Neck Lift
A neck lift, often called a cervicoplasty or neck lift with platysmaplasty, is a surgical process that improves the visible signs aging around the neck and enhances your appearance by altering sagging skin, creases, loss of muscle tone, and excess fatty deposits.
Neck lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure that may be a good option if you are bothered by too much loose skin around your neck, excess fat, or weakened neck muscles (which may have caused a “turkey wattle” or an appearance of “neck bands”).
Note: Success in neck lift surgery is greater if you are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight, you do not smoke, and you have realistic expectations for your surgery and potential outcomes. Neck lift surgery does not significantly change your appearance and cannot halt the natural aging process. In some circumstances, a neck lift procedure is performed with facelift surgery to create an overall greater final appearance around the face and neck.
The Initial Consultation
The success of your neck lift surgery depends on the quality of your participation in the initial consultation at the Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery office. You will need to be prepared to discuss why you want neck lift surgery, your personal medical history, drug allergies, use of medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs, and any family history of disease.
Dr. Cohn will perform a physical examination and take detailed measurements of your individual physical attributes. Photographs will be taken for your medical record. At that point, Dr. Cohn will be prepared to discuss your surgical options, recommend a course of treatment, and discuss the use of anesthesia during your neck lift procedure. The consultation consists of a thorough discussion to get a sense of what an anticipated final appearance might look like. Dr. Cohn is happy to assist with recommendations while using your personal goals to guide final decision making.
Preparing for Neck Lift Surgery
Before neck lift surgery, Dr. Cohn will discuss where your procedure will be performed – in our accredited, office-based surgical suite, outpatient / ambulatory surgical center, or in a hospital in Birmingham. Prior to your surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, receive a prescription for certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking, avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Some special instructions you receive will cover what to do on the day of surgery and post-operative care and follow-up.
The Birmingham Neck Lift Procedure
Your Neck lift surgery can be performed through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for your neck lift will be determined based on the areas of the neck and face that will receive treatment. Dr. Cohn will discuss each option with you during the initial consultation.
- The neck lift surgery begins with anesthesia, where intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be provided. Dr. Cohn will recommend the best choice for your surgery.
- After the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions are made. Depending on your neck lift choice, your incisions may be determined by a traditional neck lift procedure or a neck liposuction and fat removal procedure.
- The Standard Neck Lift Procedure: There is a small incision made under the chin (possibly around the ears). The neck muscles are tightened and any excess fat is removed.
- The Liposuction Procedure: with liposuction, Dr. Cohn will make a small incision below the chin and any excess fat will then be removed.
- As part of the neck lift closing procedures, sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.
Risks and Complications
The decision to have neck lift surgery is extremely personal and not without risk. Dr. Cohn will fully review and explain the risks associated with your surgery. After you fully understand the procedure, you will be asked to sign consent forms.
Recovery for Neck Lift Surgery
Although many factors are involved in your recovery time, you will likely experience an initial post-surgical recovery period for 24-48 hours. You may also require a reduced-activity period of a few days. During recovery, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at Dr. Cohn’s direction.
Following all of Dr. Cohn’s post-surgery instructions is crucial to the success of your surgery. Surgical incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during healing. Dr. Cohn will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions following neck lift surgery, which medications to take, how to reduce the risk of infection, and when to make a follow-up appointment.
Neck Lift Costs
As with any elective surgery, the cost of neck lift surgery is a consideration for many patients. Cost may include a surgeon’s fee, hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, prescriptions for medications, and any associated medical tests. Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery proudly offers patient financing plans, so be sure to ask if such a plan is of interest to you.
For more information about neck lift surgery in Birmingham, we invite you to call us at (205) 930-1600 – Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm – to schedule an appointment. You may also use the Contact Form page to send us a message.