Neck Lift
Dr. Brooke R. Seckel
A neck lift or platysmaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that removes aging changes of the neck and jaw line which may include loose neck skin, turkey neck, fatty neck, or double chin. Neck lift often includes a lower facelift to correct jowls and tighten the jaw line.
A neck lift requires a small incision beneath the chin and a well hidden incision behind the ear. The skin is lifted off of the underlying neck muscles. If there are neck bands or a turkey neck, the sagging part of the neck muscle is removed and the remaining muscles are gathered and tightened. The loose neck skin is draped behind the ear and removed. If the patient has jowls the jaw the jaw line is also tightened.
People choose to have a neck lift when they have aging changes of the neck such as:
The discomfort after neck lift surgery is a feeling of tightness of the neck more than pain. Actually the neck skin initially feels numb after neck lift. There will be discomfort which is managed with pain medications the first 3-4 days.
Your neck will be tight and you can see the improvement right away. Expect some bruising of the neck skin. If liposuction is done during a neck lift you may also be wearing a compression garment around your neck and face.
The neck lift scars are underneath the chin and behind the ear and are well hidden. If a lower face and jaw lift is done at the same time there may be a scar in the earlobe fold and inside the ear canal which is usually not visible.
Plan 2-3 weeks for bruising to go away. The tightness in your neck will gradually lessen over a 2-3 week. You should be pleased with your result by 2-3 weeks and be comfortable being seen in public with make-up. However wait 6 weeks before scheduling a photography session or an important social function such as a wedding.
Final results of your neck lift should be apparent by 6 weeks after neck lift surgery.
I recommend a plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who is experienced at facelift and neck lift surgery.
Dr. Brooke R. Seckel is an experienced facial plastic surgeon who has helped many patients enhance their appearance. If you have been considering neck lift surgery, please contact Boston Plastic Surgery Specialists to schedule a free consultation today.
