The neck is one of the areas that are commonly neglected in aesthetic appearance. However, the neck is among the first places where aging signs begin to show conspicuously. An expert cosmetic surgeon can perform neck lift procedure to reduce these signs, and restore a slimmer, smoother, and younger looking neck.
In many cases, a neck lift is combined with facelift surgery to achieve more harmonious outcomes. Dr. Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon providing neck lift and various other procedures of the breast, body and face to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.
Who should Receive Neck Lift?
Neck lift procedure is usually performed on patients in the age group of 40 to 70 years. Individuals with one or more of the following conditions can specifically benefit from neck lift surgery:
• Neck skin is significantly damaged due to sun or environmental exposure.
• The patient suffers from double or triple chin or excess fat pockets below the chin.
• The neck skin is sagging, which is commonly known as a turkey wattle neck.
• Excess fat or skin is present in the jowl area.
Procedure
An experienced cosmetic surgeon will typically perform neck lift surgery in about two to three hours. The extent of surgery will vary according to the patient’s unique aesthetic needs. Some patients may only need a liposuction of the neck to remove excess fat deposits. Some other patients may need a combination of liposuction with removal of loose skin and tightening and restructuring of underlying neck muscles.
Using advanced surgical techniques, the surgeon will be able to perform neck lift with very minor incisions. To keep the scarring minimally visible, the incisions will be placed beneath the chin and behind the ears. Through the incisions, the surgeon will remove excess fat tissue through surgical excision or liposuction.
If the underlying muscles are weak or slackening, the plastic surgeon will tighten them through the incisions. In a few cases, a part of the platysma muscle may even be surgically removed. Once the surgical work is completed as per the surgeon’s plan, the skin will be re-draped over the neck and pulled taut to remove wrinkles and provide a smooth appearance.
Any excess skin will be removed, and the incisions will be closed carefully with sutures. The procedure is usually performed with the patient under local anesthesia and IV sedation. Most patients can return home the same day of the surgery. Dr. McCluskey provides this procedure to patients in Atlanta, GA and nearby locations.
Financial Factors
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average dollar amount of neck lift surgery in the US in 2014 was $4,389. However, this cost did not include the costs of anesthesia, surgical room fees, and other related expenses. The overall price tag for a neck lift may range from $7,000 to $12,000, depending on several factors.
Recovery and Results
The patient will require adequate bed rest in the first week, and may have to take pain medications to stay comfortable. Most patients can return to their regular activities or go to work in about 10 to 14 days. Results of a neck lift will establish gradually as the swelling and bruising subsides over the next several weeks.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: