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What is a Neck Lift?

By Jacqueline Cataldo | Published on September 14, 2009 | 0 Comments

Some people find it a pain in the neck to look at themselves in the mirror only to see an unsightly neck. The neck may be loose for reasons including genetics, weight loss, or even the aging process. Whatever the reason may be, some may wonder is there anything they can do about it.

A neck lift may be the answer you are looking for. Many celebrities have undergone neck lifts including supermodel Janice Dickinson. According to US Magazine, Janice Dickinson had a neck lift in 2007 along with a tummy tuck. While we may not all be in the limelight like Dickinson, don’t we all deserve to put our best neck forward?

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift usually includes two separate procedures. These procedures are cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty. Cervicoplasty removes the excess skin around the neck while the platysmaplasty changes or removes the neck muscles.

The rolls of skin on your neck are caused by weakened neck muscles and the solution may be platysmaplasty. The platysma is the neck muscle which the surgeon works on to help achieve a smoother looking neck. Openings are usually made near the chin or behind the ears. The doctor then maneuvers the neck muscles around to help the neck retain a younger look. This may mean that the muscles are moved around or even some removed completely.

Less invasive procedures are now available which involve smaller incisions and the use of a endoscope by the doctor. During the procedure, anesthesia would be used and you can even request to be put to sleep, depending on your  comfort level.

If extra skin around the neck is an issue, then you may consider a cervicoplasty. During this procedure, the doctor will make small incisions near the ears, cut away loose skin, and lift the remaining skin into place. This leaves the appearance of tighter skin. The skin would be put back into place using stitches or glue.

Both of these procedures can take anywhere from two to fours hours individually. In addition some people opt to also have liposuction or botox of the neck to help with the younger appearance. Depending on the your needs, consultation with the doctor will help set up a neck lift plan suitable for yout.

Who are the Best Candidates of Neck Lifts?

The best candidates would be in the best possible physical and mental well-being. Candidates should have realistic expectations and goals of the neck lift. If a candidate goes in with unrealistic expectations after the neck lift, he could end up having regrets as well as feeling depressed.

Patients should stop using bloodthinning medications and vitamins beforehand as these can increase bleeding after the surgery.

Smokers should stop smoking two weeks prior to the neck lift and continue not smoking for two weeks after the surgery. Smoking can hurt your chances of healing appropriately. You should also maintain healthy eating habits and expect to spend at least one to two weeks in recovery mode.

Benefits

The most obvious benefits from a neck lift would be a more attractive neck. The skin of the neck would be tighter, firmer, and younger looking. This would not only boost your looks but also boost your self-esteem. The neck lift can help you look thinner without having to lose any weight or work at facial or neck exercises.

Risks

While neck lifts are on the less risky side, they do come with some risks as any surgery would. Major risks would include scarring, infections, and results which do not please the client.

Risks of course can be reduced as long as the patient follows before and after care directions as well as sees a licensed professional for the procedure. Some things which a patient should have in the house after the surgery which can help reduce risks include:

• Petroleum jelly for the incisions
• Ice
• Gauze
• Thermometer (If fever is present there may be infection, call doctor immediately)
• Button-down shirts so that you do not have to remove clothing over the neck
• Telephone within reach in case of emergency
• Someone should stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery

Risks are few as long as you follow doctor’s orders.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

Tags: loose neck, loose skin, neck lift, neck muscles, neck surgery, skin surgery

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*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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