Necklift

What is a Necklift?

A Necklift, medically referred to as plastysmaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that tightens the neck muscles and removes excess skin, resulting in a fresh and younger appearance.

How does a Necklift work?

The plastysma muscles, which are located at the front of the neck, will be tightened and the surgeon removes excess skin.

What is a Necklift used for?

A necklift is used for covering the signs of aging. The face and the neck are more exposed than other areas of the body and are also more sensitive, so the signs of aging can be easily spotted on these areas. The necklift reduces the appearance of horizontal and vertical creases, flabby skin and fatty jowls. The procedure also contours the jaw.

What areas of the body does a Necklift treat?

The necklift focuses on the neck, but during the procedure, the jaw line is also corrected. The necklift is most often performed together with a facelift.

What are the advantages of a Necklift over similar treatments?

• The procedure not only tightens the skin, but also the underlying muscles
• Contours the jaw
• More dramatic results
• Increased durability of results

Who is a candidate for a Necklift?

Nonsmokers and patients in good health are good candidates for a necklift. If the patient has a medical condition, the surgeon will perform some tests and establish if the lift is a suitable option. The procedure is most commonly performed on women, but men may also get this surgery.

How is the Necklift performed?

The necklift is an outpatient surgery and necessitates anesthesia. Before the surgery, the specialist marks the skin and the location of the incisions. The surgeon makes two openings on each side of the head, typically in front and behind the ear. An additional cut under the chin is also made to tighten the neck muscles. The skin is detached and rearranged; the skin that is in excess is eliminated and then the surgeon applies stitches on the incisions. The traditional technique has been improved and the incisions can be made so that they are hardly visible or under the hairline.

What is the recovery like?

A bandage will cover the neck for a few days after the surgery. Soreness, fluid drainage, bruising, swelling and bleeding are normal side effects of a necklift. If the sutures don't dissolve, they are removed 7 to 10 days after the surgery.  The patient will be advised to sleep on her back and with her head slightly elevated for up to three weeks. She should avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities or even bending over for four weeks after the procedure. The usual recovery time is between four and six weeks.

What will the results be like?

Typical results include tighter skin on the neck and a contoured jaw line. The patient may experience skin sagging or wrinkling in time.

What are the risks?

The risks of a necklift include:

• Infections
• Skin necrosis
• Blood clots and embolisms
• Scarring
• Lack of sensation in the neck
• Hypo- or hyperpigmentation of the skin
• Dimples on the skin or skin irregularities

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.