The neck lift has emerged as a popular procedure in recent years, particularly as it gives the effect of an overall slimmer facial and neck profile. The procedure is relatively less invasive, but it still involves a significant amount of preparation to ensure safe and predictable results. During the initial consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will discuss about the steps involved in preparation.

Well-prepared patients will usually achieve a higher level of satisfaction in the end from a procedure such as neck lift. The patient should be willing to follow the surgeon’s advice carefully, and create the foundation for a successful surgery. Dr. Paul McCluskey is a dedicated plastic surgeon providing neck lift and other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.

Steps for Preparation

Prior to the scheduled day of surgery, the patient should take the following preparatory steps:

• Arrange to send the past medical records to the office of the cosmetic surgeon and inform details of their current health condition.
• Prepare a list of all medications, both prescription and non-prescription, and herbal supplements and vitamins for presentation before the surgeon.
• Undergo any diagnostic x-ray or lab tests as instructed by the surgeon.
• Adjust the prescription drug schedule in consultation with the primary care physician.
• Stop smoking for a certain period of time as advised by the surgeon.
• Complete any pressing major tasks at home or office in advance before the surgery in order to remain stress-free during the post-operative recovery.
• Arrange for transportation to return home safely after the outpatient neck lift procedure.
• Preferably arrange for aftercare for at least the first two or three days after neck lift.
• Apply for leave from the workplace for about one week.

The patient should have a clear commitment to adhere to the surgeon’s pre- and post-operative guidelines as a part of the preparation process.

One Day before Surgery

The following tips should be followed just a day prior to the neck lift surgery:

• Take adequate rest and have a full night’s sleep before the surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything for eight hours before the surgery.
• Avoid the use of alcohol for about 48 hours prior to the surgery.
• Do not wear any makeup, jewelry, nail paint, body piercings, or contact lenses on the day of the surgery.
• Choose loose fitting top with front button to wear on the day of the surgery.
• Diabetic patients should have their vital parameters checked on the morning of the surgery.

Other Aspects

It is natural to have some degree of pre-operative stress and anxiety for most patients. The surgeon may prescribe a calming medication to be taken the night before the neck lift surgery. Patients can think ahead and make advancement arrangements at home for the post-op recovery phase.

They can keep a stock of pain medications, pillows, loose fitting clothes, ice packs, and other essential items at home. Some patients even like to set up their personal ‘recovery station’ near their bedside. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com

Although neck lift is a relatively less invasive procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon, but it still involves a significant recovery process. The surgeon will provide detailed instructions well in advance for a safer and speedier recovery, and may again review those instructions before the patient is ready to leave for home after the neck lift surgery.

The patient should feel free to ask questions about the recovery and the estimated downtime, so that they can plan for leave from work or arrange for any help at home for the period of recovery. Dr. Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon providing neck lift and other procedures for the face, body and breast to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.

Estimated Downtime

Post-op downtime involved in neck lift plastic surgery will usually be about one week. While the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, the patient should have someone responsible to drive them back home after the surgery. They may apply for a week’s leave at their workplace so that they can have a stress-free recovery along with plenty of rest at home. During this downtime phase, the patient may need pain meds prescribed by the cosmetic surgeon to manage the initial pain and soreness.

Maintaining Blood Flow

From the second day of the surgery, the patient may perform short, mild walks at home to maintain blood flow. They should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes that button up the front for the first few days. Heavy lifting of weights and strenuous exercises should be avoided in the first few weeks, but normal routine activities can be resumed after a week. Reasonable amount of activity will only support faster healing.

Staying Alert for Infections

Mild bruising and swelling after the neck lift surgery is expected, and will gradually dissipate. But if the patient experiences other warning signs such as acute and persistent pain in the incision areas, presence of pus at the incision site, high fever, or abnormal swelling that does not subside, they should immediately contact the surgeon. To protect against post-surgical infection, the patient should avoid any contact with dirt in the incision areas, and avoid submerging the incision site in water.

Common Side Effects

Temporary side effects typically associated with neck lift surgery include pain and discomfort, and mild bruising and swelling in the incision areas. Some amount of scarring is unavoidable in any surgical procedure, including neck lift.

However, the scars will become thinner and gradually fade away to appear as thin, white lines. Scarring will be less obvious when the surgeon places the incisions in natural neck creases or other discreet locations. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for neck lift.

Results

The patient can notice the improvement in their neck appearance immediately after the surgery, but clearer results will establish over a few months as the swelling reduces. In about six months, full results will appear in most cases. The patient may be able to enjoy tighter and firmer neck and a more defined jaw line for at least five to 10 years or longer.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com

Neck lift procedure is often performed in conjunction with facelift, but may also be performed as an independent surgery. The cosmetic surgeon will have a detailed consultation with the patient to determine candidacy, to establish an open communication and trust, and to address the patient’s doubts and concerns.

