Neck Lift
As we age, one of the telltale signs is loose skin accumulating around the lower jaw and neck. This transforms the face from a youthful oval to an older square.
The skin accumulates around the jowls. The loose skin removes the definition of the jawline and blunts the angle fro the jaw to the neck. There may be fat underneath the skin adding to the fullness
Another change affects the muscle underneath the skin. This is called the platysma, and as we age its two edges under the chin separate, causing bands to form, which are unsightly.
The neck lift aims to address these issues and is often performed in conjunction with a facelift and neck liposuction
What Is A Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a procedure designed to restore a youthful appearance to the neck. It is designed to eliminate the bands in the front of the neck, restore the sharp angle from the jaw to the neck and restore the jawline
The procedure involves a general anesthetic.
The incision is carefully placed inside the ear and behind it, extending into the hairline if the neck needs to be adjusted. It will also trace inside the sideburn. The incision is designed in such a way that it will be barely visible once it is healed, and not affect hair growth. There may also be an incision placed under the chin.
A neck lift is not simply a procedure that excises excess skin and pulls it back. This is how neck lifts were done in the past and it produced very strange looking result that did not last for any length of time
The contemporary and modern neck lift involves addressing a layer deep to the skin called the platysma. This has to be elevated and fixed into a new position. By doing this, the face retains its normal appearance but achieves the rejuvenation in a very natural fashion.
The neck bands are due to the platysma separating in the front of the neck. These are accessed through a small incision at the front of the neck and brought together
A modern neck lift will have close friends guessing whether you have had anything done at all, all the while commenting on how fresh and well you look
What Is The Recovery Following a Neck Lift?
Following the procedure, you will have a compression bandage around your face and a couple of drains. This is designed to minimise the swelling.
You will also have a soft neck support applied, to prevent you from flexing your neck and moving your head from side to side. This is important to increase the pressure in your head and also to reduce the tension on the scars, and improve their appearance. This will need to be worn continuously for 2 weeks, except for bathing
The operation is not painful, and so your need for analgesia will be minimal. However, painkillers and antibiotics will be prescribed on discharge
You will stay in the hospital for a couple of days. The drains will be removed before you are discharged. The dressing will also be removed and an early wound check performed. You will be shown how to clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip. This will need to be done twice daily
The dressing will then be replaced with a much thinner and practical compression garment. This will have to be worn for 2 weeks continuously and a further 2 weeks at night
During the first week, you will be asked to put an ice pack onto the face and neck every hour for 10 minutes- this is to minimise the bruising
There will be a clinic check at 1 week and 2 weeks
Sutures will be removed in the second week
You are typically ready for dinner engagements by 10 days, and ready to go to work by 2 weeks
Avoid exercise for 6 weeks
It is normal to have numbness of the lower face and neck for many months after the operation. The sensation will slowly return
Can Anybody Have a Necklift?
There is no age restriction on people coming for a facelift
In Dr. Faisal's practice, his youngest patients are in their mid-forties
If you are in good medical health then there is no upper age limit
Dr. Faisal will NOT operate on people actively smoking. You need to have stopped 4 weeks before the procedure
Patients suffering from hypertension and diabetes have issues with post-operative bleeding and wound healing. Dr. Faisal will not operate on these patients
Dr. Faisal will not operate on patients with a BMI>32
How Can You Prepare For the Operation?
Stop smoking 4 weeks before the operation
Stop taking blood-thinning medications such as Aspirin, Warfarin and Plavix 1 week before the operation
You will need to buy a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide, a box of Q tips and vaseline for wound care.
Purchase a soft neck brace from the pharmacy
Arrange a close friend or family to stay with you for a few days after the procedure to help with personal care and groceries
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