NECK LIFT
OVERVIEW
As you age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun and stresses of daily life can begin to be seen in your face and neck. Wrinkles appear around the eyes and mouth, creases form between the nose and the mouth, the jawline sags and neck skin lax. In some individuals, marked signs of ageing occur predominantly in the neck, while facial features appear less aged.
Neck Lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to improve the most visible signs of ageing by removing excess fat, tightening underlying neck muscles and redraping the skin of your neck. It may involve a small degree of liposuction to reduce heaviness underneath the chin.
PROCEDURES
WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE?
The best candidates for necklift are men or women whose neck has begun to show visible signs of ageing, but whose skin still has good elasticity and whose facial skin and bone structure is well defined. Most people opt for this Surgery from age 40 – 60, however it can be performed successfully on people in their 70s or 80s as well.
WHAT TO EXPECT
At the initial consultation, your Surgeon will assess your individual needs based on your expectations and your facial and neck structure and suitability for Neck Lift surgery. Be frank in your discussions and remember to mention any medications that you are taking and whether or not you are a smoker.
SURGERY
Neck Lift surgery is performed under a General Anaesthetic. The surgery can be done as Day surgery or an Inpatient procedure in a hospital facility. Certain conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure need to be monitored closely following this surgery and for this reason a short Inpatient stay may be advised. Private health funds will not cover hospital expenses for this surgery.
Neck Lift surgery usually takes one to two hours or longer if you are having the procedure done in combination with other facial cosmetic surgery.
An incision is made on the side of your neck behind the ear, extending to the lobe of the ear. Occasionally, the excision extends around the front of the lobe. The skin is elevated and the muscles of the neck, particularly the platysma muscle, and other tissues are lifted and tightened.
RISK
All surgery carries some risk and uncertainty. It is impossible to predict every outcome because everyone is different. Neck Lift is normally a safe procedure providing the clients have been carefully selected and the Surgeon is adequately trained in the procedure as well as having training in General surgery.
Complications of a Neck Lift in the short term include infection, which can be treated with antibiotics; haematoma (a collection of blood or serous fluid underneath the skin) which may need to be drained; and numbness in the neck, chin and ear areas which usually resolves with time.
Longer-term complications include persistent numbness of the ear and nerve injury to the lower branches of the facial nerve, which can give weakness in the smile, droopy upper lip, asymmetrical smile, difficulty closing the eye and no movement in the forehead.
AFTER SURGERY
Your neck will be bruised and swollen for the first few days. Plan on taking things easy for at least the first week. Bruising and swelling begins to dissipate after a week or so. You may be able to return to work after about two weeks. Camouflage make- up can be worn for concealing bruising and swelling once healing is complete. Numbness in the neck and ears takes a while to resolve. It is usually gone by four or so months, however may take longer. It is advisable that you gradually resume normal activities at a pace comfortable to you.
