Genetics, smoking, sun exposure, and even poor posture can contribute to aesthetic problems with the neck. Over time, as the neck muscles weaken and collagen levels drop, you can start to see sagging skin around the neck. These issues sometimes occur even in people who have relatively firm facial and neck skin.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Wilson gives his patients the option of pursuing neck lift surgery as a standalone procedure. Alternately, if a patient desires uniform rejuvenation and a more youthful appearance to the face and neck, Dr. Wilson can incorporate neck contouring into facelift surgery.
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What is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift is a versatile cosmetic surgery that can be personalized to reflect each patient’s cosmetic goals. The objective of this procedure is to create a taut and youthful-looking neck, chin, and jawline. Neck lift surgery can be used to make the neck both slimmer and firmer. It can also be used solely to remove loose skin.
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Who is a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
Most healthy adults can have this outpatient procedure, provided that they are current nonsmokers and close to their ideal weight. Smoking delays healing and increases a patient’s risk of complications.
Neck lifts are usually recommended for mature patients (those over 50), but this procedure is sometimes used on younger patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. Anyone who is dissatisfied with the appearance of their neck due to visible signs of aging should consider exploring the benefits of this surgical procedure.
When you come in for a consultation, be sure to discuss any medications or supplements you are currently taking with Dr. Wilson. Certain medications and supplements, particularly blood-thinning medications, can increase your risk of bleeding and other complications. Dr. Wilson will work with your primary care provider to ensure you have a safe surgical experience.
Dr. Anthony Wilson
When you are seeking a qualified and talented plastic surgeon, look no further than board-certified Dr. Anthony Wilson with AW Plastic Surgery. Dr. Wilson has a passion for both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and the body. He takes deep satisfaction in giving his patients the tools they need to feel confident, whole, and beautiful, no matter where they are in their aesthetic journey.
Dr. Wilson is recognized as an expert in cosmetic facial enhancement through both surgical and non-surgical measures. He is a national trainer for Revance and attends industry training to stay on top of the latest techniques. He conducts a multi-layered approach to aging and aesthetics, combining skincare and surgery to achieve a customized, natural result. Part of AW Plastic Surgery’s positive patient results stem from a stellar supporting group of aesthetic professionals. Dr. Wilson is backed by a strong team of injectors, nurses, and aestheticians at AW Plastic Surgery who ensure a high level of service.
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The Neck Lift Procedure
Neck lift surgery typically starts with the administration of general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. From there, Dr. Wilson will make several incisions: One behind each ear and one below the chin. Because these incisions are disguised by the contours of the ears and neck, they produce little visible scar tissue.
To correct signs of advanced skin laxity on the neck, Dr. Wilson will perform either a cervicoplasty, a platysmaplasty, or both. Cervicoplasty involves the removal of loose skin, whereas platysmaplasty is used to tighten the platysma muscles. These muscles, which run down the front of the neck, tend to weaken and sag with age, creating the appearance of a neck “wattle.”
Skin is also redraped over the uplifted contours, and excess skin is trimmed away.
Patients who are a healthy weight but retain noticeable fat deposits below their jawline can choose to have neck liposuction performed as part of their neck lift. During neck liposuction, a thin surgical instrument called a cannula is inserted into the adipose tissue beneath the chin and jaw. Excess fat cells are then irrigated with a liquid solution and removed via suction. Once the patient’s submental fat has been removed, Dr. Wilson will perform skin resection in order to shape firm, sleek neck contours. After surgery, the patient will no longer have a “double chin” or noticeable jowls.
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Recovery
Neck lift recovery generally takes about two weeks, so patients are advised to take at least this much time off work. However, if you have both a facelift and a neck lift, you may need to spend up to three weeks resting. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Wilson will let you know what to expect in terms of recovery duration.
Most patients do not report experiencing significant discomfort during neck lift recovery. However, it’s normal for the neck to feel stiff and swollen for at least three to five days after surgery. Because this can make it difficult to swallow, patients are advised to stock up on soft foods before their operation.
It can take several months for the swelling to fully disappear and for you to see the final results.
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Schedule A Consultation
Are you struggling with a neck or jawline that has loose skin or creases and wrinkles? A neck lift may be the solution you’re looking for. With the expertise of Dr. Wilson, you will finally be able to achieve the youthful-looking neck you desire. Take the first step today and schedule a consultation. Call our Portsmouth, NH office, or use our online contact form.
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