A neck lift removes excess fat and skin, tightens the underlying tissues, and gives your neck a more youthful and energetic appearance. This procedure can provide a more youthful facial contour, with fewer irregularities such as turkey neck or jowls.
When to Consider a Neck Lift
Neck lifts are typically performed on patients who are forty or older, but may also be used to treat a variety of other conditions that may occur in younger patients.
Those who have lost skin elasticity and firmness in the face may be ideal candidates for this procedure. For the best results, some retained elasticity is preferable so that the skin may be reshaped and healthy.
The various conditions treated by a neck lift may include:
- Excess fat and skin in the neck
- Jowls
- Double chin
- Turkey neck or wattle
Candidates for a neck lift should be well-informed, in good health, and have realistic expectations about cosmetic surgery and its possible outcomes.
Your Neck Lift Procedure with Dr. Albear
The neck lift procedure is completed under local or general anesthetic, and requires 1-2 hours depending on the specific requirements of the patient.
Incisions are made around the bottom of the ear and up into the scalp in such a manner that the healed incisions will be minimally visible. Through the incisions, Dr. Albear will remove any excess skin or fat from the neck, using liposuction if necessary to suction the excess fat deposits.
After the excess tissue is removed, the remaining tissues are tightened, the skin is adjusted, and any excess skin is removed. The tissue layers are sutured from the inside, so that there is minimal stress on the external sutures. External sutures are used to close the incisions. Additional skin procedures such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion may be recommended to improve the final appearance of the neck skin.
What to Expect After Surgery
Dr. Albear will give you specific recovery instructions for your procedure and situation. Typically, the head is kept elevated, minimal activity is recommended and plenty of rest is encouraged. Bruising may diminish after 6-10 days, and swelling after 1-3 weeks. You may experience discomfort in the treated areas, which is usually managed with pain medication.
For those interested in learning more about the neck lift procedure and its various benefits and risks, please contact Dr. Albear for an individual consultation. Our plastic surgery office is conveniently located to serve the greater Tampa Bay area.
