FAQS Of Neck Lift

Cervicoplasty

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the neck by tightening the skin and muscles, reducing sagging and wrinkles.
The neck lift, scientifically referred to as submentoplasty, is a surgical technique designed to elevate and revitalize a drooping and/or voluminous neck and jawline.
What are the criteria for selecting an ideal candidate for a neck lift?
Optimal candidates for a neck lift procedure are individuals in sound health, both male and female, who are troubled by undesirable drooping of the neck and/or jawline. Many patients express dissatisfaction with their appearance, attributing it to premature aging caused by excessive looseness of the skin that hangs below the jawline and/or unattractive fat accumulation behind the chin. The alterations typically arise from the interplay of three distinct factors that require careful consideration: lax skin, sagging muscles (known as platysmal banding), and surplus fat. Loose skin is a consequence of the natural aging process, leading to an increase in laxity and the force of gravity. muscular sagging is a result of the effects of aging on the platysma, a thin and broad muscular sheet that spans the entire neck. On every side, there is a platysma muscle that typically does not meet in the center. As one ages, the edge of each muscle starts to droop downwards, resulting in two noticeable bands that stretch from just below the chin towards the collarbone. This leads to the development of a condition commonly referred to as a “turkey gobbler” deformity, characterized by the simultaneous drooping of the skin and underlying muscle. Individuals who have an excessive amount of adipose tissue experience an undesirable plumpness beneath the chin, which results in a lack of definition in the jawline. The simultaneous presence of these three components in a patient can result in the manifestation of a neck that exhibits premature aging.
Patients exhibiting all three characteristics of an aging neck typically receive a neck lift, either with or without a concurrent facelift procedure. To address the presence of excessive fat behind the chin, the neck lift procedure can be augmented with liposuction (liposculpture) conducted through a small incision located beneath the chin. Occasionally, an open lipectomy may be performed, which involves making a little larger cut to directly extract the fat. To address platysmal banding, it is necessary to tighten them by performing a concealed incision beneath the chin. A platysmaplasty is a surgical procedure where the borders of the two sides of the muscle are sewn together, similar to a corset, to form a distinct and well-defined neckline like a hammock. After the platysmaplasty procedure, it is inevitable to observe an excess of loose skin. To address this, an incision is made behind the ear to raise and tighten the neck line. A ‘direct neck lift’ may be performed in certain instances of skin laxity, muscular banding, and extra fat in the male neck. Due to the need for a longer incision beneath the chin, this procedure is typically performed on male patients whose skin is more likely to conceal the wound in a more advantageous manner.
Where is the neck lift operation conducted?
Neck lift surgery is typically conducted at an outpatient surgical facility, frequently in combination with a lower facelift. Several neck lifts can be conducted directly as an in-office procedure.
Which form of anesthesia is administered during a neck lift procedure?
The majority of neck lifts typically require severe sedation or general anesthesia. If a neck lift is being performed in the office, a local anesthetic can be utilized directly.
What is the method used to do the neck lift procedure?
The neck lift procedure entails making incisions primarily concealed behind the ear, with only a brief extension required at the front of the ear. The dermis is detached from the subcutaneous tissue, and the platysma muscle is located beneath the mandibular border. The posterior edge of the muscle is mobilized and elevated, and then the muscle is anchored to the bone posterior to the ear using numerous sutures. Tightening the front and side of the neck is achieved by elevating the posterior edge of the muscle. The cut is thereafter sealed meticulously using delicate sutures.
Prior to performing the rest of the neck lift, liposuction or platysmaplasty is usually carried out on the front of the neck. Liposuction involves creating a small incision beneath the chin and utilizing a slender suction instrument to eliminate surplus fat, thus refining and restructuring the neck. Occasionally, a somewhat broader cut is necessary to directly eliminate the fat, which is referred to as an open lipectomy. During platysmaplasty, a surgical cut is performed behind the chin, and the two sides of the muscle are stitched together in a manner similar to a corset, resulting in a well-defined new neckline. After the platysmaplasty, it is common to see excessive looseness of the skin, which necessitates making an incision behind the ear to further elevate and tighten the neck line.
To address skin laxity, muscle banding, and extra fat in the male neck, a direct neck lift is performed using a purposely irregular-shaped incision (known as a W-plasty or Z-plasty) created behind the chin. This shape serves to deceive the human eye, as the eye is more prone to detecting straight, linear scars with more ease. A specific quantity of surplus skin is surgically removed right beneath the neck. If deemed essential, the muscle can be strengthened under direct visualization and any surplus fat can be extracted through the exposed incision. The skin edges are subsequently aligned with precision and meticulously secured using delicate sutures.
What is the duration of a neck lift procedure?
The duration of a neck lift procedure can range from one and a half to three hours, depending on the chosen technique and the extent of the required modifications.
Where are the surgical cuts performed during the neck lift procedure?
The neck lift incisions are concealed behind the ears, with a minimal extension down the front of the lower part of the ear, known as the lobule. If liposuction or platysmaplasty are also being performed, a little incision is made directly behind the chin. The incisions for a direct neck lift are positioned exclusively behind the chin, running along the anterior aspect of the neck.
Do scars typically result from a neck lift procedure?
While performing a neck lift, incisions are done that will inevitably lead to scars. However, these scars are typically discreetly positioned, primarily situated behind the ear and occasionally underneath the chin.
Does the neck lift operation cause significant pain?
Patients may encounter mild discomfort that can be well managed with a little dosage of prescribed narcotic medicine.
What is the postoperative recuperation process following a neck lift?
Following a neck lift, it is advisable for patients to sleep with their head positioned at a 30 degree angle in order to reduce edema. Patients are advised to limit neck rotation. Pain or discomfort in individuals is effectively managed by low-dose prescription opioid medicine. Patients will have their bandage dressing changed within one to two days after surgery, followed by suture removal between four to seven days after surgery. The presence of edema and contusions may persist for a duration of up to 10 days following the surgical procedure. Typically, patients will experience a sensation of tightness for a few weeks, but it may not be visibly apparent. This sensation is anticipated and will gradually diminish as your neck acclimates to its new shape and position.
What is the expected timeframe for my return to work following a neck lift procedure?
The majority of patients can resume their work activities within a period of seven to ten days following the neck lift procedure, with the possibility of an earlier return for those individuals who do not experience significant swelling.
What is the recommended timeframe for resuming physical activity following a neck lift?
Cardiovascular exercise (reconditioning) can be resumed within ten to fourteen days after the neck lift, while more intense physical activity (resistance training) can be resumed within three to four weeks.
What is the timeframe for the removal of stitches following a neck lift?
The sutures are typically extracted within a timeframe of four to seven days following the neck lift procedure.
Are there any potential hazards or adverse effects associated with the neck lift procedure?
Like any surgical procedure, a neck lift carries inherent risks. Due to the anatomical structure in the vicinity, there is a possible hazard of impairing the nerve responsible for controlling the movement of the mouth region. However, having knowledge of the precise location of this nerve significantly reduces the likelihood of experiencing this issue. Temporary numbness around the ear may be observed by certain patients as a result of swelling along the sensory nerve in this region. However, it is exceedingly uncommon for neck lift surgery to cause lasting numbness.
Is the neck lift treatment covered by insurance?
Cosmetic neck lift procedures are often not covered by insurance, although patients should verify with their specific insurer.