a Natural Image OC provider. Fees and procedure preparations are discussed with our patient care coordinator, who will detail the experience with you.
We look forward to meeting with you and helping you find the simplest solution to achieve the goals you desire. For a neck lift consultation in Orange County, contact Dr. Sikorski by calling our office or using our online form.