Voila Health Tourism

Necklift (Platysmaplasty)

Neck lift procedures, including platysmaplasties, are becoming popular to improve neck aesthetics, but many individuals remain unsure if such procedures are right for them. Aging often causes platysma banding to increase due to the descent of the lymph nodes and platysma complex. The first sign of this aging is typically midline between the hyoid and chin. Platysmaplasty involves stitches to bring together or tighten the deeper layer of the muscle. True patient selection is key and extremely helpful, even more so with newer sterilized techniques to perform under local anesthesia or even take home for those so inclined. People seek deeper neck lifts for multiple reasons, from mild or moderate aging and skin laxity to more invasive options for reduced volume, loose skin, and a turkey neck. Procedures vary and can include liposuction, double chin injections, Z-plasty, and others. There are many questions patients have about the procedure and recovery time, as well as the aftercare. Some of the most common questions are covered in the following sections.

Platysmaplasty: Techniques and Benefits

A neck lift, or a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can rejuvenate the appearance of the patient’s neck and lower face. This frequently involves a platysmaplasty, which can be performed via three distinct approaches: the traditional open approach, the relatively new small-incision technique, and a completely non-surgical platysmaplasty. There are several surgical techniques available for surgeons to use for constructing a platysma plication. These include techniques with a completely hidden fat resection, a more targeted fat resection without undermining the skin, or even a more extensive fat resection that is hidden and causes the skin of the neck to be undermined. All of these techniques offer the potential removal of submental fat pads, improvement in submental contour and cervical mental angle, and reintroduction of the natural anatomic characteristics of the neck for overall facial balance. The right technique for surgical repair of the neck muscular anatomy allows the lay-flat contours for an optimized and outstanding long-term aesthetic outcome.
Higher-level facial and general plastic surgeons argue that any surgical procedure not incorporating a muscular answer to bands, cords, or turkey wattle-like appearance will result in an average-looking neck when creating a platysma. Consequently, the stamina of local surgeons to achieve said neck lift outcomes is truly essential when deciding on a neck lift technique to better understand the results. Moreover, the majority of people who undergo a neck lift receive their platysmaplasty performed exclusively by people with triple board-certification experience. A non-surgical or band-aid approach could be considered by all candidates where minor incisions are used for the introduction of a high-quality absorbable suture into deeper tissues of the anterior neck before the guide wire is placed through the suture into the neck after a light liposuction alone, and additional studies examining satisfaction and outcomes rate this approach. Given the remarkable surgical nature and varied techniques in existence to target this muscle plane, in order to satisfy personal goals between the surgeon and the patient, prospective neck lift candidates need to be aware of the fact that a 3 cm short-scarf bilateral platysmaplasty incision can offer patients complete mobility of their heads and chins.

Assessing Suitability for a Neck Lift

A neck lift is an invasive cosmetic surgery operation, so each candidate for the operation will be individually evaluated to ascertain if they are a good match for the procedure and are likely to benefit from it. Several characteristics may affect one’s candidacy for the neck lift. An individual considering a neck lift should be in fairly good overall health and possess no conditions that could impact their surgery, anesthetic, or recovery. Most neck lift patients are likely to be between the ages of 40 and 70. They will generally possess lax skin and little muscle tone in the area as well. This reduced skin elasticity is a necessary factor for achieving good, satisfying results. A neck lift is a surgical procedure and is not suitable for candidates with unrealistic expectations regarding the results of their procedure. Only a neck lift performed after a close consultation with a qualified, experienced cosmetic surgeon will provide the results an individual is seeking. The results of the neck lift could also be negatively impacted in individuals who do not take care of their skin and who do not maintain a healthy lifestyle, and a neck lift will not prevent the development of further sagging and loss of firmness. Finally, most neck lift surgeons would be hesitant to perform on those with a history of smoking, although this does depend on the surgeon and the area one intends to have treated.

Someone considering a neck lift is also likely to be torn about the choice, so don’t make a decision in isolation. Most prospective neck lift patients will book a consultation with a surgeon to discuss their wishes and expectations as well as to establish that the aspirants are suitable for the procedure. This isn’t the beginning and end of the process; however, the surgeon will also schedule a formal examination to check a number of factors that might present a risk in surgery. There’s no definitive list of requirements, but in general, a good candidate for a neck lift will not undergo the operation if they have a skin condition or wound in the area to be treated. A history of keloid scarring or a family history of developing keloids will also likely make a surgeon more cautious about performing the procedure. Finally, as individuals contemplating a neck lift are generally dissatisfied with their appearance, seeking cosmetic surgery as a fast track to attractiveness and popularity, or as the solution to other problems, could be a sign of another condition, such as body dysmorphia. A diagnosis of body dysmorphia should not necessarily preclude an individual from having the operation, but they should discover their motivation as there is no guarantee that they will be happy with the results. In some cases, it will be decided by the suitability of the patient, the nature of the condition, and whether the patient is fully conscious of their motivation.

