Everyone ages, but various areas age at different rates for different people. One very common area where aging becomes visible early is the neck. Over time your skin (everywhere) loses its elasticity, causing wrinkles and folds to develop. In the neck area this causes excess or sagging skin, which some refer to as a “turkey neck” or a “wattle.” When the neck ages, the chin and jaw line slack and lose definition as well.
Besides natural aging or losing a notable amount of weight, descending muscle can also cause neck concerns. The platysma muscle, which begins in the lower face region and runs down the entire neck, descends due to age, causing bands to appear on the front of your neck.
The Necklift Procedure
A necklift is a set of procedures that together rejuvenate the neck area. To remove excess skin, a cervicoplasty is performed. To remove or alter neck muscles, a platysmaplasty is performed.
These surgeries are frequently performed in combination with a facelift and eyelid surgery. If significant aging is present in the face as well, a full facelift in combination with a necklift may be more appropriate to achieve desired results.
Incisions are made underneath the chin, within skin creases, and behind each ear. Through small incisions in the neck, a platymasplasty will be performed to tighten the neck muscles. (And for optimal definition, the platysma will be pulled from the sides.) The fat under the chin will be removed using liposuction or direct excision techniques. All excess skin will be removed before the incisions are closed.
The procedure is commonly performed with local anesthesia and sedation – but if the patient prefers, general anesthesia may be used. The procedure can take one to three hours.
Post Surgery
Necklifts are generally safe procedures but as with any surgery, there are some risks such as bleeding, infection, numbness, asymmetry, nerve injury, and scarring. But by carefully following Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein’s pre- and post-operative instructions, these can be potentially minimalized.
After a recovery period of about one to two weeks, patients can resume work and most other normal activates. Exercise and strenuous activities should be postponed for several weeks, though.
For several days, a bandage will be kept in place to promote healing. If surgical drains were used, they are typically removed within 24 hours. After surgery, patients can experience a tight feeling in the neck, but this usually resolves within a few weeks. Any discomfort can be managed with medication. Within a few weeks, any swelling and bruising will fade.
Make the Consultation
If you’re in generally good health and want a younger-looking neck, make a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon who is knowledgeable and experienced with face and neck procedures. Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for more than 15 years and specializes in esthetic laser producers, facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. He uniquely combines his medical and surgical expertise to help patients feel better and look better. He holds dual board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Call 845-863-1772 to make an appointment today.
