The loss of the youthful contours of the face and neck can be caused by
a variety of factors, gravity, heredity, weight loss, and stress. There are many people who are not ready for a full facelift but want to see improvement in their jawline. For these patients a neck lift or lower rhytidectomy may be a good choice.
What can a neck lift treat?
- Excess fat and skin laxity in the lower face which can create jowls
- Loose neck skin
- Muscle banding in the neck
- Excess fatty deposits
How do I know a neck lift is an appropriate treatment?
We invite you in for a consultation with our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kevin Bounds who will review your goals and help you determine if a neck lift is the appropriate surgical procedure for you. If a neck lift is a good choice for you, a surgery date will be selected and a preoperative visit will be scheduled.
What happens before my surgery?
Dr. Bounds will meet with you and perform a history and physical to review your health history and make sure there are no medical issues which indicate the surgery isn’t a safe choice for you. Dr. Bounds may ask that you stop taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications before your surgery. He will hope you are a non-smoker as tobacco can negatively affect healing as well as increase facial aging. Photographs will be taken so your appearance before and after the procedure can be compared. Any prescriptions you might need during the course of your surgery and recovery will be given to you.
What occurs during my procedure?
A neck lift can be performed with sedation and local anesthesia where you are awake but the area of your face being treated is numb. Another choice is to have one of our Board Certified anesthesiologists assist so the procedure is performed under general anesthesia and you are asleep.
During the surgery Dr. Bounds will use his surgical skills to remove and tighten excess skin. Many times he will also tighten the platysma muscle which is under the chin.
What happens during the recovery phase after your neck lift?
You will go home with a family member or friend who will be with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery and will bring you in the next day for a follow up appointment. Your neck may feel tight and you may notice some swelling and or bruising. You will wear a compression garment to contain swelling and encourage healing. It is important to follow the post-operative instructions you will receive from Dr. Bounds. Should you have questions you will have his cellphone number to contact him directly. Sutures will come out in seven to ten days.
Recovery from a neck lift can take several weeks. Dr. Bounds will advise you as to when you can resume your regular activities. You will want to protect your skin from the sun and be gentle with your surgical incisions.
Your final results may not be fully evident for a few months.
But when they are…..Good Bye Turkey Neck!
