Neck Lift in Ventura County and Oxnard, California

A neck lift plastic surgery procedure can improve the appearance of neck muscles, fat or skin on the neck. You may consider a neck lift if you’ve lost weight but still have extra flesh on your neck. Another reason to consider a neck lift is if your genes cause you to have a neck that appears lined or wrinkled and not matching the tone of your face or the rest of your body. Or, you may have weakened neck muscle that create a wattle (folds of neck flesh) that you find unsightly.

If you’re considering a neck lift, this page will provide a basic understanding of the procedure — when it can help, how it’s performed and what results you can expect. It won’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure.

The Best Candidates for a Neck Lift

A neck lift is often performed for men or women in middle age or older, or for men or women of any age who have lost weight or who are genetically inclined to have an overly plump neck. It is best to have realistic goals for what you may look like after a neck lift procedure and for how it may effect your self-confidence.

Your doctor may choose one or more procedures to achieve the desired results of your neck lift. Cervicoplasty is the procedure used to remove excess skin. Platysmaplasty removes or alters neck muscles. Liposuction might also be used, to remove excess fat. Your doctor may also combine a neck lift with a face lift.

Remember, a neck lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them in detail with your doctor.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

Complications are rare and usually minor when a neck lift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Yet, the possibility of complications must be considered.

In rare cases, additional surgery may be required to correct any problems. Infection and bleeding are very rare, but are possibilities.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery.

Planning Your Surgery

If you decide to consult a plastic surgeon, he or she will first evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying muscle and bone.

During your consultation, the surgeon will discuss your goals for the surgery and ask you about certain medical conditions that could cause problems during or after the procedure, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or the tendency to develop large scars. Be sure to tell the surgeon if you have had previous facial surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs or medications — including aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.

If you decide to proceed with a neck lift, your surgeon will explain the surgical technique, the recommended type of anesthesia, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the risks and the costs involved. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results of surgery.

Preparing For Your Surgery

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to prepare for the procedure, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery and your recovery proceed more smoothly.

Whether your neck lift is done in an outpatient facility or in the hospital, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two.

Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed

A neck lift can be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or in the hospital.

Anesthesia Used for The Procedure

Most neck lifts are performed under local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You’ll be awake but relaxed, and although you may feel some tugging and mild discomfort, your neck will be insensitive to pain.

Some surgeons prefer to use general anesthesia, in which case you’ll sleep through the entire operation.

The Surgery

Your surgeon will help you decide which surgical approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals. Make sure you understand the technique that your surgeon recommends and why he or she feels it is best for you.

To address weakened or loose neck muscles, your surgeon may make incisions under your chin or behind your ears to reach the muscles and tighten them. To remove excess fat, your surgeon may make a small incision and use a liposuction technique.

To address loosened skin, excess skin at the incision point will be trimmed away to help create a smoother, more youthful appearance.

You will likely have tissue glue or stitches. Gauze and a compression may also be used, depending on your surgeon’s preference.

After Your Surgery

Neck lift patients may experience some temporary discomfort around the incision, which can be controlled with prescription medication. Incision site pain is usually minimal, but can be controlled with medication, if necessary. The tissue glue or stitches used to close the incisions are usually removed within a week.

Getting Back to Normal

Although you should be up and about in a day or two, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery.

Most patients are back to work or school in a week to 10 days. Vigorous physical activity should limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months.

Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about three weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup. You may feel a bit tired and let down at first, but your energy level will increase as you begin to look and feel better.

Your New Look

Most patients are pleased with the results of a neck lift, no matter which surgical methods are used to achieve the desired results. Often, patients don’t realize how much their sagging or fleshy neck contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift.