Neck Lift

Neck Lift

Double chin, ‘turkey-neck’, horizontal lines and vertical platysmal bands are undesirable features that affect the appearance of the neck. These undesirable signs are difficult to cover with makeup. While people usually pay a lot of attention to look after their faces, they often forget to pay as much attention to their neck. The unattended neck could become a giveaway of their aging and affect the overall aesthetic impression on them.

There are many options for neck rejuvenation. These options can be either non-surgical or surgical. Non-surgical procedures such as Botox® injection and thread lift usually are reserved for less severe cases. For more advanced cases, surgical procedures are necessary to achieve desirable results. Surgical options include neck liposuction, corset platysmaplasty (neck lift), and combined facelift-neck lift.

Preparation

1. 1. 1. Inform the doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergy. All medical conditions must be treated and stabilized before surgery.

      2. Stop smoking at least one week before surgery. Smoking is harmful to wound healing and increases the risks of other post-operation complications.

      3. Stop the following medications and supplements from one week before surgery until one week after surgery.

         1. All supplements containing vitamin E, ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, and other ingredients that increase bleeding during the procedure. Other supplements, traditional medicine, and herbs, in which ingredients are unknown, have to stop as well.

         2. Medicine that increases bleeding during the procedure such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin. However, you may need to consult your physician who prescribed the medication before you stop them.

      4. On the day of surgery, wear simple and comfortable clothing. Do not wear any makeup. Do not wear any jewelry and metal objects on the face and body.

Surgical 

1. 1. Neck Liposuction

Duration: One hour

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia.

Hospitalization: Not required

Recovery*: Back to work in 3-7 days, light exercise after 2 weeks, heavy exercise after 3-4 weeks. * The actual speed of recovery may vary from person to person.

Surgery Technique: Small opening are made below the earlobes and under the chin. Through these openings, the surgeon inserts cannulas to inject tumescent fluid and perform liposuction. Liposuction is the preferable option for cases where there is an excess fat deposit in the neck.

1. 2. Corset Platysmaplasty

Duration: Two hours

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia. General anaesthesia if combined with other procedures.

Hospitalization: Not required

Recovery*: Back to work in 3-7 days, light exercise after 2 weeks, heavy exercise after 3-4 weeks. * The actual speed of recovery may vary from person to person.

Surgery Technique*: A 3-4cm incision is made under the chin. The surgeon releases the neck and tighten the platysma muscle. Corset platysmaplasty is an effective technique that eliminates vertical platysmal bands, restore the neck-chin (cervicomental) angle, and improve the jawline definition. This procedure is ideal for cases where the skin laxity and bulging are located in the middle of the neck and under the chin. Corset platysmaplasty can combine with a facelift procedure to achieve optimal overall results.

1. 3. Combined Full Facelift and Neck Lift

Duration: Four to five hours

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia

Hospitalization: One to two days

Recovery*: Back to work in 5-7 days, light exercise after 2 weeks, heavy exercise after 3-4 weeks. *The speed of recovery may be different for each individual.

Surgery Technique*: Combined full facelift and neck lift is suitable for patients with severe skin and tissue laxity in the face and neck. The incision starts from the temporal hairline, extends down in front of the ear, continues around the earlobe, and ends at the hairline at the back of the neck. Skin release and platysma muscle tightening in the neck are performed. After the neck lift is complete, the surgeon will proceed with the facelift (see Facelift). This approach is ideal for patients with severe degree of  skin and soft tissue excess and laxity in the neck and face.

Post-operative Care**

1. 1. 1. What to expect:

         1. Swelling usually peaks on the second to third day after surgery and will gradually subside after that. Post-operative pain is usually minimal.

         2. For neck lift and facelift, a suction drain will be used to remove blood and tissue fluid from the wound. The drain is usually removed after one to two days.

         3. Wear the compression garment for 2-3 weeks

      2. General care

         1. Apply the cold pack first 3 days and the warm pack after that. Elevate the head during sleep to reduce swelling.

         2. Avoid smoking for at least one month. Smoking increases the risk of wound complications.

         3. Sleep on the back. Avoid sleeping on one side to prevent pressure on the neck and face.

         4. Adequate rest and sleep are helpful for a speedy recovery.

         5. Be relaxed and calm. Contact the clinic if there are any queries.

      3. Medicine: Finish the oral antibiotics as prescribed. Take the painkiller as prescribed when necessary.

      4. Wound care: Clean the wound with a clean cotton tip soaked with sterile water/saline. Apply antibiotic ointment. No wound dressings are required.

      5. Physical activity: Avoid heavy physical activity and exercise for at least one month.

      6. Follow-up: Come back one week after surgery for suture removal and review.

      7. Emergency: If there is heavy bleeding, a rapid increase in swelling or severe pain, immediately contact the clinic/doctor for advice.

** The instructions in this list are only for general guidance. If you have any specific queries or concerns during the post-operative recovery, please contact the clinic for further advice.