Facial rejuvenation can be performed through a variety of techniques, including surgery. Sagging skin on the neck is one of the most visible signs of aging, that is apparent in both men and women, whether it be sagging skin only or sagging skin with a fatty content or double chin. A neck lift is a procedure that removes excess skin on the neck and improves the appearance of the contour giving the neck are a youthful look.
Incisions are similar to those of a face lift, placed in front of and behind the ears and downward from the back of the ears into the hairline. Excess skin is lifted and resected; inner support sutures are placed to maintain the results for a longer period of time. Fat can also be removed to sculpt and reduce width or puffiness. In some cases there can be the need to place an incision under the chin to better approach the area. All incisions are placed in a way that will conceal them.
A neck lift can be performed alone, just working on the neck, or in combination with an eyelid lift, face or brow lift. Results of a neck lift can last seven to ten years, in some cases less time. They depend on how much patients takes care of their skin with proper skin care products for home use and professional treatments as follow up. Sun block and proper nutrition are determining factors in skin quality. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, under the strict vigilance of a specialist, anesthesiologist. Every plastic surgery procedure can be complemented with a non surgical procedure to enhance results, a neck lift is no exception. Tightening of the skin can sometimes be combined with liposuction of the area under the chin. Other procedures that complement this surgery are radiofrequency, IPL, dermal filler and neuromodulators.
Dr. Miguel Alfaro will perform a neck lift usually in an hour, as an outpatient procedure, so patients do not need to stay in the hospital overnight. This is a common procedure for both men and women, and it can be performed at a variety of moments in life usually determined more by photodamage than age. Weight loss is another determining factor in the need for a neck lift since it loosens the skin, making it sag.
There are few techniques or approaches that can be used to perform a neck lift, but more important than the technique is the expertise, knowledge, experience the surgeon has. Experience comes with time, but also with number of procedures performed. The proper choice of cosmetic surgeon will save you time and money.
Prior to surgery the patient must undergo a full physical examination, blood work, and an EKG. Their family physician must clear them for surgery, after which they have a consultation with Dr. Miguel Alfaro to talk about the details of the procedure.
As well as with the face lift, after the surgery there will be some bruising and swelling, 80% of this swelling disappears during the first two weeks, the other 20% takes 4 to 6 months. Pain involved is mostly present when coming to from anesthesia and is immediately controlled with painkillers. The patient must be very careful to move gently, specially when turning to the side, and be sure of turning their whole body, not only the head, for about a week. Lifting heavy objects and bending over are not encouraged for some time. Make up can be used after a week. Swimming in pools, the ocean, rivers or lakes is discouraged for at least a month.
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Costa Rica www.plasticsurgery.co.cr
