Neck Lift

Also termed as platysmaplasty, a procedure that lifts the skin and tissues in the neck, reducing wrinkles, sagging, and other unsightly signs of aging.  A neck lift can also remove excess fat from the area giving a crisper and more attractive appearance by allowing the jawline to have more definition. It eliminates issues with the neck such as “turkey wattle.” It can correct the banding of skin and muscles that cause a wrinkled or draped appearance. 

In pre-op stage:
• Avoid wearing makeup and jewelry to your appointment.
• You’ll also need someone to drive you home and stay with you the first day.
• It is important to stop medications as recommended from your doctor.
• Stop smoking for 4 weeks at least before surgery.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure.
• Avoid alcohol 2 days before the surgery.

This procedure can be performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery. During which the surgeon makes small incisions around and behind your ears, and a very small one under the chin. The surgeon carefully lifts the muscles of the neck and removes extra skin and fat, then closes the incisions and applies a pressure dressing around your head and underneath the chin. Neck lift procedures take between 1-3 hours to complete.

Expect swelling and bruising which will be bandage right after the procedure for added support. To reduce the swelling, you can ice your face for 30 – 40 minutes, elevate your head while sleeping or in the bedtime and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

A compression garment or bandage might need to be worn for a few weeks after your surgery, in order to keep swelling down and let your neck heal properly.

The majority of recovery from surgery should take 1-2 weeks, depending on which technique was performed.

Patients usually feel confident enough to return to work and resume normal activities within 10-14 days, following the surgery.

Strenuous activities and intense exercise should not be resumed for 2 weeks.

Results should be visible once swelling and bruising subside. A well-performed neck lift will last 10 to 15 years.

Specific risks with neck lifting/platysmaplasty including:
bleeding, scarring, infection, hematoma, contour irregularities, and nerve injury.