NECK LIFT

OVERVIEW

Patients who look in the mirror to see a “turkey wattle,” horizontal bands or creases on the neck, and/or fatty jowls may want to think about consulting a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Torabi at Elite Plastic Surgery for a neck lift plastic surgery procedure. Firming and tightening up your jaw line with a surgical neck lift can range from the removal of the skin on the neck and wrinkles, or can be combined with liposuction to remove deposits of fatty pockets under the chin (usually required for patients with a thick neck for best results).

Our plastic surgeons will meet with you in a private consultation in our Phoenix, AZ office to ask questions and discuss your aesthetic goals for the areas of concern with your neck. To give you the best possible care and personalized treatment plan, the plastic surgeon will also ask you about your medical history, what medications you are taking, and perform a physical examination of your neck. Every patient is different, so results and surgical techniques may vary from patient to patient. Call and schedule your appointment today.

DO I QUALIFY?

We have had patients as young as 20-years-of-age come in for a consultation for a neck lift procedure. Younger patients may seek a plastic surgeon, like Dr. Torabi to remove excessive neck skin after a substantial weight loss that leaves the skin loose and hanging. Older patients, usually between the age of 60 – 70, want to rid their necks of the visible signs of aging. You are an ideal candidate if you are in good physical health, and if you have:

• Excessive skin at the chin and jowls
• Unattractive jaw line because of the skin and deep wrinkles
• Maintained a steady weight for 6 – 12 months (for weight loss patients)

We invite you to have a consultation with our plastic surgeons if you would like to change the shape and profile of hanging neck skin to look younger with a slimmer facial profile.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

During your surgical neck lift procedure and under a general anesthetic, the plastic surgeon will make an incision under the chin, and in some cases, behind or in front of the ears (if fat reduction is needed, liposuction will be the first step). Your incisions will be well-hidden within the hairline, behind the ear or under the chin. Our plastic surgeons take every precaution, and great care is given to minimize surgical scarring. Then, the neck muscles will be pulled tightly into a higher position, and the skin is pulled and redraped. Lastly, sutures will close up incision, and drains may be inserted to avoid fluid buildup within the incisions.

If fat has to be removed via liposuction, or neck liposuction, our plastic surgeon will use an ultrasound or laser technology to assist with the procedure to liquefy the fat so it is easier to remove. A cannula (tube) is inserted into the area, and it will suction out the fatty tissue.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may be in the operating room for about 2 hours.

WHAT TO EXPECT

In the recovery area, our post-operation nurses will monitor you for about 45 – 60 minutes. After discharge, you will need to wear bandages and a compression wrap on your neck and chin to assist in the healing. You can expect to see slight bruising and swelling in the area for 2 – 4 days, and some patients report feeling a continual tightness in the neck area. If the pain is not manageable with over-the-counter medicine, you may ask your plastic surgeon for a prescription strength pain killer. The sutures and drains will need to be removed at a follow-up appointment in 3 – 7 days after the surgery. Many patients are able to return to work in 7 – 10 days.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

You may come into the consultation with a neck lift in mind, but our plastic surgeons may make other suggestions to solve your cosmetic facial issues. Keep an open mind as to what our surgeons can do for your facial features. For example, you may not have enough contour to your neck because of a “weak chin,” and this area can be enhanced with a chin augmentation or chin implant. Another example is that you may only need liposuction to slim your neck profile. Just know that there are many ways you can solve the problem to an unattractive neck area, and meeting with a trusted, and experienced plastic surgeon is a great first step in achieving your aesthetic goals.

LOOK YOUNGER & SLIMMER

If you would like to learn more about the risks and benefits to having a neck lift surgery, please contact our Elite Plastic Surgery office in the Scottsdale/Phoenix, AZ area, and talk to our friendly front office staff. We will answer your questions, explain the procedure, and provide you with top-notch medical care and an amazing new look.