Procedure: NECKLIFT

 PreOp  |  PostOp  |  FAQs  | Photos

The neckline is one of the most defining characteristics of a youthful appearance. When patients come to see Dr. Lopez seeking facial plastic surgery, it's not uncommon for them to focus on a single aspect of their appearance rather than the overall picture. One of the most common concerns he hears from patients seeking facelifts is the "turkey wattle," the loose skin dangling under the chin. Many times patients will request just a "neck lift." In male patients, a direct excision of the loose skin and fat under the chin can produce a very nice result.  A necklift will address the “turkey wattle”, but it will not address the jowling very well.  Dr. Lopez will advise you as to whether a necklift alone will treat your area of concern.

Dr. Lopez is a board certified facial plastic surgeon, trained to perform plastic surgery exclusively on faces and necks.  Some patients not ready for cosmetic surgery are better served with conservative measures, such as Botox for fine lines and wrinkles or fillers for deeper wrinkles. Patients who educate themselves about facial rejuvenation know when and if the time is right to proceed.

When discussing rejuvenation procedures the best place to start is by looking at before and after photos to see just what can be accomplished. As you will see in the photos, patients often ask to combine a necklift with other cosmetic surgery. Eyelid lift, chin implants, facelift, rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), otoplasty (ear surgery) and lip surgery can also be performed in conjunction with a necklift.

At your initial consultation, Dr. Lopez evaluates your bony and soft tissue architecture of your face and neck. Assessment of the face and neck provides the basis for what one may expect from a necklift. Skin type, ethnic background and age, along with the degree of deformity and function are important factors influencing the outcome of surgery.

As with all facial plastic surgery, a thorough health assessment and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Your understanding of procedures and routines is essential to a successful final result. Following your consultation, we continue our discussion at the preoperative appointment.

 

BEFORE NECKLIFT SURGERY

At your preoperative appointment Dr. Lopez will provide all the instructions for you to follow before and after surgery. A necklift takes about one hour depending on the facial structure and amount of excess tissue prior to surgery. If you are having a combination of procedures your surgery will take longer. Recovery time from the anesthetic takes about an hour and you will be discharged about three to four hours from the time of admission

 

PREOPERATIVE NECKLIFT INSTRUCTIONS

AFTER NECKLIFT SURGERY

When you wake up from surgery you will notice a soft, bulky head wrap dressing.  Following your necklift, the nurses will ask assist you to meet the discharge criteria: to drink liquids, walk with a steady gait, void, and manage your discomfort. For patients who have a combination of procedures such as an eye lift, your vision may be cloudy from the ointment we place in your eyes at the time of surgery. The nurses will review all instructions you will need for care following your facelift.

You will be asked to come to see Dr. Lopez the following day after surgery for a dressing change.  You will be asked to return in six to eight days for suture removal.

POSTOPERATIVE NECKLIFT INSTRUCTIONS

Wound care

Keep dressing dry and intact the evening after surgery. Notify Dr. Lopez if the dressings become loose or fall off.  Following dressing removal the day after surgery, you will be given an elastic wrap to wear for 1 week that can be taken off to shower.  You can shower 48 hours after the surgery. Cleaning the suture with a Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide once a day and then applying the antibiotic ointment three times a day is an essential part of the healing process. Sutures that have been kept lubricated with ointment are less painful to remove. Keep elastic wrap in place at all times other than suture care and showers.

Medications

Most patients complain of discomfort more than pain. Use pain medication as directed/as needed. Vicodin and Percocet contain Tylenol. Do not take additional Tylenol or acetaminophen while taking Vicodin or Percocet. Do not drive or drink alcohol while taking pain medication. Taking pain medication with food helps minimize nausea sometimes associated with pain medications.

Diet

Advance diet from liquids to soft food (oatmeal, French toast, yogurt, soup, pasta) to your regular diet as tolerated. You have no diet restrictions.  Often the anesthesia you received can make your stomach feel uneasy for the first 24 hours so avoid large meals.

Activity

Rest for entire day after surgery. Sleep with head of the bed elevated or use two to three pillows for one week after surgery. Absolutely no bending, lifting or straining. If you have little children, bend at the knees or sit on the floor and let them climb on to your lap. No driving for one week following surgery. 7-10 days off work is recommended.

Bruising can be camouflaged at one week postoperatively with make-up. Always protect your face from the sun. At this point, a hat and sunglasses are a good idea. It is ok to apply sunscreen, cosmetics or facial creams two weeks after surgery. Avoid unprotected prolonged sun exposure for three months following a necklift to prevent pigmentation of incision lines.

Final Result

Following a necklift, it takes time for the swelling to subside and for the skin to heal. Most patients return to work one to two weeks following surgery, depending on the degree of privacy one is trying to maintain. At two weeks postoperatively, swelling and bruising may be apparent to you but not to many of your coworkers and closest friends.

Final results following a necklift are not apparent for one full year following surgery Dr. Lopez will want to see you 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery to ensure that you are healing as anticipated.