A neck lift is a cosmetic surgery operation that aims to improve the visible signs of ageing that can appear around the neck and jaw line. These can include:
- Loose or sagging skin around the neck
- Fat build-up under the chin
- Wrinkles and vertical bands in the neck
- Excess fat and skin around the lower jaw
These issues can occur as a result of gravity, losing weight, stress and hereditary disposition. Neck lift surgery can help improve them by smoothing out and removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles under the chin.
Who is a good candidate for neck lift surgery?
You may be a good candidate for neck lift surgery if you would like to restore a more youthful appearance to your neck but are happy with the appearance of your face. However, it is also possible to combine treatments with a full face-lift if that is the look you desire. Your consultant will help you make the best decision for the results you are hoping to achieve by providing expert advice and guidance. They will also help assess the quality of your skin to check whether this is the best procedure for you.
Procedure
A neck lift procedure will begin with the administration of a general anaesthetic so you will be asleep throughout the operation. Your surgeon will carefully make incisions in the areas that best suit your individual requirements but are typically positioned behind the ears or under the chin. Excess fat may be removed via liposuction or it may also be redistributed and reshaped around the jaw line and neck. Loose skin will be repositioned and uplifted whilst any excess will be trimmed away. Finally, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures.
Recovery
You will be likely to stay overnight in the hospital and need one or two weeks off work to rest and recover following your neck lift surgery. It is common to experience a certain amount of swelling and bruising as well as feelings of pulling, numbness or burning sensations around the operation site. These will disappear over the next few weeks as you heal. It is advisable to rest as much as possible, avoiding strenuous activity while you are recovering. Full recovery can take up to four weeks.