Dr. Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon providing neck lift and several other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr. McCluskey will encourage the patient to be actively involved in the consultation process, and learn about various aspects of the procedure. His first goal is to help the patient make an educated decision. He provides neck lift to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.

Feedback from the Patient

One of the first things that a surgeon will seek to know from the patient during the consultation is why they want to receive neck lift surgery, and which specific areas of the neck are bothering them. The cosmetic surgeon would also like to receive clear information about the patient’s current medical condition and past health records. Patient’s cooperation and accurate feedback on these issues will help the surgeon to create an appropriate neck lift surgery plan.

Cosmetic Goals of the Patient

The surgeon will encourage the patient to be forthcoming about their inherent cosmetic needs and goals, particularly with regard to their neck and face. Maximum patient satisfaction can be achieved in a procedure such as neck lift when the patient’s personal aesthetic goals are met. The surgeon will tailor the neck lift surgery to incorporate the patient’s personal goals for more satisfying results.

Current Health Status

The patient should ideally arrange for their health records to be shared with the neck lift surgeon well before the scheduled consultation. This will make the consultation process more meaningful. If the patient currently suffers from a serious medical condition, autoimmune disorder or any known allergies, they should present all such information in a transparent way before the surgeon.

Current Medications

The patient should prepare a list of various medications, both prescription and non-prescription, and herbal supplements and vitamins that they may be currently taking. If the patient is a smoker, they should frankly let the surgeon know about this habit. The surgeon will be able to provide appropriate instructions for the pre- and post-operative phases based on the patient’s answers.

Clarifying Doubts

If the patient has any doubts or concerns about the procedure, the practice or any other aspects, they should feel free to ask questions during the consultation process. It is also a good idea to list all possible questions on paper and carry it along for the consultation. Dedicated plastic surgeon Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for neck lift surgery.

Photos and Testimonials

The surgeon may like to present neck lift before and after photos during the consultation so that the patient can know what to expect and what not to expect from the surgery. The patient may also request for the testimonials of past patients who may have received neck lift or other plastic surgery procedures from the surgeon.

Digital technology is incredible and has changed the landscape of so many industries. Digital technology has paved the way for online photos that have aided so many businesses and people. The plastic surgery field has embraced digital technology and this is why so many plastic surgeons use online photos to assist their patients in making a decision they are comfortable with. Now any potential neck lift patient after looking at these vivid pictures knows exactly what to expect.  

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com

A neck lift is one of the safer body contouring procedures performed by a cosmetic surgeon, but it will still have some of the risks that are typically associated with any kind of surgery. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss all the potential risks and side effects in order to make the patient fully aware of all aspects.

The first goal of a dedicated surgeon will be to help the patient make a well-considered decision. Neck lift cosmetic procedure is a personal journey for the patient, and they should choose it only after evaluating the pros and cons. Dr.  Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon providing neck lift to patients in Atlanta, GA and in its suburbs.

Common Risks

In choosing to undergo a neck lift surgery, the patient will have some risk of infection and possible allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients may also experience unfavorable scarring from the neck lift. The cosmetic surgeon will be able to minimize these risks by taking some basic precautionary steps.

Risk of infection during the surgery can be reduced if the neck lift procedure is performed at an operating venue with high standards of hygiene and care. The sterilization of surgical instruments and overall environmental control will make an impact on this risk. After the surgery, the patient should protect the incision areas against submerging in water and not allow any contact with dirt. This will minimize post-surgical infection risk.

The risk of poor reaction to anesthesia can be minimized when the patient is carefully medically evaluated to determine their suitability for general anesthesia. During the neck lift surgery, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will be present to monitor the patient’s condition and control the situation, if any risk arises.

The risk of excessive scarring can be mitigated when the surgeon performs neck lift with a conservative approach and uses advanced surgical techniques. The patient should avoid smoking and follow the surgeon’s instructions to further reduce this risk. Dedicated plastic surgeon Dr. Lin receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for neck lift.

Other Potential Complications

Other possible complications in case of neck lift surgery may include:

• Hematoma: This involves excess bleeding during the surgery.
• Seroma: Collection of fluid under the skin, which can be minimized by placing temporary drain tubes.
• Tightness in the Neck: This may take place when the surgeon has stretched the skin excessively during the procedure.
• Numbness: Temporary numbness can occur in the incision areas after neck lift, but in rare cases, the numbness may be permanent.
• Irregularities of the Skin: Mottling or lumpiness in the skin may occur in some cases.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

The patient’s dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of neck lift may occur in a few cases. If the neck reveals asymmetrical results or other issues, the patient may have to undergo a revision procedure. Patients should note that the occurrence of these complications is extremely rare, and the risk can be reduced further by choosing an experienced plastic surgeon.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com

Recovery is an crucial part of the neck lift surgery process, and the patient should be prepared to follow the recovery guidelines provided by the cosmetic surgeon. Patients who are committed to the recovery process will achieve safer and more sustainable outcomes, and may be ready to resume their normal routine relatively faster.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss all aspects of neck lift procedure, including the recovery. Dr. Paul McCluskey is a dedicated plastic surgeon providing neck lift and various other surgical and non-surgical procedures to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.

