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Neck Lift: a younger-looking you

Dr. Hoefflin specializes in neck lift and neck contouring surgery, also known as a platysmaplasty. Results of a neck lift are often dramatic, producing a more smooth, youthful and attractive neck contour. Patients are usually highly satisfied with their result of their neck surgery. For younger patients with less advanced sagging, Fraxel® lasers can be used to firm and tighten the neck skin. The aging neck can present with generalized loose skin, local fat deposits, muscle laxity, and vertical neck bands. In some patients, redundant skin can hang down, giving the appearance of a “turkey” neck. The attractive border and sharp angles of the jawline become obscured.

Neck lifts are commonly performed in combination with other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a facelift (rhytidectomy), chin augmentation, or laser skin resurfacing to enhance the overall result. Facial liposuction is often performed under the jawline, neck, and chin to further improve the final aesthetic result. To find out more about, or if you are a candidate for a neck lift, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Hoefflin.

About the Procedure

Dr. Hoefflin performs neck lifts as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, or general anesthesia, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The procedure generally takes about 2 hours to complete. All operations are performed in our fully-credentialed, state-of-the-art surgical facilities, where we focus on patient health, safety, and aesthetic results.

Recovery from a Neck Lift

After your surgery, you will be discharged home with dressings and a small suction drain, which are usually removed within the first day after surgery. Head elevation for two to three days will minimize any swelling.

Meticulous and gentle dissection, the use of long-acting local anesthetics and nerve all contribute to a near pain-free experience. Slight post-operative discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Sutures are gradually removed within the first ten days. Patients may shower after several days. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup after 7 days.

Possible Complications

The risk of complications is usually minor when a neck lift or neck contouring procedure is performed by a properly qualified plastic surgeon. Major complications are rare. Specific risks and the suitability of a neck lift procedure for a given individual can be determined at the time of consultation. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery.

To learn if you are a candidate for the neck lift, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hoefflin for a complimentary consultation.

Neck Lift Faq's

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A neck lift is a plastic surgery procedure designed to rejuvenate the neck to a more youthful and attractive appearance. The benefits of neck lift surgery include removing any excess or redundant neck skin, reducing any localized fat deposits, and correcting visible muscle bands.

Neck lift surgery can be performed on both men and women, and is frequently combined with other complementary procedures, including a facelift, forehead lift, eyelid lift, facial fat grafting, cheek implants, or laser skin resurfacing to enhance your overall aesthetic result. During your consultation, Dr. Hoefflin will assist you in deciding which options are best for you.

Few areas of the body cause patients as much frustration like the aging neck. Over time, excessive fullness and muscle laxity develop. The skin loosens, thins, and muscle bands become more prominent. Redundant skin can hang down and sway, giving the appearance of a “turkey” neck. The time to consider a neck lift is when the aging process and neck appearance become noticeable and bothersome to you.

Ideal neck lift candidates are patients who have facial jowls, excessive submental (double chin) and neck fat, redundant neck skin or a “turkey” neck appearance. In addition, patients should be in good physical health, non-smokers, psychologically stable, and demonstrate good skin elasticity. Importantly, patients should have realistic expectations about both the benefits and potential risks of neck lift surgery.

Your initial consultation with Dr. Hoefflin is an opportunity for you to discuss your desired aesthetic goals. It is helpful to bring a list of questions and concerns that can be specifically addressed. Commonly discussed neck lift rejuvenation topics include incision types and placement, healing and recovery times, anticipated results, and the possibility of other complementary procedures, including forehead lift, eyelid lift, laser skin resurfacing, cheek implants, and facial liposuction and facial fat grafting.

During your consultation, customized literature that discusses each specific procedure will be provided. Additionally, digital photographs of similar patients will be reviewed. Dr. Hoefflin believes digital photography can be a valuable tool in understanding the benefits and limitations of neck lift surgery.

Dr. Hoefflin spends significant time closing all neck lift incisions himself. These incisions are performed with meticulously placed plastic surgery sutures, hidden by hair, or by natural facial or ear creases. Thus, great care and attention to detail assist in limiting and visible scarring. Nevertheless, the possibility of some scarring should be considered by anyone considering neck lift surgery.

During the procedure, different techniques and approaches are utilized, depending upon individual anatomy and requirements. In most patients, the underlying soft tissues and muscles are tightened, while excess fat is removed. In some patients, small incisions are made under the chin and behind the ear to tighten both the neck muscles and smooth our redundant neck skin. In other patients, only the chin incision may be necessary to address the central neck muscles. The result is a more natural and youthful attractive neck contour.

During your consultation, Dr. Hoefflin can best guide you in deciding which procedure is appropriate for your situation.

Typical neck lift incisions are small and hidden behind the natural ear crease and underneath the chin. This is the portion of the incision that is ordinarily used for a facelift. Dr. Hoefflin spends significant time closing all incisions himself, allowing the incisions to become quite inconspicuous once they heal.

Patients are discharged home or to a recovery center with neck dressings and a compression garment. Dr. Hoefflin typically places small suction drains. Head elevation for two to three days is encouraged to minimize any swelling or bruising. Your neck dressings and drains are removed after twenty-four hours in our office. After several days, you can once again shower. Your healing will be a gradual and predictable process. Slight to moderate bruising is common for the first week. Sutures will be removed within seven to ten days. Patients typically look and feel confident enough to attend social events after two weeks.

Our patients are surprisingly free of discomfort due to the long acting local anesthetic nerve blocks that are used during surgery. Any discomfort or pain can be easily managed with oral pain medication. We work hard to keep our patients comfortable before, during, and after surgery.

Patients can return to light or non-strenuous workouts after four weeks, with a full return to all activities after six weeks. Any premature participation in strenuous activities can result in a prolonged recovery or unanticipated complications, so it is critical that you follow all aftercare instructions to heal properly.

The results of a neck rejuvenation procedure can be dramatic. If performed by a properly qualified plastic surgeon, your neck can appear tighter, more sculpted and contoured. After your neck lift, most patients look seven to ten or more years younger. Dr. Hoefflin places an emphasis on natural, youthful results. The longevity of a neck lift depends upon many factors, including one’s lifestyle choices, such as maintaining an ideal body weight, and avoiding drinking and smoking. If properly performed, a neck lift can be repeated several times throughout one’s lifetime.

When performed by a qualified surgeon, the risks of serious problems after a neck lift are rare. Surgery has inherent risks, including bleeding, infection, numbness, scarring, and nerve injury. Patients with a history of keloid scarring, radiation, autoimmune or collagen disease, and smokers, are all at an increased risk of complications. You can reduce the risk of complications by carefully following the before and after surgery instructions.

The first step is to come to our office for a free initial consultation. We can evaluate the condition of the skin, tissue, and any fat deposits on your neck to determine what procedure will produce the results you envision. We must review your medical history and any medications you take for your own safety. Some medications must be stopped (we will work with the prescribing doctor) before neck lift surgery. You can take the time to get your questions answered, and to view photos of patients who have had the procedure performed by Dr. Hoefflin.

How your procedure is performed matters in how it looks when complete. The last thing you want is an extremely tight, unnatural appearance. Board certification requires many years (sixteen) of education and training to achieve, as well as a residency, and rigorous testing. For any procedure with such an impact upon your appearance, you want to ensure you have a skilled medical professional to perform it.

As a neck lift is considered elective surgery, your health insurance won’t pay for it – but we make it possible through various financing options. Let us help you get the procedure you want to enhance your appearance, and restore a more youthful, smooth, firm look to your jawline and neck.

To learn if you are a candidate for neck lift, contact our offices for a complimentary consultation.

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