Dr. Romy performs neck lift procedures to rejuvenate signs of an aging neck. Some patients with excess sagging skin complain of a “turkey neck.” They can benefit from removal of this excess skin, which smooths out wrinkles and creases of the neck. Other patients are more concerned with the appearance of vertical platysmal bands on the neck. Patients often describe these as “tendons” and are bothered by them. These bands may also occur medially or laterally and start to make their appearance in the latter half of the fourth decade in men and women.
Excess and drooping skin, deep wrinkles, and platysmal bands are common features of an aging neck, and they are very difficult to address with non surgical techniques. When these are a considerable concern, they are best treated with a neck lift, with or without a face lift procedure. Results are long-lasting and will age naturally with the patient.
The Neck Lift Procedure
The surgical procedure typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete under general or local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation. Dr. Romy creates two incisions around the ears to lift and trim away loose skin and tissue. With an additional incision beneath the chin, Dr. Romy can also access and remodel the neck muscles. This is referred to as a 'platysma plication' or a 'corset platysmaplasty.'' This neck tightening strategy reduces visible sign of aging for a smooth, youthful neck contour. In some cases, liposuction can be combined to remove excess fat from this area. The neck lift procedure can be done on its own, or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a face lift.
Neck Lift Recovery
The recovery time from a neck lift surgery can vary depending on the extent of the surgery. Sometimes, an elastic garment is prescribed for support and healing purposes that should be worn for the first few days. Any discomfort experienced can be managed with the prescription medication that we provide.
You can expect to see some swelling and bruising, but these side effects will subside and you can appreciate the healed results of your neck lift within a few weeks.
Generally, you should plan to wear scarves or high necked clothing to hide bruising or swelling for the first week or two. Patients can generally appreciate the results of their neck lift after about two weeks, and can then return to their normal routine.