Necklift Plastic Surgery
Abramson Facial Plastic Surgery Center, Atlanta GA

NECK LIFT (Neck Liposculpting)
Most often performed at the same time as a facelift, Neck Lift surgery smoothes and tightens the skin of the neck while restoring a more “youthful” appearance.

With age, the muscles supporting the neck weaken allowing vertical bands to emerge on the neck. Along with this fat accumulates under the chin, and excess skin begins sagging to form “waddles.” Liposuction used along with Neck Lift surgery - allows the surgeon to “sculpt” and smooth the neck area while tightening the muscles and removing excess skin. The outcome then is a much more “youthful” appearance, especially when done in conjunction with a Face Lift.

PREPARATION FOR NECK LIFT SURGERY (Liposculpting):

• Eat a nutrient rich diet to help your body heal and recover faster.
• If you smoke-please refrain for 2 weeks before and several weeks after surgery.
• Avoid taking aspirin and ibuprofen products.
• Discuss all medications, vitamins and herbals with your surgeon.
• Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
• Do not wear makeup or contact lenses to surgery.
• Have someone drive you the day of surgery and plan to stay with you to help you a day or two.

PROCEDURE – NECK LIFT SURGERY:

• You will be draped, the face and neck areas will be thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution, and you will be anesthetized.
• Your surgeon will make a small incision under the chin and in front of the lower ear if necessary.
• Working through this incision, the edges of the platysmal muscles are located, drawn together and stitched at the midline.
• Excess skin is removed (through incisions behind the ear) if needed and liposuction is performed to remove excess fat and “sculpt” the area.
• The back portion of the muscles are tightened and fixed at the back of the neck into a “strong sling” of muscle that will now support the entire neck and jaw.
• The incisions are closed with sutures and a soft dressing is applied to protect the surgical area.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR NECK LIFT –Liposculpting Surgery:
It is normal to experience some numbness, swelling, bruising and general discomfort especially at the incision sites. The pain is usually very minimal and can be controlled with oral pain medication as needed. The pain gradually subsides over a few days. In the meantime, keep your head elevated while sleeping, get plenty of rest to allow your body healing time and use cold compresses to treat the swelling. In order to allow the muscles time to heal, you must avoid turning your head for a few weeks. Dressings are removed within 24 hours after which time you may shower and shampoo your hair. It may take 2-3 weeks for your normal energy level to return, but most patients are able to go back to work within 7-10 days. Within 3-4 weeks you should be back to normal and enjoying the visible results of your surgery!