Recovery Process

Patients who want to receive neck lift surgery should be prepared to undergo a post-operative downtime of about one week. The cosmetic surgeon will usually allow the patient to return home the same day after the procedure, but they should preferably have someone to drive them back home and stay overnight for assistance. Movement will be difficult in this initial recovery phase, and soreness and pain in the incision areas can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the surgeon.

The patient should have plenty of rest during the first few days, but short walks at home are encouraged to maintain blood flow. An advance supply of loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that button up the front should be arranged for the first few days. Vigorous activities and exercises should be avoided in the first few weeks, even when the patient has returned to work.

Bruising will mostly subside by the second week after neck lift, but swelling will go away gradually over several weeks or months. In the first few days, the patient should be particularly alert to any signs of pus at the incision sites, persistent pain or fever, and get in touch with the plastic surgeon if there are concerns.

Temporary Side Effects

Some of the common temporary side effects associated with neck lift surgery include swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Mild scarring is inevitable in any surgical procedure, including neck lift, but scars will fade over time, and can be inconspicuous if the incisions were placed in natural neck creases and other discreet locations.

Bruising, swelling and discomfort are more severe during the first two to three days, but they will begin to subside thereafter. Within two weeks of the procedure, the majority of bruising, swelling and pain will have disappeared, and the patient can notice the aesthetic results of neck lift more clearly.

These side effects may linger for a longer time if neck lift is combined with other surgeries. Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for neck lift.

Results

Neck lift results will typically improve with the passage of time, and may continue to improve even after the healing is completed. Most patients will achieve optimal results within six months of the surgery.

Patients who adhere to the surgeon’s post-op care instructions such as refraining from smoking, drinking, and other habits that could hamper recovery are likely to achieve their desired results more quickly. Following the surgery, the tighter and firmer neck skin and a defined jaw line may last for at least five to ten years or more.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com

The neck lift ranks among the most transformative procedures performed by a cosmetic surgeon to create a more youthful and sculpted neck appearance. The procedure involves removal of loose skin from the neck area, and sometimes restructuring of the underlying weak neck muscles.

During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will explain various procedure steps involved in neck lift. The surgeon’s first priority is to educate the patient about all aspects of the procedure and help them to make an informed decision. Dr. Paul McCluskey provides neck lift to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.

Preparation

The cosmetic surgeon will advise the pre-operative preparatory measures to the patient, which may involve making certain lifestyle adjustments in the weeks preceding the surgery. Smoking, drinking alcohol, excessive sugary and fatty foods, and blood thinning medications, herbal supplements and vitamins will usually have to be avoided for a few weeks.

Instructions for the day of the surgery will be given, and the patient should not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to the surgery. They should shampoo their hair and wear loose, front-button clothing on the morning of the surgery.

Anesthesia

Depending on the patient’s needs, the surgeon may decide to use general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. If the patient chooses to be completely unconscious during the procedure, the surgeon may suggest general anesthesia. This will require the presence of an anesthesiologist or registered anesthetist nurse during the neck lift surgery.

The patient’s fitness to undergo general anesthesia will be determined beforehand. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for neck lift surgery.

Incision Placement

With advanced surgical techniques, the surgeon can perform neck lift using very small incisions. The incisions will usually be placed behind the ears and below the chin to keep them discreet. Small incisions will also heal faster and subsequent scarring will be minimal. Location and size of the incisions will depend on the extent of skin and fat removal involved, and whether any additional facial or neck procedure will be performed.

Surgery

Some patients may only require a simple liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits from the neck area, while some others may require more dramatic improvement through removal of excess skin and fat as well as tightening of underlying neck muscles. The fat from the neck may be removed through surgical excision in some cases. While tightening slack muscles, sometimes the surgeon may also removal small section of the platysma muscle.

Closing the Incisions

Once the required work involving the underlying neck tissue and muscle has been completed, the surgeon will re-drape the skin and pull it taut. The incisions will then be closed with removable or absorbable sutures. Any excess skin can be trimmed away at this point as well.

Additional Procedures

Neck lift is often performed together with other facial procedures such as facelift, eyelid lift, or brow lift. The procedure steps may be slightly altered in such cases to ensure optimal results with a minimally invasive approach.

For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:

• psiatlanta.com
• sexualaesthetics.com