It isn’t just the skin on our face that is adversely affected by the aging process. The skin on our neck is also frequently exposed to the elements and will be affected by the natural thinning and loss of elasticity that affects our faces too. This means that we can expect it to show many of the same signs of advancing age, including thinning, dryness, and looseness. Combined with the weight of gravity and the loss of fat and volume that also occurs as we get older, it is little surprise that the skin starts to sag and accumulate in gathers and folds that often resemble that seen in turkeys.
This ‘turkey neck’ can be hidden in certain styles of sweaters and under scarves, but many patients don’t want to be restricted in what they wear. The good news is that they don’t have to be. Cosmetic surgery procedures can be used to address signs of aging across the body, and the neck is no exception. A surgery called a neck lift seeks to reverse the signs of aging and give patients a sleeker, smoother neck that helps them to look younger than before.
What Is Involved in Neck Lift Surgery?
Neck lift surgery is a fairly simple and straightforward surgery that can be carried out just using a local anesthetic. The entire procedure can usually be carried out in less than two hours, and whilst patients are awake, they are not in any discomfort.
The aim of a neck lift is to reposition the skin on the neck so that it more closely adheres to the natural contours and is smoother, firmer, tighter, and more youthful. To do this it may be necessary to separate the skin from the underlying muscles and pull it tighter across the neck. Once in place, the excess can be removed and the new position of the skin can be secured using sutures, which you can expect to be removed around 10 days after your procedure.
How Quickly Can I Recover After a Neck Lift?
The initial recovery period after a neck lift is usually fairly quick. You can expect to experience some swelling and bruising whilst you heal, and whilst this can take up to six weeks to fully subside, most patients find that they can return to work around a week after their procedure (depending on the type of job that they have). You may also be in some discomfort, although over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient to enable patients to manage this. You will need to return to see your cosmetic surgeon have your sutures removed, and until this time, you will be given very detailed instructions on the best way to look after them.
Am I a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
If you are considering a neck lift, you will need to attend a consultation with your surgeon who will assess whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. Typically, people who are good candidates are:
In good overall health
Do not have medical conditions that impair healing
Do not smoke
Have realistic expectations for the outcome of their surgery
If you would like to find out more about getting a neck lift, our experienced cosmetic surgery team would be delighted to answer any questions that you have. Please contact our office in Miami, FL to speak to us or to schedule a confidential consultation.
