When the skin of the neck starts to sag, it can make a person look overweight and older. To prevent this from happening, Orange County residents should consider a neck lift from Dr. Sikorski at Natural Image OC. 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 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 Orange County 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, OC 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 Orange County 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 Orange County 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
- Sagging jowls
- 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 a 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 Orange County 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, 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.
Your consultation visit
