Neck Lift Plastic Surgery in Atlanta
Neck, along with the face, is the most conspicuous area of the body from an aesthetic perspective. Accumulation of excess tissue, sagging skin, creases, and other signs of aging will show earlier on the neck than in other areas. If the patient is bothered by the unsightly appearance of loose skin in the neck area, a cosmetic surgeon may recommend a neck lift.
In many cases, both facelift and neck lift are performed together to achieve more even looking results. Sometimes neck lift may be combined with neck liposuction to reduce excess fat tissue. Dr. Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon providing neck lift and various other procedures to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.
Candidacy
Neck lift is typically sought by women and men between the age of 40 and 70. If an individual is bothered by one or more of the following conditions, they may be recommended by the cosmetic surgeon for a neck lift surgery:
- Neck skin has suffered damage over the years due to sun, wind and other environmental factors.
- A double or triple chin has formed due to the accumulation of excess fat deposits below the chin.
- Skin of the neck has become saggy or a turkey wattle neck is bothering the patient.
- Poor definition of the jowl area due to the presence of loose skin or excess fat.
Procedure
Neck lift may be performed using general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia. The entire procedure can be completed about two to three hours. During the treatment planning, the plastic surgeon will determine whether the patient needs only surgical removal of excess skin, or fat removal and tightening or repositioning of underlying neck muscles may also be necessary.
Neck lift can be performed in a relatively less invasive manner using advanced surgical techniques. The surgeon will make small incisions underneath the chin and behind the ears to keep the scars fairly concealed. Surgical excision or liposuction may used to remove excess fat tissue, and tightening of underlying weak muscles may be performed through the incision.
In some cases, neck lift may involve removal of a small portion of the platysma muscle. Once the surgery is completed, the skin will be re-draped tightly and smoothly over the neck to mitigate the appearance of wrinkles. Loose skin will then be removed, and the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. Neck lift surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby locations for neck lift.
Recovery and Results
Mild pain and soreness in the incision areas is expected in the first week, which can be managed with pain medications as prescribed by the surgeon. The patient may be able to return to their regular routine or go back to work in about a week to 10 days.
Vigorous exercises, heavy lifting of weights and jerks to the neck should be avoided for at least a month. Results will establish over several weeks and months as the bruising and swelling disappears completely.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: