Neck Lift

As people age, excess skin and fat can form around the jawline, creating an undefined and rounder shape to the face. This can cause some to lose confidence in their appearance. A neck lift, also known as lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty, will improve visible signs of aging in the neck and along the jawline.

At Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas, people can receive a neck lift from Dr. Charles Guy, a highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Guy and his dedicated plastic surgery team offer a range of cosmetic services and specialize in procedures from the collarbone up. Located in Waco, TX, Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas makes it easier for those throughout Central Texas to obtain exceptional plastic surgery services without needing to travel to Austin or Dallas.

This 50-60 y/o female underwent neck liposuction to remove fat under the skin along with excision of fat below the platysma (fan shaped muscle in the neck that causes bands) and suturing of the platysma to lift the neck in the office.

Some people don’t feel they want or need a full facelift. If patients feel that the skin on their face still looks great but are not pleased with how the skin on their neck has aged, then a neck lift might be the correct procedure to consider. A neck lift can remedy having a face and neck that don’t quite match. It can also address bands of excess skin that cause what is sometimes called a turkey wattle. A neck-lift can’t stop the clock, but it can turn it back as its results can be long-lasting.

Before the procedure, the team consults with patients to evaluate their health and to discuss their concerns along with surgical goals. Through this consultation, they can determine the best approach that aligns with the patient’s needs and situation.

A direct neck lift can be done in the operating room (while the patient sleeps) or in the office (with oral medications to help you relax) after making the area numb with a series of injections. After the procedure, patients can expect the following:

• Patients will have a bandage wrapped around their heads when they leave the facility. The bandage is not to be removed until the next morning.
• Incisions under the neck and either around the ear or hairline will need to be cleaned two to three times a day after the procedure.
• There will be swelling around the jaw and neck that will slowly subdue with time, but patients can expect that 80% will be gone in two weeks. In people with longer faces, the rest of the swelling will be gone in two to three months.
• Occasionally, there is swelling in a fold or folds behind the ears, which will flatten with time.
• It is common to have some bruising after surgery. It will usually spread down to the upper chest with time before disappearing.
• Direct neck lifts are usually not particularly painful. However, patients will be given pain medication to help with any pain or discomfort and they will be on an antibiotic afterward.
• Patients will have their sutures removed in the office seven days after the procedure.
• Most people can expect a full return to work in seven to 10 days after the surgery.

No one enjoys feeling like their best years are behind them. Unfortunately, as people age, the body tends to alter and some areas age much more quickly than others. One of those areas is the neck. This is largely in part because the neck features delicate skin that’s much more vulnerable than the skin on other parts of the body. Fortunately, a neck lift can help. Reasons a patient might choose to have a neck lift include:

• Improves neck skin that appears saggy
• Removes excess skin around the neck
• Enables people to achieve a younger appearance
• Makes up for what dieting and exercise cannot do for the skin
• Smoothes skin by pulling it tighter
• Often augments a patient’s confidence

Another reason a person may consider a neck lift is recent weight loss. Those who lost a substantial amount of weight may choose neck lift surgery to complete their new body.

Those interested in receiving safe and reliable neck lift services from a board-certified plastic surgeon should turn to Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas. A continued commitment to providing patients with advanced face and neck services and encouraging them to look and feel their best is what has allowed the team to build a strong reputation in Central Texas. For more information about professional neck lift services or to learn about other cosmetic surgery, contact Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas today.