There are many different types of cosmetic surgery that can help us to look and feel younger. The neck is one of the areas of the body that is most esthetically affected by the aging process. As we get older, we stop producing collagen and elastin, two substances that are essential for firm, smooth and supple skin. The skin under our chin and covering our neck becomes thinner, drier and loses much of its natural elasticity. Gravity and a decrease in our natural fat stores contribute to the sagging and looseness of skin on our neck, with many people experiencing folds and gathering that is often referred to as a ‘turkey neck’.
Unless you are prepared to live in turtleneck sweaters or wear scarves all year round, it is very difficult to hide the neck area. Fortunately, a cosmetic procedure called a neck lift makes it possible to reverse the effects of aging on this area of the body, giving you restored confidence in your rejuvenated and more youthful appearance.
Neck lift surgery is one of many cosmetic surgeries that can now be carried out using just a local anesthetic alongside sedation. Patients are completely calm, relaxed and pain-free for the duration of the procedure, which usually takes less than two hours.
The goal of neck lift surgery is to improve the contours of the neck and define the edges of the jaw, so that patients can enjoy smoother, more youthful skin and more defined features. The process itself requires making incisions that enable us to separate the skin from the underlying muscles, pulling it and positioning it so that it fits more closely to the contours of the muscles, and then securing the skin in place. Any excess can be cut away and discarded. Sutures are used to close the incisions, and these can be removed around a week to ten days after your procedure.
A neck lift is a simple and straightforward surgery. Nevertheless, patients should still expect to experience some swelling and bruising across their neck whilst they heal, and you may need painkillers to help alleviate the initial discomfort. It can take up to six weeks for all of the swelling to completely subside and for the final result of your procedure to be visible.
You will be given specific advice on how to care for your incisions during the healing period, and it is important that you follow the instructions given to you by our surgical care team. This will ensure that you minimize your risk of complications and achieve the best cosmetic result from the surgery.
We advise most patients to schedule at least a week away from work to allow themselves to heal and rest. You may need slightly longer than this if your job involves anything very physical. Again, our team will advise you.
If you feel that your neck is causing you to look older than your years and/or you are self-conscious about its appearance, neck lift surgery could be the solution that you are looking for. Contact our discreet and knowledgeable cosmetic surgery team to find out more about this procedure, or to schedule your consultation to see if you are a suitable candidate for neck lift surgery.
