Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
- What is a neck lift?
- At what age can a neck lift be performed?
- What does a typical neck lift consultation entail?
- How is a neck lift performed?
- What should I expect postoperatively?
- When will the stitches be removed?
- When will I be able to see the results?
- What are the risks of neck lift?
- Are the results permanent?
A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, is surgery designed to reduce the look of sagging, loose skin in the neck area and under the jaw line. People who complain of having a fleshy neck, "jowls", neck "banding" or a "turkey wattle" can benefit from this procedure. Many patients choose to have a neck lift at the same time as a face lift. You must realize that the neck lift or face lift procedure is not designed to rejuvenate the area above the brow or around the eyes. If this is what you seek, a brow (forehead) lift, or blepharoplasty, may benefit you. These four procedures can be performed in conjunction for a complete transformation. You may even have laser resurfacing, if you are a candidate, for increased wrinkle ablation and facial rejuvenation.
2. At what age can a neck lift be performed?
A neck lift can be performed at almost any age, although people usually seek it out between the ages of 30 and 70.
3. What does a typical neck lift consultation entail?
After checking a few surgeons' backgrounds and credentials, you will make an appointment for a consultation. You will meet with each surgeon individually to discuss your goals. You will disclose all information regarding your health, including whether you smoke and the medications and supplements you are taking. You will discuss your complaints and concerns and how they might be addressed surgically. The surgeon will explain the various techniques available for a neck lift and incision placements that may be most appropriate for you. He or she should discuss the risks associated with neck lift with you as well.
You will also discuss the anesthesia that will be used for your procedure. Most neck lift procedures are performed under general anesthesia, light sleep sedation, twilight sleep, regional anesthesia or even a combination of oral sedative and local anesthetic for less extensive work.
4. How is neck lift performed?
A skin-only lift can be done with two incisions under or behind the ear. The platysmaplasty with additional skin lift can be accomplished with a small incision under the chin and the behind or under the ear. Sections of skin are trimmed, lifted into place and sutured. With the platysmaplasty, a section of fat and the platysma muscle is removed if need be and the ends are sutured to bring them together at the front section of the neck. The skin can be brought together under or behind the ear to further firm up the appearance of the neck. Some surgeons may use sutures or mesh to create a sort of hammock to keep the neck tight and "wattle-free." At the end of surgery, a pressure dressing will be placed from the top of your head to underneath your chin.
5. What should I expect postoperatively?
You may be groggy from the anesthetic and/or oral medications and probably won't remember much of the first day or two. You will have to take it easy and sleep on two pillows to keep your head elevated for the first 2 weeks, or however long your surgeon suggests. You may want to consider sleeping in a recliner. Keep your head and neck as still as possible, and do not turn your head from side to side. Move your whole body instead. Your lower face and neck will be swollen and swelling will reach its peak on the third day. But, as the days go on, the swelling will dissipate. There may be a lot of bruising, but this will go away as well.
6. When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?
The sutures - depending upon the procedure technique, may be removed in 7-10 days or even more. You may have tissue glue so please speak to your surgeon before your surgery regarding these details.
7. When will I be able to see the results?
You will be swollen for several weeks; however, within a week you should start to see the basics of what you will look like once healed.
8. What are the risks of neck lift?
All surgery has risks and complications. With platysmaplasty, these include an allergic reaction to the anesthetic and infection. Other risks include asymmetry, hematoma or seroma, lumpiness, mottling of the skin, cording, and general dissatisfaction with the results. Numbness is possible. It usually subsides within the first few weeks but it can become a permanent issue. Puckering of the skin may occur. Excess scar tissue and lumps are also possible. Please go over all risks with your surgeon at your consultation and your preoperative appointment.
Surgery cannot stop aging, so in all likelihood the results will not last forever. You will begin to see a little loose skin in the area in several years. Significant weight gain can affect the results, causing neck fullness and sagging. Ask your surgeon how long he or she thinks the results will last.