If you have loose or sagging skin on your neck that makes you feel self-conscious about your appearance, it might be time to consider a neck lift procedure. This cosmetic surgery can redefine your jawline, remove excess fat in the neck, and smooth away wrinkles on the neck. Learn more about how we perform this procedure at Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO.
What Is the Typical Age for Getting a Neck Lift?
The skin on your neck might not start to show signs of visible aging until you are an older adult. Most patients will not notice excessively loose skin until around middle age, which is when collagen and elastin depletion in the skin will become most noticeable. For this reason, most patients undergo a neck lift procedure between the ages of 35 and 65.
Younger people commonly use this procedure to reduce excess neck fat or excess skin from weight loss. Older people, on the other hand, use this treatment to rejuvenate the appearance of the neck. This procedure is frequently combined with a facelift and other lift procedures, such as a mini facelift, to create a comprehensive anti-aging result.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for this procedure have a moderate to severe amount of unwanted loose skin on the neck or jawline. Mild skin laxity on the neck or jaw might be resolved with dermal fillers, so this treatment is ideal for patients who can’t get their desired results with injectable treatments. Your plastic surgeon will also assess the natural elasticity of your skin to determine if you are an ideal candidate for this surgery.
Before you are scheduled for surgery, you will need to complete a pre-op exam and blood work to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure. Your surgery plan may include general anesthesia or other sedative methods, so these pre-operative health checks are essential. If you develop an illness, have an eczema breakout, or any other health condition flare-up, you may need to postpone your procedure.
What Are Preparation Instructions?
About two to four weeks before your procedure, you will need to stop smoking and using other tobacco products. Products containing nicotine can interfere with the natural healing abilities of your body. You may also be directed to stop consuming alcohol about two weeks before your procedure. Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and some over-the-counter supplements with blood-thinning side effects should also be discontinued at this time.
The night before your surgery, you may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 12 hours. You will not be able to eat or drink anything the morning of your procedure, except for your regular medications with a small sip of water. You should not wear make-up, wigs, or jewelry on your neck or ears on the day of your surgery. It’s best to wear comfortable clothing and style your hair away from your face before your procedure.
What Are Aftercare Instructions?
After your procedure, you will need help at home for the first 24 to 72 hours. You should avoid bending over, lifting, turning your head, and straining. Your head should be elevated at all times. You may not be allowed to shower or expose the surgical site to water for at least one day. You may need assistance getting out of bed or getting dressed. You may not be able to return to work for one to two weeks.
Your diet should consist of liquids and soft foods, such as jello, broth, and yogurt, for the first few days. You should walk around your home for a few minutes every couple of hours to keep your blood circulation healthy. Your surgeon may have additional instructions for you to follow, such as how to take pain medication or antibiotics. You may need to attend a few follow-up appointments during your recovery period.
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
You can expect this procedure to take three to four hours. You should not have to stay overnight at the surgical facility. You will need to make transportation arrangements after your procedure since you will not be able to drive.
Incisions for this procedure are usually placed beneath the ear, behind the ear, and under the chin. During this procedure, loose skin will be removed from the neck, while underlying connective tissues and muscles will be tightened. It’s common for this procedure to address concerns such as sagging jowls or loose skin under the chin. Unwanted fat from the neck and beneath the chin can also be removed during this procedure.
When Will You See the Final Results?
Your initial recovery period may take about two weeks, which is when most people return to work. Your skin will continue healing from this procedure for the next four weeks. The final results of this procedure should be noticeable after about six months, although you may notice early results sooner if you follow your post-surgery instructions carefully.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of a lift procedure for the neck can last for ten to fifteen years. You may be able to extend your results by slowing down the aging process, which can help preserve the collagen and elastin in your skin. Some methods to slow the aging process include wearing sunscreen outdoors and using high-quality skincare products every day.
Should You Have a Facelift As Well?
Many patients like to combine lift procedures. It may be a good idea to discuss a facelift procedure with your surgeon if you have concerns about moderate to severe skin laxity on your mid-face and upper face. Loose skin in these areas of the face does not always respond to injectable treatments, so a facelift might be your only option to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Rejuvenate Your Neck
Sagging skin on the neck can make you appear much older than your actual age. A procedure such as a neck lift can remove unwanted fat and loose skin so you can have a slender, smooth neck and a more youthful-looking appearance. Schedule your initial consultation with us at Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO today.