Neck lift in Arizona.

The neck lift is a procedure designed to give better definition to the neck line, lessen wrinkling, and diminish unsightly ‘banding’ in the neck. We find it to be an extremely versatile procedure in that it can help people showing the earliest signs of ageing as well as senior patients who want to improve their appearance with a relatively minor procedure. Who benefits most from the neck lift procedure?

A younger patient with good skin tone who has some fatty tissue under the chin and on the neck might be better served with liposuction. A patient who has lost a lot of weight and has sagging skin or ‘bands’ in his neck will have a very good result from this procedure. Older patients who don't want a radical change in their facial appearance but are bothered by the appearance of the neck are also excellent candidates.

A patient who has a small chin in addition to some fatty tissue or hanging skin will appear like he/she ‘has no chin’. A neck lift in combination with a chin implant will dramatically improve not only the neckline, but also the overall appearance of the face. Patients in the mid thirties and older who notice some ‘bands’ (these are the edges of the platysma neck muscle), or folds of skin on the neck are candidates for a ‘mini-neck lift’ with minimal incisions. In combination with a lower facelift, the necklift also creates an excellent jaw line contour. What is involved in the neck lift procedure?

The neck lift procedure can be done under ‘twilight’ or general anesthesia. For the mini neck lift, a small incision is made under the chin. Any excess fat is removed. The platysma neck muscle is tightened. If there are any bands, these are divided. The complete necklift adds incisions behind the ear. The skin is then elevated and tightened. Excess skin is removed. The procedure is relatively painless. A neck garment is worn for the next few days to maintain good contour of the neckline.

Neck liposuction for fat removal.

Neck liposuction is a very useful technique that can be combined with neck or facelift or applied altogether on its own. A small incision is used under the chin and is combined with two additional hidden incisions under the ear lobes, in which we place a very small lipo cannula, and effectively remove the excess fat. Many patients have fat in the neck below the chin as an inherited condition or though aging and weight gain. The so-called “turkey gobbler” neck is one condition that is treated successfully with liposuction.

Liposuction of the neck is successful when there is only a small amount or no associated skin excess. If you have more excess skin that is flabby or droopy, then a neck or facelift will be required. Neck lipo is useful in these situations for contouring and redraping of the skin. The combined techniques of lipo and lift are safe and more effective when used together. After surgery, a comfortable and supportive dressing is applied to reduce swelling and discomfort. It is important that you follow all of our instructions on proper care of your face and neck.

Details of neck lift with or without liposuction.

Neck lift or platysmaplasty is the ideal procedure for rejuvenation of the neck. A neck lift can be part of a facelift procedure, as recommended for your situation, or may be carried out alone or with liposuction of the neck. The operation begins with a small incision under your chin and those in front of and behind the ears. The incision is carried into the hairy scalp towards the back of the neck. The incisions allow access to the paired platysma muscles and the fat layer of the neck.

The neck muscles are tightened and any excess fat removed or contoured. The neck muscles are tightened in the front and the back, effectively creating a supportive sling that holds up the neck tissue in a more youthful position. The fat may be reduced with lipo or by direct removal. Once the muscles are tightened and the fat contoured, the skin is redraped over the neck and lower face. Any excess skin is gently removed and the incisions are closed with sutures.

Drains may be used when necessary to collect fluid that could increase swelling and discomfort. A special compression bandage that you will have to wear to help reduce post-operative swelling is applied. This is usually worn night and day for at least 5 days and then only at night for a longer period of time. It is important for you to follow instructions in order to optimize a proper recovery.

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