All Procedures
Procedure: Necklift
Useful information for patients on Necklift procedures - tightening and removing excess skin and fat around the neck.
A neck lift is a procedure to redefine a youthful-looking neck, by contouring the skin around the jawline, removing excess fat tissue, and redraping it. Also called ‘lower rhytidectomy, the procedure focuses on the lower face area, with a similar incision that is hidden along the sideburn and around the ear to the hair behind. Excess fat may be redistributed, the platysma muscle is tightened, and excess skin is removed, then redraped. Another incision under the chin may be performed for liposuction or repair of the muscle. The candidates for this procedure include people with signs of neck ageing. Several conditions such as people with hypertension and clotting disorders may need a further assessment before going through the procedure. Preparation may include a detailed history of medical history and medications, physical examination, smoking cessation, antiplatelet and anticoagulant withdrawal for about one week before surgery.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
The procedure approximately takes between two to three hours.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is commonly used, although local anesthesia can be used for a faster recovery.
Inpatient/Outpatient
May be either inpatient or outpatient procedure, depending upon whether other procedures are being performed at the same time.
Additional Information
Several conditions may apply after the procedure:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Numbness (temporary)
- Itching
- Scars
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
- Nerve Injury
- Infection
- Skin necrosis
- Asymmetry
- Hair loss
- Abnormal scars
- Reoperation
Head and neck bandages to minimize the swelling and bruising will be applied for several days after the surgery. Patients should sleep with their head up for a couple of nights. Avoid driving and showering for the first 2 days. Stitches may be removed after one week. The resolution of bruising and swelling may vary up until 2 weeks. It takes about 7-14 days for a full recovery and return to work. Strenuous activity should be discontinued until at least 3 weeks after the surgery. The final result may take 6-9 months to be observed.
Long-term results may last permanently, however, there are various determining factors of how long the results remain, such as lifestyle and the natural ageing process. Patients should pay attention to the instructions after surgery for maximum results. Since people will continue to age naturally, sun protection may help to maintain the result.