Recovery Process After a Neck Lift

The Post-Operative Experience

The amount of time a patient spends in the recovery room after a neck lift depends on the size of their operation and how well they do waking up. Patients should expect to be groggy, and their throat may be sore from the breathing tube. What happens in the immediate post-operative period varies depending on what the surgeon believes is best for the patient. The recovery experience is unique to each person, and no two patients are identical.

  • It is generally important to stay ahead of the pain with scheduled medications, especially in the first week.
  • Be up and about on the day of surgery.
  • Start pain medication every 4 hours while awake and every 6–8 hours at night.
  • No heavy lifting, bending, or straining.
  • No alcohol.
  • No driving and avoid sedatives that can impair judgment.

Potential Symptoms after Neck Lift

  • Swelling and discoloration near the surgical site.
  • Nosebleeds.
  • Numbness.
  • Clear or blood-tinged drainage from a small tube placed beneath the skin to collect any pooled blood that may form (if applicable). This can be present for 5–7 days and is completely normal.
  • Metallic taste in the mouth. This occurs from oral and neck surgery in the area of the ear, and it may last a while. It eventually goes away, but it is unpleasant in the early weeks. Taking antacids twice a day may help reduce this.

Post-Operative Aftercare and Maintenance

Your clinician will provide you with specific post-operative care instructions following your neck lift procedure, but we will provide a general overview for your reference. It is important to keep your head elevated and still as much as possible in the days following your procedure to minimize swelling, as well as to keep the area clean. You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to keep you comfortable in the initial days following your procedure. Adhering to these prescriptions is essential to ensure that you heal properly. Some patients may also be given a compression garment to help maintain tissue positioning. Follow-up visits will be scheduled so that your clinician can monitor your progress. During your recovery, it is advisable to avoid any direct sunlight or any harsh environmental elements that could affect your surgical sites to minimize the appearance of your scars. Also, remember to avoid any alcohol and do not smoke.

Proper post-operative care can prevent problems such as infection, as well as minimize discomfort and speed your recovery. As with any cosmetic procedure, there are some behaviors and choices you can make to enhance and maintain the results of your neck lift. By maintaining a steady, healthy weight and avoiding excess sun exposure and tobacco usage, you are more likely to enjoy your results long term. In the years following the procedure, you may notice a softening of your skin’s texture; this is due to natural atrophy of the skin in all aging persons and is to be expected. If your skin’s texture becomes concerning, you should discuss that with us and we can talk about treatments. If you have questions about any stage of the neck lift process, your care team will be happy to assist you. Emotional care during the recovery phase can also be very important, as the changes you will notice once your bandages are removed might be startling to you. If you would like support, do not be afraid to reach out to your support system or a mental health professional. Care for the mind and the spirit is as critical as care for the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much pain is there after a neck lift? What level of discomfort should I expect?

Most patients find their post-op experience quite tolerable. You’ll likely rely on pain medication for the first few days, but any discomfort should quickly begin to subside. Within two weeks, patients are typically only experiencing mild soreness. You may also notice that your neck and some areas of your face have minimal sensation or are numb. As the healing process continues, this will slowly resolve itself.

When will I see the results of my neck lift?

Initially, the results of your neck lift will be disguised by bruising and swelling. However, within a week, patients already notice improvement. It generally takes 3-4 weeks to return to normal everyday activity and see 60% of the results of your procedure. You can expect to see 80% of the results of your surgery within about 2 months, with the final results appearing at around 6-12 months. Over time, you will continue to notice that your appearance refines further. In fact, around 20% of the final result after a face or neck lift typically develops after 3 months.

Are there any risks involved in the neck lift? If so, what are the most common?

Of course, with all surgeries, there are some risks. The level of inherent danger can depend upon the surgeon and the patient. This is why it’s so important to choose a qualified surgeon to perform your neck lift. Luckily, major complications are rare. Of those that do arise, the most common include hematoma, infection, and some minor wound healing issues. The chances of these issues developing have been shown to almost be cut in half when procedures are done in an office-approved operating room versus a hospital setting. Also, the risk of significant complications rises, as does mortality, when neck lift procedures are performed on smokers. Smokers who undergo neck lifts have up to a 10% chance of experiencing major complications. Additionally, smokers are 9 times as likely to experience wound healing issues after surgery as non-smokers. There is no longer a possibility of performing a neck lift on any patient who is a smoker. Nor can the patient use any type of tobacco products for any reason for 60 days prior to surgery until at least 30 to 60 days post-operation. Smoking can result in disfigurement, deformity, and complete flap loss. Make sure to discuss all of your health and lifestyle choices openly and honestly with your surgery provider. Always ask directly about your risks during your initial consultation.

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